Technology glossary
Google’s third-generation phone chip, used in the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
According to Google, every major subsystem in Tensor G3 was upgraded: newer Arm CPU cores, an upgraded GPU, a new image signal processor (ISP) and imaging DSP, and a next-generation TPU designed to run Google’s AI models.
Google says the Pixel 8 series runs more than twice as many machine-learning models on the device as the first Tensor in the Pixel 6. These models handle features such as Best Take, Audio Magic Eraser, voice typing and reading web pages aloud without a server round trip. For video, Google says the camera pipeline and built-in machine-learning algorithms give better HDR with less power.
The chip’s Tensor security core works with the separate Titan M2 security chip. Google says this lets Face Unlock on the Pixel 8 reach Android’s strongest biometric class and be used in payment apps. In independent tests, Tensor G3 trailed rival flagship chips in raw processing speed.
Phones · 2024
The Pixel 8a is Google’s affordable phone for 2024. It offers the Pixel 8’s Tensor G3 chip and 8 GB of memory with a 6.1-inch 120 Hz OLED display in a compact body, and was the first A-series model promised seven years of updates. Gorilla Glass 3, IP67 and 18 W wired charging are where costs were cut.
Phones · 2023
The Pixel 8 is Google’s 2023 6.2-inch base phone. It comes with the Tensor G3 processor, a 120 Hz Actua OLED display, a 50 MP main and an autofocusing 12 MP ultrawide camera, 8 GB of RAM and a seven-year software update commitment. It has no telephoto camera.
Phones · 2023
The Pixel 8 Pro is Google’s 6.7-inch top model from 2023. It offers Tensor G3, a 1–120 Hz LTPO OLED display, three rear cameras including a 5x optical telephoto, a contactless temperature sensor and seven years of updates. In testing, display brightness rose sharply over the previous generation.