Many expect Google’s Pixel 6 to use custom silicon, but how powerful will it be? You might have a clearer sense after today. XDA reader akes29 noticed that a Google employee left a system log revealing problems with a “P21” device, believed to be the Pixel 6, running a high-end Mali-G78 GPU.
That gives the Pixel 6 the same GPU you’ll find in Exynos-based versions of the Galaxy S21, Mate X2 and other flagship-class phones. It also suggests the upcoming handset will be considerably brawnier than its Pixel 5 predecessor’s Snapdragon 765G with middling Adreno 620 graphics.
See also: Everything you need to know about Arm’s 2021 CPUs and GPUs
It’s unclear just how many cores P21 would have. Phone makers can customize a Mali GPU to meet their performance and budget needs, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Google used something closer to the S21’s 14-core part in the Pixel 6 than a full 24-core implementation.
If the GPU leak is accurate, though, it sets higher expectations for the Pixel 6. Its “Whitechapel” silicon (aka GS101) could help pit it against the Galaxy S21, the next iPhone and other premium phones available by the fall. And unlike with past high-end Pixels, there won’t be complaints that Google is using chips found in phones several months old — even if the graphics tech is somewhat familiar.
