Google’s Tensor range of chipsets is not the most energy-efficient, so it was a missed opportunity when the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro launched last year without an elaborate cooling solution. This resulted in both devices overheating significantly, which could be the reason why Google introduced a vapor chamber to its latest models as part of the various upgrades added this year. However, one interesting difference that we noticed was that the Pixel 9 does not feature this cooler, as stated by a company executive.
$200 difference between the base Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro may have to do with the inclusion of a vapor chamber, and other differences
Brian Rakowski, Vice President of Product Management of Pixel devices and accessories, told the audience on stage at 28:34 of Google’s live event video uploaded to YouTube that the company is introducing a new vapor chamber to the ‘Pixel 9 Pro.’ While the executive did not mention the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, both of these models feature the ‘Pro’ moniker, indicating that these two will also be treated to a vapor chamber. While Rakowski did not mention which solution is applied to the Pixel 9, we assume the Tensor G4 running in the base version will have some kind of graphite sheet.
Unfortunately, this will also mean that the Tensor G4 cannot maintain its thermals as well as the other models, leading to reduced performance and potential thermal throttling. However, you should remember that the base Pixel 9 costs $799, which is $200 cheaper than the Pixel 9 Pro, so that premium needs to be charged for some upgrades, right? This significant difference might have been the reason why the Tensor G4 delivers varying performance results depending on which smartphone it runs in, with the regular Pixel 9 performing the slowest out of the entire lineup.
In a previously leaked AnTuTu benchmark, we reported that the top-end version, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, was 33 percent faster, but only if it was compared to the base Pixel 8 from last year. However, we have yet to witness these results from the commercial units, so we may see some satisfactory figures from all Pixel 9 handsets. If you want to check out Google’s entire event or the part where Brian Rakowski talked about the vapor chambers in the more expensive Pixel 9 models, you can check out the video given at the top.
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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