Stress Test Reveals Tensor G4’s Thermal Issues, Puts Pixel 9 Pro XL Performance Under Lens

Highlights

• The upcoming Pixel 9 Pro XL’s Tensor G4 stress test results go viral.
• Processors may struggle with thermal management and consistent performance.
• Loses up to 50% of its processing power under prolonged stress.
• A CPU throttling test showed the Tensor G4’s performance dropped significantly within minutes.

Google’s custom chips have often been criticized for thermal management and maintaining consistent performance in the past.

With the launch of the Pixel 9 series, it was inevitable that some early users or reviewers would test the device for similar issues.

Within a week of launch, performance reports have started surfacing online and it doesn’t look good for the new phones.

The first phone from the Pixel 9 series to come under the lens is the upcoming Pixel 9 Pro XL. One online user has claimed that the phone’s new Tensor G4 processor could struggle under extended use.

A user on X (previously known as Twitter), @callmeshazzam, shared results from a CPU throttling test on their pre-ordered Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Raising concerns, the user wrote, “Pixel 9 Pro XL .. Better Luck Next Year.”

Pixel 9 Pro XL .. Better Luck Next Year pic.twitter.com/cgFzM86oie

— Shazzam (@callmeshazzam) August 17, 2024

The test revealed that the Tensor G4 could lose up to 50% of its processing power when under prolonged stress.

The test tracked the performance of all eight CPU cores in the Tensor G4.

Within just three minutes of heavy use, the chip began to throttle, with performance continuing to decline until around the four-minute mark.

At that point, the CPU was estimated to have lost nearly 60% of its potential power.

The raw data from the test showed that the Tensor G4 reached a peak performance of 341 GIPS (giga instructions per second) but averaged 246.6 GIPS.

When throttling was most severe, the chip dropped to just 145.5 GIPS—only 42.6% of its peak capability.

The performance later stabilized at about 65% of its maximum.

The frequency chart from the test revealed that the Tensor G4’s performance cores dropped to as low as 1.32 GHz, while the efficiency cores fell to just 570 MHz.

While the stress test results for the Tensor G4 posted by X user certainly raise a lot concerns, they don’t show the complete picture in any way.

Such stress tests are meant to push the phone’s hardware to its extreme limits, which isn’t always similar to everyday use.

So, before jumping to any conclusions about the performance of Pixel 9 devices including the Pro XL model, it’s important to wait for actual comprehensive reviews.

We have to see the Tensor G4 performance in other benchmark tests and real-world scenarios.

It is important to note that Google has not yet disclosed the official specifications of the Tensor G4.

However, Geekbench results suggest the chip features one core at 3.1 GHz, three at 3.6 GHz, and four efficiency cores running at 1.95 GHz.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL is Google’s latest flagship smartphone, featuring a stunning 6.8-inch AMOLED display with HDR10+ support and a peak brightness of up to 3000 nits.

Powered by the new Tensor G4 chipset, it offers enhanced AI capabilities and efficient performance.

The device boasts a versatile triple camera system, including a 50 MP main sensor, a 48 MP ultrawide lens, and a 48 MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom.

Amongst other features, it comes with a robust 5060 mAh battery, 16 GB of RAM, and up to 1 TB of storage.

Faqs

Q1. What are the key features of the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s display?

Answer. The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2992 x 1344 pixels. It supports HDR10+ and has a peak brightness of up to 3000 nits.

Q2. What processor powers the Pixel 9 Pro XL?

Answer. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by Google’s custom Tensor G4 chipset, designed to enhance AI and machine learning capabilities.

Q3. How is the camera set up on the Pixel 9 Pro XL?

Answer. The Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a triple rear camera system: a 50 MP main camera, a 48 MP ultrawide camera, and a 48 MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. It also features a 42 MP front camera.

Q4. What is the battery capacity of the Pixel 9 Pro XL?

Answer. The Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with a 5060 mAh battery, supporting fast charging and wireless charging.

Q5. What are some unique features of the Pixel 9 Pro XL?

Answer. The Pixel 9 Pro XL includes advanced AI features, multi-layer hardware security with Tensor security core and Titan M2 chip, and is made with at least 18% recycled materials.

Also Read: Google To Reportedly Bring Gemini Nano AI Assistance Called Pixie to Upcoming Pixel 9 Series

Also Read: Google Pixel 9 To Reportedly Get Only A Modest Chipset Upgrade Next Year