Google is set to equip its entire Pixel 10 series with the new Tensor G5 chipset, as recent benchmark leaks suggest a substantial performance enhancement compared to the Tensor G4. This upgrade is attributed, in part, to the newer system on a chip (SoC) being manufactured by TSMC rather than Samsung. Recent tests conducted on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold indicate that the Tensor G5 outperforms its predecessor by 36 percent in computational power.
In terms of benchmarks, the Tensor G5 has also shown to be marginally faster than Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. However, it still lags behind other competitive chipsets such as the Snapdragon 8 Elite and various Dimensity models, indicating a performance gap that may widen further with the upcoming introduciton of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, Dimensity 9500, and Apple’s A19 series.
The Tensor G5 achieved scores of 2,276 in single-threaded tests and 6,175 in multi-threaded tests, reflecting the aforementioned performance gains over the Tensor G4. Featuring a CPU architecture of ‘1 + 5 + 2,’ the Tensor G5 includes one high-performance core, showcasing impressive advancements through TSMC’s second-generation 3nm process. Looking ahead, analysts are anticipating a switch to TSMC’s 2nm technology for the Tensor G6 in 2026.
Specifications for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold also highlight 16GB of RAM, running on Android 16. While the Tensor G5 marks significant progress, some experts express disappointment that it does not pose a competitive threat to leading chipsets. Soniya Jobanputra, a notable figure in Google’s Pixel product management team, previously acknowledged that the focus of the Tensor G4 was not on setting benchmark records but rather on enhancing user experience and addressing existing challenges.
Should the Pixel 10 series, featuring the Tensor G5, deliver a performance comparable to high-end devices using the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 and Dimensity 9500, the price point could be justified. Otherwise, consumers might consider waiting for potential price reductions before making a purchase.
