The tech world’s eyes are firmly fixed on Google’s latest foldable flagship, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Beyond its innovative hinge and larger cover screen, a major point of interest is the debut of Google’s next-generation custom chip, the Tensor G5. Promising significant improvements over the Tensor G4, early benchmark results are now surfacing, painting a picture of competent, though not class-leading, performance.
A Geekbench 6 run submitted for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold (codenamed Caiman) reveals the Tensor G5 in action. The results show the chip achieving a single-core score of 1880 and a multi-core score of 4633. These numbers represent a clear step up from the Tensor G4 found in the Pixel 9 series, which typically scored around 1650 (single-core) and 3850 (multi-core) in similar tests. This translates to roughly a 14% improvement in single-core and a 20% improvement in multi-core performance generation-over-generation.
You can examine the specific benchmark run here:
https://browser.geekbench.com/v6/cpu/12793905
While the generational leap is welcome and aligns with Google's claims of focusing on efficiency and AI rather than raw peak performance dominance, the scores place the Tensor G5 firmly in the middle of the current flagship pack. For context:
- Apple's A17 Pro (iPhone 15 Pro) scores consistently above 2900 (single-core) and 7200 (multi-core).
- Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (S24 Ultra) typically hits around 2200 (single-core) and 7000 (multi-core).
- Even the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, found in last year's Android flagships, often reached multi-core scores in the 5000-5200 range.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold benchmarked features 12GB of RAM and was running Android 15, suggesting it's a near-final production unit or very late-stage prototype. The single-core score is particularly noteworthy for showing a decent uplift, crucial for everyday smoothness in apps and the interface. The multi-core score, while improved, still lags significantly behind the current top-tier Android and Apple competitors.
What Does "Middling" Mean for Users?
For most users, the Tensor G5's performance will likely feel perfectly adequate, even snappy. Google's strength has always been in software optimization and leveraging its Tensor cores for unique AI and machine learning features – like enhanced camera processing, real-time translation, and advanced voice assistant capabilities. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold will undoubtedly excel in these areas.
However, for power users, gamers, or those who demand absolute peak performance for demanding tasks like high-fidelity mobile gaming or intensive video editing, the benchmark results suggest the Tensor G5 won't be setting any speed records. The gap to Apple's silicon remains substantial, and Qualcomm's latest retains a noticeable lead, especially in sustained multi-core workloads.
Thermals and Real-World Use
An interesting observation from the Geekbench run is the thermal management. The performance cluster cores show significant clock speed throttling during the multi-core test, dropping from peaks near 3.00 GHz down to around 1.80 GHz. This suggests the Pixel 10 Pro Fold might still be grappling with heat dissipation under sustained load, a common challenge in thin foldable designs. Real-world performance consistency, especially when multitasking or gaming for extended periods, will be a key factor to watch in reviews.
The Verdict: Good Enough, But Not Great
The initial Geekbench results for the Tensor G5 in the Pixel 10 Pro Fold confirm expectations: Google has delivered a solid generational upgrade focused on meaningful, rather than revolutionary, gains. The performance is significantly better than the G4 and should provide a smooth, capable experience for the vast majority of users, amplified by Google's AI prowess.
However, it doesn't close the gap with Apple, and it still trails the latest Snapdragon chips in raw CPU power. For a device positioned as a premium flagship foldable with a price tag likely north of $1800, some may have hoped for performance that matched its ambition and price point. The Tensor G5 appears to be "good enough," prioritizing Google's vision of on-device AI and efficiency over chasing benchmark crowns. Whether that trade-off resonates with buyers remains to be seen when the Pixel 10 Pro Fold hits shelves this fall.
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