Recent speculation about Google's next-generation mobile processor has taken an unexpected turn, as what was initially thought to be a Tensor G5 benchmark leak has been revealed to be an unreleased variant of the Tensor G4.
The Benchmark Confusion
A recent Geekbench 6 listing that sparked discussions about the Tensor G5's seemingly disappointing performance has been clarified by industry insider @Richard_Milier. The benchmark, which showed relatively low scores of 1,323 in single-core and 4,004 in multi-core tests, was actually from a prototype Tensor G4 with a different configuration being used for testing purposes.
The Real G5 Status
The actual Tensor G5, intended for the Pixel 10 series expected in late 2025, is still in development. According to an AOSP developer at Google, the SoC's layout has not yet been finalized, despite reports of it reaching tapeout status. This chip will be manufactured using TSMC's 3nm N3E architecture, marking a significant advancement in Google's chip development journey.
GPU Development Status
A key revelation from this mix-up involves the PowerVR GPU situation. The DXT-48-1536 GPU from Imagination Technologies, which is expected to be integrated into the future Tensor G5, is still awaiting driver updates. This GPU is reported to run at 1.10GHz and will support features like ray tracing and virtualization, though these capabilities are yet to be fully implemented.
Future Implications
This clarification provides relief to potential Pixel 10 customers who were concerned about the benchmark results. The confusion highlights the complexity of chip development and testing processes, while also indicating that Google is actively experimenting with different configurations to optimize their future mobile processors. The actual Tensor G5's performance metrics remain to be seen, but the use of TSMC's 3nm process suggests potential for significant improvements in both performance and efficiency.