The Pixel 11s haven’t even come out yet, but there’s already talk about the Pixel 12

While attention is currently focused on the Pixel 11 series, whose commercial debut is expected for this summer, rumors about the subsequent models have already begun to take shape.

The recent reports point directly to the Pixel 12, offering a preliminary look at what will be the processor responsible for powering the future Google smartphones.

Pixel 12, first rumors on the Tensor G7 chip

Thanks to information from the well-known leaker MysticLeaks via the Telegram platform, it has emerged that the Tensor G7 processor, designed to equip the future Pixel 12 series, is currently identified with the codename Lajolla or LaJolla.

This designation represents an explicit nod to the famous coastal locality located in San Diego County. Such a choice fits perfectly with the internal naming strategy adopted recently by the company, which strongly favors geographic references tied to the state of California.

The Tensor G5, integrated in Pixel 10 models, was known to developers as Laguna, while the upcoming Tensor G6 has been internally dubbed with the moniker Malibu.

Expectations and approach for the future

Although the technical details of the Tensor G7 remain strictly confidential for now, analysts’ forecasts suggest that the company will continue to rely on the advanced 2-nanometer manufacturing process from TSMC.

From a pure performance standpoint, it is hoped that this new chip can compete on equal footing with the high-end solutions offered by longstanding rivals such as Qualcomm, MediaTek and Samsung.

However, it is prudent to keep realistic expectations about raw power: the company’s design strategy tends to significantly favour efficiency in AI processing and machine learning operations over the mere compute power of the central processor.

The current status of the Tensor G6

While awaiting further developments on the models coming next year, information regarding the Tensor G6 processor intended for the imminent Pixel 11 appears decidedly more substantial and precise.

According to what has leaked in recent months, this unit will also utilize the 2-nanometer design from TSMC and will feature a hardware architecture consisting of 7 cores, capable of reaching a maximum operating frequency of 4.11 GHz.

The graphics processing unit will be entrusted to the GPU PowerVR CXTP-48-1536, while connectivity will benefit from the adoption of the MediaTek M90 modem.

To complete the Tensor G6’s technical infrastructure there will be significant improvements dedicated to the security chip, the Tensor Processing Unit, and the image processing processor.