Google has heavily marketed the Tensor as being an in-house chipset but new information has now surfaced showing that the processor isn’t as original as indicated.
Andrei Frumusanu of Anandtech has revealed code showing that Google Tensor shares a lot in common with Samsung’s Exynos chipset (via Notebookcheck). The Tensor has been found to be a mid-point between the Exynos 2100 chip and the upcoming Exynos 2200. Multiple references to the Exynos 9845 (S5E9845) have also been spotted in Google’s own kernel code. In comparison, the Exynos 2100 is internally referred to as the Exynos 9840 (S5E9840).
Exynos 2100 = S5E9840
Tensor / GS101 = S5E9845Confirmed
— Andrei F. (@andreif7) October 29, 2021
To people annoying me for calling the Google Tensor an Exynos variant, or keep brining up Samsung into the discussion. pic.twitter.com/t7hRh55CHt
— Andrei F. (@andreif7) October 25, 2021
From code alone, it’s quite obvious that Google’s Tensor is more of a heavily-customized Samsung Exynos than being a completely unique chip built from scratch.
Still, benchmarks have indicated that Google has actually put plenty of stuff of their own in the chipset. A recent benchmark comparing various flagship processors showed that the GPU found on the Tensor is the most powerful in the Android world.
While CPU and machine learning benchmarks haven’t been as satisfying, the Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro have aced speed tests, even outperforming other Android flagships in some cases.
References to the Exynos 9845: https://t.co/8s6XhQIeLj
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) October 28, 2021
In conclusion, Google Tensor may have a strong relationship with Samsung’s Exynos, but its real-world performance has proven that it’s nothing to be concerned about. It would have been a lot cooler though if Google had been more honest.
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