Tensor G5 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 2: Google’s Tensor processors have long been criticized for raw performance against Qualcomm and MediaTek. Although Tensor processors tend to excel in AI capabilities and general use, they usually lack in benchmarks. The new Tensor G5 is touted to be a significant step ahead, but does it truly possess the mettle to edge out the almost three-year-old Snapdragon 8 Gen 2? Let’s go through the numbers and specs.
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Benchmark Numbers: A Mixed Bag
On AnTuTu, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 still holds the lead with a score of 1,512,682, compared to the Tensor G5’s 1,429,557. However, digging deeper reveals an interesting picture. The Tensor G5’s CPU score is significantly higher at 483,989 vs 373,687, showing Google’s new cores excel at raw processing. On the GPU front, however, Qualcomm’s stranglehold continues unabated, with Adreno claiming an emphatic 599,957 over Tensor’s 416,313. That leaves the Snapdragon with a humongous lead for gaming and 3D workloads.
Geekbench Results: Tensor’s CPU Advantage
Geekbench tests are also further evidence of Google’s assertion that the Tensor G5 has better CPU performance. In single-core, the Tensor G5 clocks 2,316 compared to 1,912, roughly 21% faster. The gap increases in multi-core, with the G5 reaching 6,452 compared to 5,204, a 24% boost. That translates to the Tensor G5 being snappier in normal use, multitasking, and app response, albeit Snapdragon’s older chip still takes the lead in graphics-intensive applications.
Specs Explain Why Tensor Takes the Lead in CPU
Examining the spec sheets, Tensor G5 is advantaged by a newer 3nm TSMC process and up-to-date ARM cores such as Cortex-X4 and Cortex-A725 over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s older Cortex-X3 and A710 on a 4nm node. That is why Tensor G5’s CPU benchmark scores are improved and more power-efficient. Nevertheless, Qualcomm’s Adreno 740 GPU with ray tracing and Elite Gaming capabilities ensures that it still reigns supreme in gaming performance.
AI and Connectivity Capabilities
Tensor G5 brings Google’s new Edge TPU, which offers improved on-device AI performance than Qualcomm’s Hexagon NPU. It further supports Bluetooth 6.0, which is one generation ahead of Snapdragon’s Bluetooth 5.3. For connectivity, the Snapdragon X70 modem still offers higher theoretical speeds, but Tensor depends on Samsung’s Exynos 5400 modem with marginally lower peak rates.
Devices That Run These Chips
The Tensor G5 drives Google’s newest roster, which comprises the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. In the meantime, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 keeps on showing up in top models such as the Samsung Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, OnePlus Open, iQOO 11, Motorola Edge 40 Pro, and OnePlus 12R.
Verdict: CPU Advantages for Tensor, GPU Takes for Snapdragon
In 2025, it’s remarkable that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is still beating the Tensor G5 at gaming because of its better GPU. But Google’s new processor obviously wins out at CPU speed, which makes it a great choice for tasks like multitasking and day-to-day use. If you’re a gamer and a graphics enthusiast, Snapdragon is still the best to make. But if you care about Google’s AI capabilities, power efficiency, and responsiveness, the Tensor G5 is finally an actual competitor.