The latest buzz in the tech world is around Google’s upcoming flagship processor, the Tensor G5. Expected to power the Pixel 10 series in 2025, this chipset has appeared in early benchmarks with rather lackluster performance. Here’s everything we know so far about the Tensor G5, including its core setup, GPU configuration, and expected improvements.

Table of Specifications for Tensor G5
Feature | Specifications |
---|---|
Core Setup | 1x Cortex-X4 Prime (3.4GHz), 5x Cortex-A725 Performance (2.86GHz), 2x Cortex-A520 Efficiency (2.44GHz) |
RAM | 12GB on Pixel 10, likely 16GB on Pro model |
GPU | Imagination Technologies PowerVR D-Series DXT-48-1536 |
Architecture | TSMC’s 3nm N3E |
Expected Android Version | Android 16 (launch) |
Benchmark Scores | Single-core: 1323, Multi-core: 4004 |

Overview of the Tensor G5 SoC
As Google’s latest step in creating a competitive chipset, the Tensor G5 represents a new chapter in the company’s efforts to boost performance in the Pixel lineup. However, despite Google’s shift from Samsung to TSMC’s advanced 3nm process (N3E) for this generation, early benchmarks suggest underwhelming performance when compared to its predecessor, the Tensor G4.
Let’s dive deeper into what we know so far about the Tensor G5’s architecture, GPU, expected performance, and how these changes might impact Pixel 10 users.
1. CPU Configuration and Performance
- The CPU structure of the Tensor G5 follows a 1 + 5 + 2 cluster configuration:
- Prime Core: 1x Cortex X4 clocked at 3.4GHz
- Performance Cores: 5x Cortex-A725 cores, each clocked at 2.86GHz
- Efficiency Cores: 2x Cortex-A520 cores, each clocked at 2.44GHz
- Despite this setup, the Geekbench scores reveal a 1323 single-core and 4004 multi-core performance, lower than the Tensor G4. This discrepancy may be due to early-stage testing, though these scores could reflect potential design limitations.
2. New PowerVR GPU by Imagination Technologies
- PowerVR D-Series DXT-48-1536 GPU marks a shift from Mali GPUs, which Google used in previous Tensor SoCs.
- This GPU could include features like ray tracing and virtualization support, although driver updates and optimizations are yet to be completed.
- These changes could potentially improve graphics processing in the final version of the Tensor G5, especially in gaming and AR applications.
3. Transition from Samsung to TSMC for Chip Manufacturing
- Google’s decision to transition to TSMC’s 3nm N3E process is a significant change, aiming to improve power efficiency and performance.
- TSMC’s technology could allow for better thermal management, making the Tensor G5 more capable of handling intensive applications without overheating.
- However, early benchmark tests suggest Google might be sacrificing performance for efficiency, as seen in the relatively low scores.
4. Memory and RAM Capacities
- The Tensor G5 prototype tested with 12GB RAM, likely for the standard Pixel 10.
- Higher-end models, such as the Pixel 10 Pro, might feature 16GB RAM, which would align with other flagship devices from competitors like Samsung and Apple.
5. Software: Android 16 Anticipated
- While the test version of Tensor G5 ran on Android 15, Google has confirmed that Android 16 will release in Q2 2025. This positions the Pixel 10 series to launch with the latest OS.
- Features in Android 16 are expected to be optimized for Tensor G5’s capabilities, potentially enhancing its performance.
6. Expected Benefits and User Experience
- Google executives have indicated that while the Tensor G4 and G5 were not created for record-breaking performance, they focus on enhancing user experience.
- The AI and ML capabilities of the Tensor G5 could bring advancements in camera performance, voice recognition, and adaptive battery use.
- Despite lower-than-expected scores, the final chipset might still offer smooth multitasking, photo processing, and better device integration.
7. Rumors and Speculations on Early Benchmarks
- Benchmark scores for the Tensor G5 have disappointed enthusiasts hoping for major upgrades. However, these scores are likely from an early prototype and may not reflect the final product.
- There’s speculation that the Geekbench listing could be for a variant of the Tensor G4, configured with the new PowerVR GPU for testing purposes.
- Some sources believe that the Tensor G5 might eventually exceed its current performance once optimizations are made and the full configuration is finalized.
Early Concerns and Potential Disappointments
While the Tensor G5 brings significant changes in architecture and GPU, early benchmarks have raised concerns. It underperformed against competitors like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite and Apple’s M4 Max, and even lagged behind the Tensor G4. However, it’s common for prototype versions of chipsets to yield lower-than-expected results before final optimizations.
Final Thoughts
The Tensor G5 appears to be an incremental improvement over the Tensor G4, though early performance metrics do suggest some limitations. By launching on TSMC’s 3nm process with an advanced PowerVR GPU, Google aims to make the Pixel 10 series competitive. However, true improvements may lie not in performance benchmarks but in user experience. We expect the final unit to show enhanced efficiency, multitasking capability, and camera performance when it launches in Q3 2025.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Tensor G5 as more benchmark data becomes available closer to the release date.