The new Tensor G6 chipset is out, and many of you may be wondering how it compares with Qualcomm’s high-end Snapdragon chips. We recently compared it to the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and the latter was significantly ahead in raw performance. So, we decided to give it another shot, but this time with the Snapdragon 8 Elite.

The Tensor G6 brings significant upgrades to on-device AI processing efficiency, computational photography, and core power management. The CPU gets a unique 7-core architecture featuring newer ARM cores, and the switch to the 3nm node delivers much better power efficiency.

In short, the Tensor G6 isn’t a yearly release with incremental upgrades, but it actually brings significant changes. But the real question here is: can it beat the Snapdragon 8 Elite? Let’s find out.

Let’s begin with the spec sheet.

Tensor G6 vs Snapdragon 8 Elite: Benchmark scores

Geekbench score

On Geekbench 6, the Pixel 11 Pro XL, powered by Tensor G6, achieves a 2,671 score in the single-core test and 6,802 in the multi-core test. In comparison, the Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered Galaxy S25 Plus gets 3008 single-core points, a 12% increase, but the gap becomes a lot wider in the multi-core performance.

The Snapdragon chip gets 9730 multi-core points, a massive 43% higher score than Tensor G6. This means devices powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite should perform much better during heavy workloads, such as processing complex data and handling multiple apps, compared to Tensor G6-powered Pixel 11 series.

AnTuTu score

The AnTuTu benchmark (v11) also shows much stronger numbers for the Snapdragon 8 Elite compared to Tensor G6. The total score is up by over 70% (3.16 million vs 1.85 million). Its breakdown reveals a clearer, more interesting picture.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite gets a 22% higher CPU score, but the GPU score is up by a massive 177% compared to the Tensor G6. That makes one thing absolutely clear: the Snapdragon 8 Elite is a far superior choice for high-end gaming than Tensor G6. The 3DMark test also proves this.

The chip also benefits from 36% higher memory performance and 71% better UX performance, as suggested by the AnTuTu benchmark.

3DMark score

Wild Life Extreme Stress Test

The test measures how well a device maintains its graphical performance and manages heat over an extensive period of demanding 3D sequences. This is a much more precise gaming test than AnTuTu’s GPU test.

On the benchmark, the Tensor G6 achieves an overall score of 3386, while the Snapdragon 8 Elite is far ahead with a score of 6612. That’s a 95% difference, which is massive. The Snapdragon chip also delivers a much higher average FPS (39.48 vs 20.31).

The Snapdragon 8 Elite absolutely outclasses the Tensor G6 across multiple benchmarks. That highlights fundamentally different design philosophies between Google and Qualcomm.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite prioritizes peak performance, heavy sustained loads, and long gaming sessions at a high frame rate. On the other hand, Tensor chips, including the Tensor G4, use a conservative CPU/GPU configuration to keep thermal output and power draw low, and allocate silicon area and power budgets to TPU and ISP for on-device AI workloads and real-time computational photography.

Tensor G6 vs Snapdragon 8 Elite: Differences that matter

One of the major changes to Tensor G6 is the switch to a 7-core CPU. All previous tensor chips have an 8-core CPU. While this may sound like a CPU downgrade, it actually isn’t. The latest chip uses ARM’s newer C1-Ultra and C1-Pro series, which deliver better performance and power efficiency. Plus, increased clock speeds help the Tensor G6 achieve 20% faster web browsing and 15% faster app launches than the Tensor G5.

Despite the increased performance, the Snapdragon 8 Elite still remains a superior choice in CPU performance. It has an 8-core CPU featuring custom Oryon cores running at higher clock speeds.

Google hasn’t commented on why the Tensor G6 has a 7-core CPU. However, industry experts believe it was done to accommodate the massive fifth-generation TPU, which powers the upgraded Gemini Nano on-device AI models on the Pixel 11 series. The Snapdragon 8 Elite relies on a Hexagon NPU, which enables multimodal Gen AI capabilities.

The Tensor G6 features a PowerVR CXTP-48-1536 GPU, which isn’t as powerful as the Adreno 840 on the Snapdragon 8 Elite. The Adreno GPU also utilizes various software enhancements and gaming optimizations to deliver a far superior gaming experience.

Both chips come with a modern, future-proof connectivity stack to offer reliable connectivity, even in crowded areas. In terms of peak 5G download speed, the Tensor G6 is slightly ahead. It offers up to 12 Gbps of peak speed (vs. 10 Gbps on the Snapdragon 8 Elite).

Tensor G6 vs Snapdragon 8 Elite: Which is better for you?

The choice is pretty straightforward.

• Choose Snapdragon 8 Elite: if you prioritize raw power and top-tier gaming performance at higher frame rates.
• Choose Tensor G6: if you prioritize personal AI agents, and Google’s AI-powered features like Magic Eraser, real-time Live Translate, and Google’s computational photography magic.

Best Tensor G6 phones:

• Google Pixel 11
• Google Pixel 11 Pro
• Google Pixel 11 Pro XL
• Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold

Best Snapdragon 8 Elite phones:

• Galaxy S25 Ultra
• Xiaomi 15 Ultra
• OnePlus 13
• Realme GT 7 Pro
• Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro

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The Tensor G6 has been released with the new Pixel 11 series, and it brings serious upgrades over last year’s Tensor G5. The new chip utilizes ARM’s latest C1-Ultra and C1-Pro cores running at higher speeds, a significantly upgraded Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), and advanced imaging pipelines that enable next-gen camera features.

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips, on the other hand, have long been dominating the battle against Tensor chips by maintaining a huge performance gap. So, whenever a new Tensor chip arrives, it’s exciting to test it against the latest high-end Snapdragon chip to find out if Google has narrowed the gap.

TL;DR
– Raw Power vs. Intelligence: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 dominates in raw CPU/GPU benchmarks and heavy gaming performance, while Tensor G6 focuses on deep on-device AI integration and computational photography.
– The Better Pick: Choose Snapdragon for maximum horsepower and sustained performance, but go with Tensor if you prioritize smarter Pixel software features powered by custom silicon.

For a broader view of how this chip stacks up against the rest of Qualcomm’s lineup, see our roundup of best Snapdragon chipsets in 2026.

Let’s get straight to the spec sheet, and then to benchmark comparison to find out how the Tensor G6 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 stack up against each other.

Tensor G6 vs Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5: Spec sheet

Tensor G6 vs Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5: Benchmark scores

Note: The benchmark tests were performed on the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL (powered by the Tensor G6) and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5).

Geekbench score (v6)

The Galaxy S26 Ultra, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, heavily outperforms the Tensor G6-powered Pixel 11 Pro XL. The single-core performance is up by 39%, while the multi-core performance increase jumps to 67%.

Geekbench shows the latest Snapdragon chip continues to dominate Tensor chips in CPU performance.

But what other GPU and other performance metrics? We’ve put them to the test on AnTuTu and 3DMark to find out.

AnTuTu score (v11)

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 also dominates the AnTuTu benchmark. It scores about 3.9 million in total, while the Tensor G6 struggles at 1.8 million. That’s a solid 110% boost for the Snapdragon chip.

The breakdown of the AnTuTu score gives a rather clearer picture.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 pulls ahead across all AnTuTu tests. The CPU score is up by 48%, while the GPU score is up by a massive 263%. That itself is enough to know which is for gamers. Still, we ran the 3DMark gaming-specific test for better clarity. (check the score below)

The memory and user experience tests during the AnTuTu test also favor the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 over Tensor G6.

3DMark score

Wild Life Extreme Stress Test

The 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Stress test measures how well a device maintains its graphical performance and manages heat over an extensive period of demanding 3D sequences.

When tested, the Tensor G6-powered Pixel 11 Pro XL gets an overall score of 3386 with an average of 20.31 fps. The Galaxy S26 Ultra, powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, pulls off 7738 in average score with an average fps of 46.34.

Not only does the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 achieve over a 128% higher score, but it also maintains an average fps more than twice that of the Tensor G6. 

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 absolutely shines compared to the Tensor G6 across every benchmark we ran them through, and Google’s fine with it. Tensor chips aren’t designed to compete on synthetic benchmarks, but there’s something unique about these chips.

Tensor G6 lags much behind its competitors on benchmarks, and Google’s fine with it

Google has explicitly stated that its Tensor chips are not designed to win benchmark battles against high-end chips from Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek. Instead, they focus on delivering helpful experiences and excellent on-device AI capabilities.

Unlike Apple or Qualcomm, which focus on maximizing single-core and multi-core clock speeds, Google’s design goal is heterogeneous computing. This means Tensor chips are designed so that different subsystems (CPU, GPU, ISP, and TPU) work together to execute specific tasks efficiently, rather than just making the CPU as fast as possible.

The defining feature of Tensor chips is the TPU (Tensor Processing Unit). All of us are aware of Pixel’s software magic, and at its core is a powerful TPU that can run complex AI models locally on-device. It powers features like Live Translate, Magic Eraser, Real Tone processing, and other on-device generative AI smarts.

Tensor G6 vs Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5: Which one is right for you?

If you prioritize raw power and top-tier sustained gaming performance, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 remains the undisputed powerhouse. However, if you value personal AI assistants and intuitive features like Magic Eraser, real-time Live Translate, and Google’s computational photography magic, the Tensor G6 delivers a much more intelligent, tailored smartphone experience.

Choose Snapdragon for excellent gaming performance, but pick Tensor if you want software magic powered by purpose-built silicon.

Best Google Tensor G6 phones:

• Google Pixel 11
• Google Pixel 11 Pro
• Google Pixel 11 Pro XL
• Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold

Best Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 phones:

• Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
• Oppo Find X9 Ultra
• Vivo X300 Ultra
• Xiaomi 17 Ultra
• iQOO 15 Ultra

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Just weeks after wrapping up its current lineup with the Pixel 10a, Google may already be testing its new phones. A new Geekbench listing has surfaced, and while nothing is confirmed, it hints at early hardware that could belong to the Pixel 11 series, and more importantly, the next-generation Tensor G6 chip.

The listing is tied to a device called “Google Kodiak.” That name isn’t new. It was previously associated with the Pixel 10 Pro XL. But according to Notebookcheck, this new appearance could point to a Pixel 11 model instead. The reason comes down to the processor configuration.

This could be the Tensor G6 setup

The device in question runs a 7-core Tensor SoC, which is unusual. The Pixel 10 Pro XL uses an octa-core chip. That alone suggests this isn’t simply a re-test of existing hardware. 

The new configuration includes one Arm C1-Ultra core clocked at 4.11GHz, four Arm C1-Pro cores at 3.38GHz, and two additional C1-Pro cores at 2.65GHz. The clock speeds are also higher than what we’ve seen on the Tensor G5.

For comparison, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is powered by an octa-core setup with one Cortex-X4 core at 3.78GHz, five Cortex-A725 cores at 3.05GHz, and two Cortex-A520 cores at 2.25GHz. 

Graphics also differ. The new listing shows a PowerVR C-Series CXTP-48-1536 GPU, while the Pixel 10 Pro XL uses a PowerVR DXT-48-1536.

However, the benchmark scores are nothing to write home about. The phone posted a single-core score of 845 and a multi-core score of 2657. These numbers are extremely low for a modern flagship. It’s possible the chip is missing software optimizations, or that this is very early hardware not meant for performance testing.

Still, it’s worth being cautious. There’s no guarantee this listing is genuine. Benchmark databases are often filled with prototypes, mislabeled devices, and sometimes even fake entries. The Pixel 11 series isn’t expected until summer 2026, and the Tensor G6 hasn’t been announced.

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Google could be planning a major change to its in-house silicon strategy. According to new leaks, the company’s upcoming Pixel 11 series may finally move away from Samsung’s modem tech — a decision that could address two of the biggest complaints about the Pixel lineup: battery life and connectivity.

The leak, shared by tipster Mystic Leaks on Telegram, claims that Google’s next chip, the Tensor G6, will no longer rely on Samsung hardware. Instead, the company is reportedly testing MediaTek’s M90 modem, which was announced earlier this year. For those unfamiliar, the Tensor G5 still uses Samsung’s Exynos 5400 modem to handle cellular connectivity. MediaTek’s alternative promises peak download speeds of up to 12Gbps, along with improved power efficiency and built-in support for dual 5G SIMs and satellite connectivity.

If true, this marks the first time Google has used MediaTek components in its flagship phones. It would also represent a clean break from Samsung’s Exynos modems, which have been blamed for excessive heat and faster battery drain during 5G use. Even with the switch to TSMC’s 3nm process in the current Tensor G5, Google’s chips have yet to match Qualcomm’s Snapdragon series in performance. For reference, here’s a benchmark comparison between the Tensor G5 and Tensor G4.

By partnering with MediaTek, Google seems to be taking a more practical approach — improving efficiency without rebuilding the Tensor architecture from scratch. The Pixel 11, expected to debut in late 2026, could see better endurance and connectivity thanks to MediaTek’s new modem. Google increased the battery capacity from 4,700 mAh on the Pixel 9 to 4,970 mAh on the Pixel 10, and a similar boost with the Pixel 11 could extend the runtime even further.

Still, some users remain cautious. The Tensor G5’s TSMC move brought modest gains but not the leap many had hoped for. Whether or how much MediaTek’s M90 can change that story remains to be seen.

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The Pixel 11 might be Google’s biggest leap in smartphone performance yet. A new report suggests that the upcoming Tensor G6 chip—set to power the Pixel 11 series in 2026—could be built on TSMC’s cutting-edge 2nm process. If true, this would mark a major shift in Google’s silicon strategy, potentially giving it a performance edge over rivals like Apple and Qualcomm.

Google is already expected to move away from Samsung Foundry in favor of TSMC for the upcoming Tensor G5, which will reportedly use TSMC’s 3nm process in the Pixel 10 series later this year. But according to a new report from Taiwan’s Commercial Times, Google may be planning an even more aggressive move for 2026. The Tensor G6—codenamed “Malibu”—is now rumored to adopt TSMC’s next-gen 2nm node (N2), rather than the previously rumored 3nm N3P node.

If accurate, this shift could deliver major efficiency and performance benefits. Compared to the Tensor G5, the G6 could offer up to 15% faster performance and 30% better power efficiency. That would be an even bigger step up from the 4nm Tensor G4 chip currently powering the Pixel 9 Pro.

The Tensor G6 is rumored to feature a next-gen CPU layout: a single ARM Cortex-X930 prime core, six Cortex-A730 performance cores, and one Cortex-A530 efficiency core. It’s also expected to include a 3-core Imagination CXTP GPU running at 1.1GHz. Paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, the chip could deliver serious improvements in both AI and gaming performance.

Google’s deeper partnership with TSMC could also extend into future Pixel generations, possibly up to the Pixel 14. And with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 still expected to use a 3nm node in 2025, Google’s rumored 2nm jump could give the Pixel 11 a much-needed advantage in the Android flagship race.

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Google has used its custom-designed Tensor chips to power Pixel phones since the Pixel 6. But so far, these chips haven’t matched the performance or efficiency of their competitors. 

This may change soon, as leaked internal documents obtained by Android Authority reveal Google’s plans to improve with its upcoming Tensor G6 chip, codenamed “Malibu.”

The changes for the Tensor G6 are expected to focus on thermals and efficiency gains. Major performance improvements are not in the cards, and even the Tensor G5 is only expected to offer a modest performance boost over the current chip.

So it looks like Google’s SoC strategy isn’t prioritizing performance gains for now. In fact, Android Authority reports that the Tensor G6 chip may even see some “downgrades” in certain areas. 

Tensor G6 with improved efficiency?

For instance, Google is reportedly forgoing a new GPU for the Tensor G6 and opting for an older design initially intended for the Tensor G4.  If so, the Tensor G6 might lack ray tracing support, which the Tensor G5 is expected to have. So it’s a step backward in that regard.

The decision to use the G4’s GPU in the G6 is reportedly driven by Google’s goal to reduce the chip’s die area. The Pixel 10’s chip is said to be quite large at 121 mm² when built using TSMC’s 3nm process node, while Apple’s A18 Pro, which uses the same process, measures just 105 mm².

Google’s target for the Tensor G6 is a 105 mm² die size, factoring in a 4% area saving from TSMC’s newer N3P process node (the G5 uses N3E). 

To achieve this, using the G4’s GPU is said to reduce the die area by approximately 12%. Google is also reportedly cutting space by reducing the DSP (digital signal processor) by one core and halving the SLC (system-level cache) to 4MB. However, the report suggests there won’t be changes to the CPU size.

All in all, Google is trying to make smaller, more efficient chips, focusing on space-saving rather than performance improvements.

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