The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is here with the new Tensor G5 chip (TSMC, 3 nm), Qi2 magnets and the promise of faster AI features. In synthetic CPU tests, the improvement over the Pixel 9 Pro XL is noticeable, but against the Snapdragon 8 Elite there is still a gap - especially in graphics, where early results even hint at a step back. Why is this not just Twitter drama and why should you care? We break down the numbers, the context and the implications.
Google officially unveiled the Pixel 10, 10 Pro and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: all with new Tensor G5, champions of TSMC 3nm, and with Qi2 magnetic charging (25W wireless exclusive on Pro XL). Google claims: +34 % CPU and +60 % faster on-device AI compared to the G4. On paper: great. In practice: the internet quickly got caught in a merry-go-round Geekbench/AnTuTu "leaks" - and some of the numbers are a bit misleading.
Benchmarks: raw numbers without fluff
Pixel 9 Pro XL (Tensor G4, Geekbench 6 averages):
– Single-core: 1854; Multi-core: 4305.
Pixel 10 Pro XL (Tensor G5, early Geekbench 6 “leaks”):
– Single-core: ~2296; Multi-core: ~6203 (≈ +21 % SC, +46 % MC vs 9 Pro XL).+
AnTuTu 10:
– 9 Pro XL: ~983,628; 10 Pro XL: ~1,140,286 (≈ +16 %), but some tests also showed worse results on G5 demo units - a warning about the unreliability of early measurements.
Snapdragon 8 Elite (Galaxy S25 Ultra, real devices):
– Geekbench 6 SC: ~3000–3100; MC: ~9300–9500.
– 3DMark Wild Life Extreme: ~5924 (OJ).
Note about graphics (GPU): several sources report that Tensor G5 in early GPU tests in some places lags even behind Tensor G4, or progress is minimal – probably due to early drivers/demonstration units. Let's take it as a working signal, not a final verdict.
Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL: Absolute progress, relative shadow
If you are watching CPU only, the story is simple: the Pixel 10 Pro XL is noticeably faster from 9 Pro XL (up to ~46 % in multi-core Geekbench). This matches Google's claims nicely (+34 % CPU average). Also the architecture 1+5+2 and higher frequencies are consistent with the Geekbench listing. In terms of processor performance, this is exactly the jump we expected from the transition to TSMC 3 nm.
At GPU However, the story is less glamorous: the 9 Pro XL (G4) already achieved results in the 3DMark Wild Life Extreme range last year. ~2.5–2.6k, which was far behind the Adreno camp – and early signals suggest that the G5 doesn't raise the bar high enough (It even drops in some places.) If the trend holds, the Pixel 10 Pro XL will remain in the “good, but not great” role for games and graphically intensive tasks.
Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Elites: Oryon is the new Jerry, Tensor remains Zen
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite works with Oryon cores ~3.0k/9.3k in Geekbench 6 on production phones, while AnTuTu draws breathlessly ~2.75 M. In graphics (3DMark WLE) it is in a class of its own. The Pixel 10 Pro XL with ~2.3k/6.2k is therefore one step lower and is more comparable to the 8 Gen 2/3 than the 8 Elite. This is not a disaster – but it is reality of order on the raw power scale.
Why do you even care about this (and when don't you)?
Are you worried if:
- Are you playing heavy 3D titles at high frame rates or using your phone for emulation and longer graphically intensive sessions. They will be here Adreno (8 Elites) and Dimensity still a better choice.
- You want the maximum reserve for 5–7 years: more raw capacity means more room for future AI functions and “harder” applications that are yet to come.
Don't worry if:
- You are more important. AI usability like raw speed: the G5 delivers +60 % faster TPU and a bunch of features (Magic Cue, Camera Coach, on-device translations) that work locally and fast. This is where Google plays its game – and it said so honestly.
- You appreciate photography pipeline (new/improved ISP in G5) and stable, smart image processing – from generation to generation, Google has been betting on the quality of photos and tools, not on paper records.
A short annuity about AnTuTu and "demo" chaos
Why does one source say the G5 is faster than the G4, while another says it is slower? Because they are early results often from demo units with underdeveloped drivers, different voltage profiles and unstable builds. Notebookcheck explicitly labeled the measurements as “iffy”. Translations: wait for serial units and consolidated average results. Until then, Geekbench 6 CPU shows clear improvement; GPU remains big question mark.
Verdict: Does the Pixel 10 Pro XL lag behind more than before?
Working conclusion:
- Absolutely: Pixel 10 Pro XL is noticeably faster from 9 Pro XL in CPU and overall responsiveness. Congratulations TSMC and the better chip design.
- Relative to elites: the top remains Snapdragon 8 Elite (and society). The difference in Multi-core CPU and GPU it's still noticeable, so one would say that “Pixel is lagging behind”. In GPU maybe even more than beforeif early signals are confirmed.
Why should this worry you?
Because phones age quickly after on two fronts: graphics and advanced local AI features. Google offers the second (AI/TPU) very convincingly, but leaves the first (GPU) to competitors for now. If you game and want “brute force” – go to the Snapdragon camp. If you want Pixel photo charm, 7-year programming story and AI that actually helps – despite the bench dramas, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is a very sensible choice.
