Google Pixel 4 to ditch Pixel Visual Core in favor of Pixel Neural Core for better image processing

One reason the Google Pixel 3 is one of the best photography handhelds is what Google calls Pixel Visual Core. For the uninitiated, the Pixel Visual Core is a special piece of chip designed by Google that made its debut in 2017 with the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.

A year later, the Pixel Visual Core made its way to the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL phones, continuing the search giant’s legacy as the best in computational photography.

The Pixel Visual Core chipset is designed to help with the HDR+ image processing that makes photos taken on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 3 phones so good in a world that has quite a decent selection of smartphone cameras.

With the Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL, the search giant isn’t relenting on its push to reclaim the top spot as the best smartphone in photography.

In a market space that already has the Huawei P30 Pro, the newer Mate 30 Pro, the iPhone 11 Pro, the Galaxy S10 5G, Galaxy Note 10+ and even OnePlus 7 Pro or OnePlus 7T for that matter, Google needs to stand out in order to stay relevant.

And to do this, the search giant is banking on a new custom-made chip it calls the Pixel Neural Core. Apparently, this is the chipset that will take over from the Pixel Visual Core, which could easily be thought of as a rebranded version, but it’s too early to say so.

In an official leak that details all the Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL specs, 9to5Google has established that both devices now include a “Pixel Neural Core” as part of the processing unit and not Pixel Visual Core like in the case of Pixel 3.

While not much is known about how the Pixel Neural Core works or what it does over the Visual Core, the naming suggests that Google will be using neural network techniques to improve image processing in the Pixel 4 as it aims to regain its crown.

As for the rest of the specs, there isn’t anything refreshing when compared to other 2019 flagship phones that are already available for purchase, with some already enjoying discounted prices.

There is the expected Snapdragon 855, 6GB RAM, 64/128GB storage, 12MP dual-lens main camera, face unlock, Motion Sense, and a 90Hz screen, which is perhaps the most interesting addition to the Pixel 4 devices, among other stuff. We will find out all the details on October 15.

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