Danny Weber
12:26 23-08-2025
Google’s Tensor G5 debuts with 3nm process, stronger AI and camera optimization, but Snapdragon 8 Elite leads in benchmarks with higher CPU, GPU and multitasking power.
Google has officially introduced its Tensor G5 processor alongside the Pixel 10 lineup, calling it the biggest performance leap in the history of its custom chips. Built by TSMC using a 3nm process, the chip comes equipped with an upgraded TPU for AI tasks, a refreshed ISP for photo and video processing, and improved power efficiency. Still, when measured against its main rival — the Snapdragon 8 Elite — Google’s new silicon falls short in terms of raw performance.
Benchmark results highlight this gap. In AnTuTu, Tensor G5 reached 1,140,286 points, while Snapdragon 8 Elite nearly doubled that with 2,209,476. The CPU scores show 313,500 versus 574,518, and GPU performance stands at 394,695 against 842,351. Even in memory and UX tests, Qualcomm held the upper hand with 437,621 and 354,986 points, compared to Google’s 246,571 and 185,520.
A similar picture emerges in Geekbench. In single-core performance, Snapdragon posted 3,179 points against Tensor G5’s 2,296. In multi-core tests, the gap widened further: 10,114 for Snapdragon versus 6,203 for Google’s chip. This translates into stronger multitasking, gaming, and resource-heavy app performance for Qualcomm’s platform.
Looking at the architecture, Tensor G5 combines one Cortex-X4 core at 3.78 GHz, five Cortex-A725 cores at 3.05 GHz, and two Cortex-A520 cores at 2.25 GHz. Graphics are handled by the PowerVR DXT-48-1536 GPU, which does not support ray tracing. In contrast, Snapdragon 8 Elite uses custom Oryon cores (2×4.32 GHz and 6×3.53 GHz) paired with the Adreno 830 GPU, offering ray tracing and Snapdragon Elite Gaming features. Both chips support LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, but Qualcomm extends its lead in connectivity with the X80 modem, capable of up to 10 Gbps downloads, while Google’s processor relies on Samsung’s Exynos 5400.
In the end, the Tensor G5 represents a major stride for Google, particularly in AI-driven features and camera optimization. However, when it comes to raw horsepower, the Snapdragon 8 Elite still dominates. For users who prioritize sheer performance, Qualcomm remains the clear choice, while those invested in Google’s ecosystem may find the unique AI functions and software optimizations of the Tensor G5 compelling.