Differences Between HW3 & HW4 in FSD (Supervised) Push and Features in Canada

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised system continues to evolve in Canada as of January 2026, remaining a supervised driver-assist feature that requires constant driver attention and hands on the wheel. Feature availability and software updates are consistent across regions (subject to Transport Canada regulations), with no unsupervised FSD approved yet. However, hardware differences between Hardware 3 (HW3) and Hardware 4 (HW4/AI4) significantly impact real-world performance, update speed, and future-proofing—especially in Canada's challenging winter conditions like snow, ice, low light, and variable weather.

HW4 vehicles generally deliver a smoother, more confident, and capable supervised FSD experience due to superior processing, memory, and sensors. HW3 remains functional but runs optimized "lite" software branches, leading to noticeable gaps in smoothness and advanced handling.

HW3 vs HW4 Hardware Differences

1. Processing Power
   • HW3: Uses Tesla's custom FSD computer (introduced ~2019) with approximately 36-72 TOPS (trillions of operations per second, depending on configuration). It handles core supervised FSD tasks effectively but struggles with larger neural networks and complex scenarios due to memory and compute limits.
   • HW4: Features an upgraded custom FSD computer (AI4) with 3-5x more effective processing power (often cited as 50-280 TOPS range in various reports, with higher memory bandwidth). This enables faster, more efficient handling of massive data from high-res cameras and supports larger end-to-end neural networks for smoother decision-making.
2. Cameras & Sensor Configuration
   • HW3: Equipped with 8 cameras (1.2 megapixel resolution, ~1280x960 pixels). Tesla shifted to vision-only in 2021 (removing radar) and later ultrasonics (2022), relying entirely on cameras for perception, including parking via Tesla Vision.
   • HW4: Retains 8 main cameras but upgrades to ~5 megapixel resolution (e.g., front cameras ~2896x1876 pixels), offering sharper details, better low-light performance, wider fields of view, and improved object detection at distance. Some models include optional high-definition radar (e.g., Phoenix) for better adverse-weather performance. Cameras feature enhancements like red-tinted lenses for low-light and potential heaters/fans to reduce fogging/snow buildup.
3. Processing Speed & Data Throughput
   • HW3: Solid for earlier FSD versions but can experience hesitations, jerkiness, or reduced smoothness in demanding scenarios due to lower throughput and memory constraints.
   • HW4: Significantly higher throughput and efficiency allow real-time processing of higher-res data, resulting in quicker responses, fewer hesitations, and more natural driving behavior.

FSD Feature Performance in Canada

FSD Supervised in Canada includes features like Navigate on Autopilot, Autosteer on city streets, automatic lane changes, traffic light/stop sign control, and Smart Summon (with provincial variations, e.g., restrictions in some areas). Differences stem from software branching: HW4 gets full/latest versions first (e.g., FSD v14.x as of early 2026), while HW3 runs optimized lite branches (e.g., v12.6.x with some v13 features).

1. FSD Feature Update Speed
   • HW3: Receives regular but delayed/optimized updates. As of January 2026, HW3 is on FSD v12.6.x (a "lite" version incorporating select improvements), with a planned FSD v14 Lite in Q2 2026. New advanced features arrive slower or in reduced form.
   • HW4: Gets full updates faster and more frequently (e.g., current v14.x series with ongoing improvements like better speed profiles and arrival options). Tesla prioritizes HW4 for cutting-edge neural network advancements.
2. FSD Feature Precision & Stability
   • HW3: Performs reliably for basic functions but can be more hesitant, indecisive, or require interventions in complex traffic, poor visibility, or winter conditions. Snow/ice on cameras may cause more frequent disengagements or conservative behavior.
   • HW4: More stable and precise in Canada's harsh winters—higher-res cameras better handle low light, snow glare, and occlusion, while optional radar aids in fog/rain/snow. Owners report smoother handling of ice traction inference, intersections, and adverse weather with fewer interventions.
3. Real-World Driving Experience
   • HW3 Owners' Experience: Many praise improvements in recent lite versions (e.g., smoother than early betas), but note more hesitations, jerkiness, or conservatism in city/highway driving and winter scenarios. Interventions remain more common (e.g., in snow-covered lanes or complex merges).
   • HW4 Owners' Experience: Reports describe significantly smoother, more human-like driving—quicker decisions, confident maneuvers, excellent parking (including reverse), and better adaptation to snow/ice. In Canadian conditions, HW4 feels more reliable with reduced phantom braking or slowdowns.

Owner Feedback: HW3 vs HW4 Driving Experience Differences

1. HW3 Limitations While HW3 supports supervised FSD well for everyday use, it shows more hesitation and requires greater driver oversight in Canada's complex roads and extreme weather (e.g., heavy snow, ice, or low-visibility conditions). Performance is capable but not as refined as HW4.
2. HW4 Advantages HW4 excels with smoother responses, better environmental perception, and greater reliability in adverse conditions. It handles traffic signs, parking, highway assist, and winter driving with higher precision and confidence.

Summary: HW3 vs HW4 in FSD Features

1. Hardware Performance: HW4 offers 3-5x more compute, double the memory, and superior 5MP cameras (vs. HW3's 1.2MP), enabling more precise and responsive supervised FSD.
2. Update Speed & Feature Release: HW4 receives full advanced updates first (e.g., v14.x); HW3 gets lite/optimized versions with a v14 Lite planned for mid-2026.
3. Driving Experience Differences: In Canadian winters and complex scenarios, HW4 is noticeably smoother, more stable, and intervention-free compared to HW3.
4. Software Support & Future-Proofing: Tesla remains committed to HW3 (with lite updates and potential future retrofits if unsupervised FSD requires it), but HW4 is far more future-proof for ongoing advancements.

For Canadian owners prioritizing a refined supervised FSD experience—especially in variable weather—HW4 is the superior choice. HW3 owners benefit from ongoing optimizations and may see hardware upgrades later (e.g., based on AI5 in late 2026+), but always supervise FSD. Check your vehicle's hardware in the Tesla app under Software > Additional Vehicle Information for confirmation. Safe driving!