Pixel 10’s Tensor G5 Chipset: How It Compares to Snapdragon and Apple A18

The Google Pixel 10 comes with the Tensor G5 chipset, made using TSMC's latest 3nm technology. It is much faster than the previous version, with a 34% faster CPU and a 60% stronger Tensor Processing Unit for AI tasks. But in benchmark tests, it is still behind Apple's A18 and A18 Pro chips. For example, in AnTuTu tests, the A18 Pro scores 44% higher, and in Geekbench 6, it is about 52% better in single-core performance. Even so, the Tensor G5 is very good for AI features and saves battery, making it a great choice if you care more about smart AI tasks than heavy gaming.

What Makes the Tensor G5 Chip Unique?

Google's Tensor G5 chipset is a big step forward in mobile processors. It combines advanced hardware with smart AI features. The chip is made using TSMC's 3nm N3E process, which is a first for Google as it moves away from Samsung. This puts it on the same level as top chips like Apple’s A18 and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite in terms of technology.

AI at the Core

The Tensor G5 has a dedicated Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) that is now 60% more powerful than before. This helps the phone do AI tasks on the device itself, like translating languages in real time, recognizing voice commands, and improving photography. All of this is done while keeping your data private.

New CPU Design

The CPU has a new 1+5+2 setup:

• 1 Cortex-X4 prime core.
• 5 Cortex-A725 performance cores.
• 2 Cortex-A520 efficiency cores.

The design balances speed and battery life. Benchmarks show that the G5 is about 34–38% faster than the previous G4, but it is still a bit behind Apple’s A18 and Snapdragon 8 Elite in raw power.

AI Features for Users

The Tensor G5 comes with AI features that make daily phone use smarter:

• Magic Cue: Gives helpful information while using apps.
• Camera Coach: Gives tips to take better photos.
• Best Take: Picks the best photo from a series.
• Add Me: Automatically adds you to group photos.

Performance in Real Life

In normal use, the Tensor G5 is smooth and responsive. It also handles heat better than older models. But for heavy tasks like high-end gaming, it may not perform as well as some competitors, and games like Genshin Impact might not always run perfectly smoothly.

How Does the Tensor G5 Stack Against the Snapdragon 8 Series?

In the world of smartphone processors, Google's Tensor G5 and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 series follow different approaches. Snapdragon focuses on raw performance, while Tensor G5 emphasizes AI capabilities, showing a shift in what mobile users need today.

AI and Machine Learning: Tensor G5 Leads

Google's Tensor G5 brings a big improvement in AI performance. The Tensor Processing Unit is about 60% stronger than the previous generation. This means better real-time AI tasks, like advanced photo processing and on-device language understanding. Snapdragon 8 series chips can handle AI, but they are not as specialized as Tensor G5.

CPU and GPU Performance: Snapdragon Excels

In raw CPU power, the Snapdragon 8 Elite (Gen 4) is ahead of Tensor G5. For example, in AnTuTu benchmarks, the Snapdragon 8 Elite scored 2,721,000 while Tensor G5 scored 1,508,000. Snapdragon also maintains higher performance over longer periods.

For GPU or graphics performance, Tensor G5 is weaker. It is fine for daily tasks and moderate gaming but cannot match the Snapdragon's high-end graphics power.

Energy Efficiency and Heat Management

One of Tensor G5’s strong points is its energy efficiency. Even under heavy AI use, it stays cool, with CPU temperatures around 45°C and surface temperatures near 39°C. This makes the phone more comfortable for long use.

Snapdragon 8 Elite performs at higher temperatures to maintain peak power. While this gives strong performance, it can make the phone hotter, which may affect comfort and battery life over time.

Tensor G5 vs Apple A18: Who Leads?

In the fast-changing world of smartphones, the competition between Google's Tensor G5 and Apple's A18 Pro chipsets is a big moment for mobile technology. Apple's A18 Pro still leads in raw performance, but Google's Tensor G5 brings new AI features that change how we use our phones.

Performance Benchmarks: A Clear Difference

Apple's A18 Pro, made with TSMC's advanced 3nm process, has strong specifications:

• CPU: 6-core design with two high-performance cores running up to 4.04 GHz.
• GPU: 6-core GPU with ray tracing support.
• Neural Engine: 16-core NPU capable of 35 trillion operations per second (TOPS).
  

Benchmark tests show the A18 Pro is ahead:

• AnTuTu: 1,859,039 points vs Tensor G5's 1,291,252 points.

• Geekbench 6:
  

• Single-core : 3,467 vs 2,285

• Multi-core : 8,550 vs 6,191

AI Features: Google's Advantage

While the A18 Pro is stronger in raw computing, the Google's Tensor G5 focuses on smart AI features:

• Gemini Nano: A lightweight AI model that allows real-time tasks like translation and speech recognition on the phone itself.
• Magic Cue: An AI assistant that suggests actions based on how you use your apps, making your phone smarter without needing the cloud.

These AI features use the Tensor G5's special Tensor Processing Unit, designed for AI tasks, making everyday smartphone use easier and faster.

AI for the Next Generation

The Google Pixel 10 comes with the new Tensor G5 chip, which brings a big improvement in AI-powered smartphone performance. Made using TSMC's 3nm process, the G5 has a CPU that is 34% faster and a TPU that is 60% stronger than the previous generation. This allows real-time AI features like Gemini Nano to run directly on the phone.

Even with these upgrades, tests show that the Tensor G5 is still behind competitors like Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Apple’s A19 Pro in raw CPU and GPU speed. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is 25% to 30% faster than its previous version and can run large AI models on the device. Apple’s A19 Pro is expected to have a stronger Neural Processing Unit for better AI performance.

In daily use, the Pixel 10 feels smooth and responsive, with better heat management and battery life. It is a great choice for people who want strong AI features more than heavy gaming performance. Competition with the Snapdragon and Apple chips will push further improvements, making devices smarter and more adaptive in the future.

Final Thoughts

The Pixel 10’s Tensor G5 chipset is more than just a processor. It shows Google’s focus on a custom AI chip that gives real benefits in daily use, not just high scores in tests. For users in Bangladesh and around the world, the Tensor G5 offers a good mix of speed, smart AI features, and energy efficiency, making the next generation of Android phones better than before.