Pixel 9 Tensor G4 vs Galaxy S24 Exynos: Which Wins?

The Pixel 9’s Tensor G4 and the Galaxy S24’s Exynos 2400 are both 2024 flagship chips, but they target different priorities: the Tensor G4 focuses on AI and everyday smoothness, while the Exynos 2400 delivers higher raw CPU and GPU performance. If you prioritize gaming, sustained performance, and connectivity, the Exynos 2400 wins; if you value AI features, camera processing, and efficient daily use, the Tensor G4 is the better fit.

Background: Why These Chips Matter

Google’s Tensor line, starting with the Tensor G1 in 2021, was never about benchmark-topping numbers. Instead, Google designed it around its own machine-learning models for features like Magic Eraser, Live Translate, and Call Screen. The Tensor G4, used in the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, continues that tradition with a focus on on-device AI and integration with Google’s services.

Samsung’s Exynos 2400, used in the Galaxy S24 (in most regions outside the US, where the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is used), represents a major leap for Samsung’s in-house chip division. After the criticized Exynos 2200, Samsung rebuilt the 2400 with a new 10-core CPU cluster and a powerful AMD-based Xclipse 940 GPU, aiming to close the gap with Qualcomm and deliver flagship-level gaming performance.

Specifications at a Glance

• Tensor G4: 9-core CPU (1x Cortex-X4, 4x A720, 4x A520), Mali-G715 GPU (7 cores), 4nm process (Samsung), 8GB RAM (Pixel 9) or 16GB (Pixel 9 Pro).
• Exynos 2400: 10-core CPU (1x Cortex-X4, 2x A720, 3x A720, 4x A520), Xclipse 940 GPU (based on AMD RDNA 3), 4nm process (Samsung), 8GB RAM (Galaxy S24).
• Modem: Tensor G4 uses Samsung’s Exynos Modem 5400; Exynos 2400 uses the same modem, but with a different antenna design and carrier optimizations.

CPU Performance: Exynos Has the Edge

In synthetic benchmarks like Geekbench 6, the Exynos 2400 scores roughly 20-25% higher than the Tensor G4 in multi-core tests. The Exynos’s 10-core design (with three clusters of high-performance cores) gives it a significant advantage in heavily threaded workloads like video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking. The Tensor G4’s CPU is not weak—it’s comparable to a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Gen 2 in day-to-day tasks—but it falls behind the Exynos in raw compute.

In real-world usage, you’ll notice the difference only in demanding apps: exporting a 4K video, running a heavy game, or using a productivity app that uses multiple cores. For scrolling social media, browsing, and messaging, both feel instant.

GPU and Gaming: Exynos Dominates

The Exynos 2400’s Xclipse 940 GPU, based on AMD’s RDNA 3 architecture, is a major upgrade over the Tensor G4’s Mali-G715. In 3DMark Wild Life Extreme and GFXBench, the Exynos scores 50-70% higher than the Tensor G4. This translates to higher frame rates in games like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, and Fortnite, especially at high graphics settings.

The Exynos also supports hardware ray tracing, which the Tensor G4 does not. While ray tracing is still niche in mobile games, it’s a future-proofing feature. The Tensor G4’s GPU is adequate for casual gaming, but it will struggle with the most demanding titles, often dropping below 30fps at max settings.

AI and Machine Learning: Tensor G4’s Home Turf

Google’s Tensor G4 is designed around its TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), which accelerates AI tasks. The Pixel 9’s on-device features—like Magic Eraser, Best Take, and the new Pixel Studio—run faster and more efficiently than on the Exynos. The Tensor G4 also powers Gemini Nano, Google’s on-device LLM, which enables features like call summarization and smart replies.

The Exynos 2400 has its own NPU (neural processing unit) and supports on-device AI, including Samsung’s Galaxy AI features like Live Translate and Chat Assist. However, Samsung’s AI suite is more cloud-dependent, and the on-device performance is not as optimized as Google’s. For AI-heavy users, the Pixel 9 offers a more seamless, integrated experience.

Thermals and Battery Life

Both chips are built on Samsung’s 4nm process, which is not as efficient as TSMC’s 4nm used in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. In sustained stress tests, the Exynos 2400 tends to throttle more aggressively than the Tensor G4, meaning its performance drops after 10-15 minutes of heavy gaming. The Tensor G4, while slower initially, maintains its performance more consistently, which is why it feels smoother in everyday use.

Battery life is comparable, but the Exynos’s higher peak power draw can lead to slightly worse battery life in gaming sessions. In mixed usage, both phones easily last a full day. The Pixel 9’s 4,700mAh battery (vs. the S24’s 4,000mAh) gives it an edge in endurance, but the Exynos’s efficiency in light tasks helps the S24 keep up.

Connectivity and Modem

Both use the same Exynos Modem 5400, which supports 5G (sub-6GHz and mmWave), Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.3. In practice, the Pixel 9’s modem implementation is slightly more stable, with fewer dropped connections reported in early reviews. The Exynos 2400’s modem is also solid, but Samsung’s implementation in the S24 has had some reports of GPS inaccuracies and occasional 5G handoff issues, though these are not widespread.

How to Choose: Pixel 9 or Galaxy S24?

• Choose Pixel 9 if: You value AI features, camera processing, and a clean Android experience. You don’t game heavily and prefer consistent daily performance over peak benchmarks.
• Choose Galaxy S24 if: You’re a mobile gamer or need maximum CPU/GPU power for productivity. You want a more compact phone (the S24 is smaller) and prefer Samsung’s One UI and Galaxy AI features.
• Consider the S24’s Snapdragon variant: In the US, the S24 uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which outperforms both chips, so if you’re in the US, the comparison shifts.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

Myth: Tensor G4 is a bad chip. It’s not; it’s just not a benchmark king. It excels at AI and efficiency, and its performance is more than adequate for most users.

Myth: Exynos always overheats. The Exynos 2400 is a significant improvement over the 2200, but it still throttles under sustained load. It’s not a dealbreaker unless you game for hours.

Real issue: The Tensor G4’s modem can be slower in fringe signal areas compared to the Exynos 2400’s, but both are generally reliable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Exynos 2400 faster than the Tensor G4?

Yes, in raw CPU and GPU benchmarks, the Exynos 2400 is significantly faster—about 20-30% in CPU and 50-70% in GPU. However, in everyday tasks, the difference is less noticeable, and the Tensor G4’s AI features give it an edge in specific use cases.

Which chip is better for gaming?

The Exynos 2400 is clearly better for gaming. Its Xclipse 940 GPU delivers higher frame rates and supports ray tracing. The Tensor G4 can handle casual games but will struggle with demanding titles at high settings.

Does the Tensor G4 get hotter than the Exynos 2400?

No, the Tensor G4 tends to run cooler in sustained loads because it throttles less aggressively. The Exynos 2400 can get hot during long gaming sessions, but it’s not dangerously so.

Which chip has better battery life?

In real-world tests, the Pixel 9 (with Tensor G4) often lasts slightly longer than the Galaxy S24 (with Exynos 2400) due to its larger battery and more efficient light-load performance. However, the Exynos can be more efficient in some tasks like video playback.

Is the Exynos 2400 the same as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3?

No, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (used in the US S24) is generally faster than the Exynos 2400, especially in GPU performance, and has better efficiency. The Exynos 2400 is closer to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in overall performance.

Should I buy the Pixel 9 or the Galaxy S24 for AI features?

If AI is your priority, the Pixel 9 is the better choice. Google’s on-device AI is more advanced and integrated into the OS, while Samsung’s Galaxy AI is also good but relies more on cloud processing.

Related

• Phone Battery Draining Fast After Changing a Setting
• Open Source vs Commercial AI Models: Which Is Better?
• Microsoft Copilot Agents: What They Actually Do