The latest benchmark test has raised concerns regarding the performance of Google’s Tensor G5 chipset. Set to power the Pixel 10 series, the phones will include the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which are expected to be unveiled on August 20 and released on August 28. For the first time, the Tensor G5 will be built from the ground up by Google, allowing exclusive Pixel features to be directly integrated into the chipset.
Notably, TSMC will manufacture the Tensor G5, marking a shift from Samsung Foundry’s previous role.
In a recent Geekbench benchmark test, the Pixel 10 Fold revealed troubling results for the Tensor G5. The processor features an octa-core configuration: 1x Cortex-X4 Prime CPU core at 3.78 GHz, 5x Cortex-A725 premium-efficiency cores at 3.05 GHz, and 2x Cortex-A520 high-efficiency cores at 2.25 GHz. The GPU is the PowerVR D-Series DXT-48-1536.
One way to estimate the Instructions Per Cycle (IPC) score is by dividing the single-core Geekbench score by the CPU’s clock speed. Here are some results for the latest mobile APs:
- Snapdragon 8g3 (2024): 2213/3.3 = 670.6/GHz
- Dimensity 9300 (2024): 2264/3.25 = 696.6/GHz
- Exynos 2400 (2024): 2230/3.21 = 694.7/GHz
- Tensor G4 (2024): 1958/3.1 = 631.6/GHz
- Tensor G5 (2025): 2276/3.78 = 602.1/GHz
From these figures, it’s clear that the Tensor G5 performs less efficiently than its predecessor, the Tensor G4, and trails behind other APs like the Dimensity 9300 and Exynos 2400 by a significant margin-roughly 15% lower in IPC. While this calculation isn’t perfect, it provides a reasonable approximation of the chip’s performance.
Another point of concern was raised by a Reddit user who noted that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 has a similar configuration to the Tensor G5 but with slightly lower clock speeds and an older core (A720 vs A725). Despite these differences, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 outperforms the Tensor G5 in multi-core tests.
Some speculate that Google may have throttled the Tensor G5 for the Pixel 10 Fold, as it’s expected to be a foldable device, unlike the regular slab phones. There’s also the possibility that the chip in this test is an early version, and scores could improve as the launch date approaches. With about six weeks remaining before the release of the Pixel 10 series, there’s still hope for better results. However, the current benchmark results are concerning and leave much to be desired for the Tensor G5’s performance.
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