Google’s upcoming mid-range smartphone, the Pixel 9a, has surfaced in benchmark tests before its official announcement. Despite being equipped with the Tensor G4, the Pixel 9a posts a lower multi-core score than the base Pixel 9, suggesting Google may be using a downgraded SoC variant to cut costs.
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Google Pixel 9a: A Mid-Range Contender with Performance Trade-offs
Google has been making strides in the smartphone market with its Pixel series, offering top-tier AI-driven software enhancements and computational photography. However, its mid-range lineup, such as the Pixel 9a, often comes with necessary compromises to keep costs low. With recent benchmark leaks and early reviews surfacing, the Pixel 9a’s hardware decisions have sparked discussions among tech enthusiasts.
The biggest concern? Despite housing the same Tensor G4 chip as its premium counterpart, the base Pixel 9, the Pixel 9a underperforms in multi-core processing. This raises questions about whether Google is using a downgraded version of the Tensor G4 to maintain affordability.
Benchmark Scores Reveal Performance Gap
Recently, YouTuber Sahil Karoul tested the Pixel 9a on Geekbench 6, uncovering its processing capabilities:
- Single-Core Score: 1,530 (Comparable to the Pixel 9)
- Multi-Core Score: 3,344 (Significantly lower than Pixel 9’s 3,821)
These figures suggest that while the Pixel 9a delivers solid single-core performance, it struggles with multi-threaded tasks. This discrepancy could be attributed to Google’s decision to use a cost-cutting variant of the Tensor G4.
Why Is the Pixel 9a’s Performance Lower Than the Pixel 9?
The primary reason behind the Pixel 9a’s lower multi-core performance lies in the manufacturing process of its SoC. Unlike the flagship Pixel 9 models that incorporate Fan-Out Panel Level Packaging (FOPLP)—which enhances thermal efficiency and chip density—the Pixel 9a is rumored to use Samsung’s Integrated Package on Package (IPoP) technology.
The Role of IPoP in Performance Throttling
Samsung’s IPoP packaging has a few disadvantages when compared to FOPLP:
- It generates more heat during sustained workloads.
- It leads to thermal throttling, reducing multi-core efficiency.
- It potentially shortens the lifespan of the SoC due to prolonged heat exposure.
Vapor Chamber Cooling: A Missing Feature in Pixel 9a?
Another factor contributing to the lower performance is the absence of vapor chamber cooling. Unlike its premium siblings, which use advanced cooling solutions to maintain peak performance, the Pixel 9a reportedly lacks this feature, leading to higher temperatures and performance dips under heavy workloads.
Cost Savings at the Expense of Performance
Google’s decision to cut down on thermal management and SoC packaging is likely a move to reduce production costs. The mid-range segment is fiercely competitive, and Google aims to keep the Pixel 9a at an attractive price point. However, this strategy could backfire if the performance gap between the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9a is too wide, making users reconsider their purchase.
Google’s Last Samsung Chipset? The Future with Tensor G5
Interestingly, this could be Google’s final smartphone featuring a Samsung-made chipset. Reports suggest that for the Pixel 10 lineup, Google is transitioning to TSMC’s fabrication technology for its Tensor G5 SoC. This shift is expected to bring:
- Better thermal efficiency
- Improved power consumption
- More consistent performance across workloads
If Google sticks with TSMC for the Pixel 10a, we may witness a more refined mid-range smartphone experience than what the Pixel 9a offers.
Should You Buy the Pixel 9a?
While the Pixel 9a might not offer the same multi-core performance as its premium counterparts, it is still expected to deliver Google’s signature software experience, AI-powered photography, and long-term software updates. However, if you prioritize raw processing power for gaming or multitasking, you might want to consider the Pixel 9 instead.
Final Thoughts
The Pixel 9a is shaping up to be a solid mid-range smartphone, but its performance compromises raise concerns. If the rumored performance issues turn out to be significant, buyers may hesitate before opting for the device over competitors in the same price range.
