The Pixel 10 leak indicates a potential significant enhancement in Google’s performance capabilities.

Tensor G5 details leak

Google Pixel 10’s Tensor G5 Chip: A Major Redesign

• Google is reportedly making significant changes to its Tensor chip production for the Pixel 10, transitioning from Samsung to a fully in-house design built on TSMC’s 3nm process.

• The Tensor G5 will utilize Arm Cortex CPU cores but incorporate a new Imagination Technologies DXT GPU and a custom Image Signal Processor (ISP) for improved camera performance, replacing previous third-party components.

• While retaining its custom audio DSP, memory compressor, and next-gen TPU, the Tensor G5 will also switch to Chips&Media’s WAVE677DV codec, abandoning its previous reliance on BigWave and Samsung’s MFC codec.

• Although not expected to immediately rival Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, this in-house design signifies Google’s increased control over its Pixel phones’ hardware, potentially leading to enhanced performance and camera capabilities, particularly in image processing.

Google is set to significantly change its approach to producing Tensor chips with the upcoming Pixel 10, moving away from collaboration with Samsung to an entirely in-house design utilizing TSMC’s 3nm process. It has been reported that the Tensor G5, designated for the Pixel 10, will retain the licensing of Arm Cortex CPU cores, which is standard across most Android devices. However, Google is expected to introduce a new Imagination Technologies DXT GPU, replacing the current Arm Mali GPU. Additionally, the new VeriSilicon DC9000 will take over display controller and 2D GPU responsibilities, moving away from Samsung’s Exynos components.

One of the most notable upgrades will be a fully custom Image Signal Processor (ISP) for the Tensor G5, marking a departure from previous Tensor chips that relied on various third-party elements enhanced by Google. Furthermore, the report notes a transition from Google’s home-built ‘BigWave’ AV1 codec and Samsung’s MFC codec to a unified third-party solution in Chips&Media’s WAVE677DV.

The Tensor G5 will continue to integrate a custom audio DSP and memory compressor similar to previous iterations and will also feature a next-gen TPU, which plays a crucial role in AI processing—a major reason for Google’s decision to develop its own chips.

Despite these advancements, the Tensor G5 may not immediately match the performance of competitors like the Snapdragon 8 Elite. Google’s Tensor chips have historically lagged in performance benchmarks, although the Pixel 9 Pro performs adequately for daily tasks. The introduction of a new GPU raises hopes that the Pixel 10 could see improvements in performance, particularly comparing with devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra and OnePlus 13.

Google’s growing control over its camera functions is also a point of excitement, as the Pixel line is known for its exceptional photography. The Pixel 9 already provides an excellent point-and-shoot experience, and there are anticipations regarding how Google might enhance image processing capabilities with the Pixel 10.