If you’ve been eyeing the Pixel 9 series as your next gaming phone, you might want to hold off for a bit. Recent reviews and user feedback are hinting that the Pixel 9 series might not be the best choice if gaming is a top priority for you.
Benchmark Testing for Tensor G4 in the Pixel 9 Series
So, what’s going on with the Pixel 9? It all comes down to its new Tensor G4 chip. This chip was designed with a major focus on boosting AI performance rather than raw gaming power. Sure, it’s great for AI tasks, but when it comes to gaming, it’s not quite hitting the mark.
A YouTuber named Dame Tech recently put the Pixel 9 Pro XL to the test, and the results weren’t exactly stellar. When running Genshin Impact, the Pixel 9 Pro XL averaged 39.2 frames per second (FPS), which is lower than the 45.3 FPS achieved by the Pixel 7 Pro with the older Tensor G2 chip. That’s a noticeable drop, especially if you’re looking for smooth gameplay.
One interesting thing Dame Tech found during testing was that the Pixel 9 Pro XL runs cooler than its predecessor, hitting a max of 37 degrees Celsius, compared to 42 degrees on the Pixel 7 Pro. This suggests that the lower FPS isn’t due to throttling but might be because Genshin Impact isn’t fully optimized for the new hardware in the Pixel 9.
When you stack the Pixel 9 up against other flagship devices like the ROG Phone 8 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and Galaxy S24 Ultra, the gaming performance is definitely lower. There’s clearly some room for improvement if Google wants to compete in the gaming arena.
Google has put a lot of emphasis on AI performance with the Tensor G4, which is awesome for everyday use and smart features, but if you’re all about gaming, the Pixel 9 might not be your top pick. Overall, the Pixel 9 series with the Tensor G4 is an interesting choice for those looking for a balance between AI performance and day-to-day usability, but it still has some catching up to do in the gaming department.
If gaming is your main focus, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you’re looking for a phone that excels in other areas and doesn’t mind a few compromises when it comes to gaming, the Pixel 9 could still be worth considering. So, choose wisely, and happy gaming!
