Today Google is announcing its Pixel 10 lineup with the latest Tensor G5 TSMC technology. Although the design is similar, the inner workings get a complete overhaul with new AI capabilities as well as better integration of software. But early benchmarks have given us reason to be skeptical, as the Pixel 10 Pro XL with Tensor G5 performs like it can’t keep up with even Apple’s five-year-old iPhone 12 Pro Max.
According to the Geekbench numbers, the Pixel 10 Pro XL scores 1,948 on single-core and 5,087 on multi-core performance. For comparison, the iPhone 12 Pro Max scores 2,204 and 5,187 in single-core and multi-core tests, respectively. These are the raw power deficit tiers, and they’re in place to remind us that while the Tensor G5 is good, it can’t outperform older Apple A-series chips in sheer computational strength.
Still, the Pixel 10 Pro XL’s everyday performance is smooth as the real world throws it tasks like Web browsing, scrolling through social media and watching videos. Thanks to the phone’s support for Android 16, and Google’s Gemini AI platform, performance is solid (no stutters), but gaming, AI-driven operations and video editing might find the difference when compared to Apple products.
Apple’s new A-series chip series, which will be found inside the A19 for iPhone 17 as well as the A19 Pro versions for iPhone 17 Air and Pro, will strengthen its lead further in terms of performance. These chips should provide significant improvements in both graphics and processing efficiency, and increase the distance from Google’s Tensor G5.
This is an important evolution for Google, the Tensor G5 delivers improved AI and slicker day to day operation. But the early benchmarks portend a crucial problem: Apple still lags in sheer performance, demonstrating the big advantage of closely coupling hardware and software.
Fans of the Pixel range need not to worry, given the real world experiences should still be adequate for the majority of users. But a lag behind even older iPhone performance standards is a reminder that if Google wants to be a chip contender in future flagship showdowns, it needs to think very long-term and build its own.
FAQ
The Tensor G5 comes with a slightly weaker performance, notching lower scores in single-core and multi-core testing when compared to the iPhone 12 Pro Max, as reported by Geekbench.
No, browsing, social, and consuming media are all well above par thanks to Google’s optimizations in Android 16 and Aippo’s AI Gemini.
Gaming, video editing and heavy duty tasks such as AI will give us an insight to who is faster, the Tensor G5 or Apple A-series chips.
The next A19 and A19 Pro chips that are going to be used in iPhone 17 series will sure be far better with speed and performance, leaving Tensor G5 far behind.
The Tensor G5 provides smooth daily operation for most users, but Google may need brawnier chips if it wants to keep pace with Apple in the raw performance benchmarks.
