The Tensor G3, like its predecessors, has likely disappointed potential buyers who eyed the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro as their next daily driver, but its sub-par performance and frequent throttling are attributes that Google has yet to address. However, as much as people like to talk about this chipset’s shortcomings, one feature is yet to be supported by any other smartphone SoC; AV1 encoding at 4K 60FPS. While this is an impressive addition to have, there is still one drawback that we have to discuss.
While the Tensor G3 has an ace up its sleeve when it comes to AV1 encoding, no software actually supports it
If we compare the Android smartphone chipset camp that includes the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Dimensity 9300, and the Exynos 2400, none support hardware-accelerated AV1 encoding at 4K 60FPS like the Tensor G3. However, while it is commendable for Google to be one step ahead of the competition, Mishaal Rahman has commented that it will give the silicon little to no advantage in the playing field because no application supports AV1 encoding at 4K 60FPS.
Rahman also points out that the default camera app of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, called Pixel Camera, also does not support the advanced AV1 encoding option, making it a total waste for the Tensor G3. Earlier, it was stated that Google’s latest and greatest chipset supported hardware-accelerated AV1 encoding at 4K 30FPS, and while that might have been true at one point, the Mountain View-based firm updated the Tensor G3’s specifications and upped that framerate to 60FPS.
The Tensor G3 is the first smartphone SoC to support hardware-accelerated AV1 encoding. It supports AV1 encoding at up to 4K60. No application (including the Pixel Camera app) takes advantage of this, though, likely due to a lack of platform support.
I know this technically… pic.twitter.com/T2EiSCYLKP
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) February 23, 2024
One of the reasons competing Android SoCs mentioned above have not transitioned to AV1 encoding and remain at H.264 is because of wide compatibility. There was also a discussion happening in the X thread, where one user attempted to correct Rahman, saying that Apple’s A17 Pro powering the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max also supports AV1 video encoding at 4K 60FPS. However, he was quickly corrected, as the A17 Pro only supports AV1 decoding, not encoding.
Google will likely bring the same feature to the Tensor G4 later this year, but at the same time, the company should port compatibility, at least for the Pixel Camera, so that Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro owners can take advantage of the feature.
News Source: Mishaal Rahman
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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