The hype train for Google’s upcoming Pixel 10 Pro XL just hit a potential speed bump. Leaked hands-on benchmark results for the device’s next-generation Tensor G5 chip are surfacing, and they’re painting a picture of underwhelming performance that’s leaving tech enthusiasts scratching their heads. While Google’s Tensor chips have often prioritized AI smarts and efficiency over raw horsepower, these early numbers suggest the G5 might be struggling to keep pace even with its predecessor.
For months, anticipation has built around the Pixel 10 series, expected to be Google’s first fully custom-designed system-on-a-chip (SoC), moving away from the semi-custom Exynos foundations used in Tensor G1-G4. The promise was clear: a chip designed entirely in-house could finally close the performance gap with rivals like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon and Apple’s A-series chips. These leaked benchmarks, however, cast doubt on that narrative.
The Leak: Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. Pixel 10 Pro XL Face-Off
The buzz originates from a hands-on session where the Pixel 10 Pro XL prototype was reportedly put through its paces using common benchmarking tools like Geekbench and 3DMark. The results, shared on Reddit, directly compare the new Tensor G5 against the current Tensor G4 powering the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Check out the detailed side-by-side benchmark comparison shared by an early tester here: Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Pixel 10 Pro XL Benchmark
The findings are concerning. Initial scores show the Tensor G5 delivering only marginal gains in CPU performance – sometimes within the margin of error for testing variability – and, in some GPU-intensive tests, even trailing the Tensor G4 found in the Pixel 9 Pro XL. This is particularly surprising given the generational leap and the move to a fully custom design. Thermals were also noted as a potential issue, with the prototype reportedly getting noticeably warm under sustained load, hinting at possible throttling.
Context Matters, But Concerns Linger
It’s crucial to emphasize the caveats:
- Pre-Release Hardware/Software: This is a prototype running very early, unoptimized software. Drivers, thermal management, and core software tuning can dramatically improve before launch.
- Benchmarks Aren't Everything: Pixel phones have always leaned heavily on AI and machine learning for their standout features (cameras, call screening, Assistant). Raw benchmark scores don’t capture this real-world magic.
- Focus Shift: Google may be prioritizing AI acceleration, power efficiency, or new features that benchmarks simply don't measure effectively yet.
However, the "iffy" nature of these results can't be ignored. If the Tensor G5, after years of development towards full customization, can't demonstrate a clear and significant performance uplift over the outgoing Tensor G4, it raises questions about Google’s chip design ambitions. Can it truly compete at the flagship level, especially against the relentless year-on-year gains from Apple and Qualcomm?
Where Does This Leave Potential Buyers?
For users focused on bleeding-edge raw power for gaming or heavy multitasking, these leaks might be disappointing. The dream of a Pixel finally matching the Snapdragon or Apple silicon peak performance seems deferred, at least based on this early glimpse.
If consistent performance is your top priority right now, the current-generation Google Pixel 9 Pro XL remains a powerful and refined option, readily available:
Get the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL on Amazon
The Waiting Game Continues
While these early Tensor G5 benchmarks are undeniably underwhelming, it’s far too early to write off the Pixel 10 Pro XL. Google has months to refine the software, optimize performance, and demonstrate the unique capabilities unlocked by its fully custom silicon – capabilities that likely extend far beyond what traditional benchmarks can quantify.
The pressure is now on Google. When the Pixel 10 Pro XL officially launches later this year, the Tensor G5 needs to show more than just incremental gains; it needs to justify the years of investment and prove Google can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the established chip giants. These early results set a low bar, but the final performance story is yet to be written. We’ll be watching closely.
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