Google Tensor G5 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 represents the ultimate showdown between Google’s custom silicon and Qualcomm’s flagship processor. These powerful chips power today’s premium smartphones, but which one delivers better performance for your money?
The battle between Google’s Tensor processing unit and Qualcomm’s 2023 flagship chip affects millions of smartphone buyers. Real-world testing reveals surprising differences that benchmarks alone can’t capture.
3nm vs 4nm: Who's Really Faster in 2025?
The Google Tensor G5 uses TSMC’s 3nm process node technology, giving it a manufacturing advantage over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3‘s Samsung 4nm process. This smaller node size means more transistors packed into less space, leading to better efficiency.
TSMC fabrication delivers approximately 15% better power efficiency compared to Samsung’s 4nm node. The Google chip contains 22 billion transistors, while the Snapdragon processor houses 19 billion transistors.
The Cortex-X4 prime core configuration differs significantly between these processors. Snapdragon’s 2023 flagship chip pushes higher clock speeds at 3.3GHz, while Google’s Tensor G5 runs at 3.1GHz but focuses on thermal management.
Qualcomm chip features five performance cores compared to Tensor’s four, giving it advantages in multi-core tasks. However, Google Tensor G5 includes four efficiency cores versus Snapdragon’s two, helping with battery life.
The 3nm technology advantage becomes clear during sustained workloads. Tensor CPU maintains consistent performance while the Snapdragon processor throttles more aggressively under heavy loads.
CPU Showdown: Burst Speed vs All-Day Efficiency
CPU performance testing reveals interesting trade-offs between these flagship processors. The Snapdragon performance excels in short bursts, while the Tensor CPU maintains consistency over longer periods.
Geekbench score comparisons show the complete picture. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 achieves 2,201 points in single-core and 6,530 points in multi-core tests. Google Tensor G5 scores 1,685 single-core and 4,892 multi-core points.
AnTuTu benchmark results favor the Snapdragon chip with 1,680,000 points compared to Tensor G5‘s 1,240,000 points. However, sustained processing speed tells a different story.
After 10 minutes of heavy workload, Tensor performance drops only 8% while Snapdragon benchmark shows 23% throttling. This makes the Google chip better for extended usage.
Multi-core tasks reveal practical differences in daily usage. App launches favor Snapdragon by 15%, but photo processing runs 25% more efficiently on Tensor technology. Video editing shows similar performance after thermal throttling kicks in.
AI Smarts: Tensor G5 TPU vs Snapdragon Hexagon NPU
Tensor technology shines in AI workloads. The dedicated TPU delivers 45 TOPS compared to Snapdragon’s 73 TOPS Hexagon NPU. Despite lower raw numbers, Google’s Tensor Processing Unit optimizes better for real-world AI tasks.
Google Assistant responses arrive 40% faster on Pixel 10 series devices. Language translation processes 2.3 times faster on Tensor CPU compared to Qualcomm’s chip.
Photo enhancement runs at similar speeds but uses different approaches. Snapdragon processor relies on raw computing power, while Google Tensor G5 uses specialized AI algorithms.
Voice recognition leads by 35% on Tensor score metrics. Background AI processing favors Snapdragon for efficiency, but Google’s chip delivers better real-world results.
The Tensor processing unit doesn’t win on paper specs, but Google’s software optimization makes the practical difference. Pixel smartphone users get exclusive AI features unavailable on other devices.
Gaming Heat Test: Sustained FPS, Throttling & Battery Drain
GPU performance represents the biggest gap between these processors. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 dominates gaming with its Adreno 750 GPU, while Tensor G5‘s Mali-G715 MP7 struggles with demanding titles.
Genshin Impact runs at 45 FPS on high settings with Google Tensor G5 but reaches 58 FPS on maximum settings with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Call of Duty Mobile achieves 55 FPS versus 60 FPS, respectively.
Graphics processing efficiency favors Qualcomm significantly. The Snapdragon benchmark shows 85% better graphics capability in 3DMark Wild Life Extreme tests.
| Performance Comparison | Tensor G5 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench Single-Core | 1,685 points | 2,201 points |
| Geekbench Multi-Core | 4,892 points | 6,530 points |
| AnTuTu Total Score | 1,240,000 | 1,680,000 |
| Gaming Temperature | 42°C average | 48°C average |
| Battery Drain (Gaming) | 18% per hour | 22% per hour |
| AI Processing Speed | 2.3x faster | Standard baseline |
Thermal management becomes crucial during extended gaming. Google Tensor G5 maintains lower temperatures but sacrifices peak graphics power. Battery drain during gaming shows Tensor G5 consuming 18% per hour versus 22% for the Snapdragon processor.
GPU efficiency clearly favors Qualcomm, but Google’s chip offers better sustained performance for longer gaming sessions without overheating issues.
Cameras & Compute: ISP Tricks, Ray Tracing, and Video AI
Google’s Tensor G5 excels in computational photography despite weaker raw processing power. The custom ISP processes photos 30% faster than previous Tensor technology generations.
Night mode processing completes in 2.1 seconds on the Tensor CPU compared to 3.4 seconds on the Snapdragon chip. Portrait mode takes 1.8 seconds versus 2.2 seconds, respectively.
Snapdragon’s 2023 flagship chip supports hardware ray tracing, giving advantages in gaming graphics quality, AR/VR applications, and advanced visual effects. Google Tensor G5 lacks dedicated ray tracing hardware.
4K video recording works on both processors, but Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 supports 120 FPS while Tensor G5 maxes out at 60 FPS. Memory performance affects camera capabilities, with both supporting LPDDR5X RAM.
Qualcomm processor handles larger burst photo sequences better due to superior memory capability. However, Google chip delivers better final image quality through AI enhancement.
Buyer's Verdict 2025: Pixel's G5 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3?
Google Tensor G5 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 comes down to priorities and usage patterns. Neither chip wins every category, making the choice depend on individual needs.
Google Pixel devices start at $999 with Tensor G5, while Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 phones range from $799 to $1,299, depending on the manufacturer.
Photography enthusiasts should choose Tensor G5 for superior computational photography and AI features. Mobile gamers need Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for maximum GPU performance and sustained frame rates.
CPU capability differs significantly between these processors. Qualcomm’s chip delivers superior raw performance, while Google’s chip focuses on efficiency and AI integration.
Battery life prioritizers benefit from Tensor technology‘s efficient 3nm process node. Performance seekers get better benchmarking results from Snapdragon performance.
Latest Pixel devices showcase Tensor processing unit advantages through exclusive features like Magic Eraser, Live Translate, and enhanced voice typing. These software optimizations matter more than pure performance metrics.
Video creators get better results from the Snapdragon processor due to superior graphics capability and higher frame rate support. Multi-core tasks run faster on Qualcomm’s architecture.
Pixel lineup users enjoy seamless integration with Google services and faster Android updates. Snapdragon specs offer broader device choice and gaming advantages.
Conclusion
Google Tensor G5 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 reveals two different philosophies in mobile processor design. Qualcomm prioritizes raw computing power and gaming performance, while Google emphasizes AI capabilities and photography excellence.
Performance test results show Snapdragon leading in traditional benchmarks, but Tensor CPU delivers a superior user experience in Google’s ecosystem. The semiconductor technology gives Tensor G5 efficiency advantages that matter for daily usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is faster in raw performance, scoring 30% higher in benchmarks. However, Tensor G5 offers better sustained performance and efficiency during extended usage.
Tensor G5 handles most games well, but struggles with demanding titles at maximum settings. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is significantly better for serious mobile gaming with superior GPU performance.
Google Tensor G5 delivers superior real-world AI performance despite lower TOPS ratings, thanks to Google's software optimization and dedicated TPU architecture.
Tensor G5 generally offers better battery life due to its 3nm process and efficiency-focused design, lasting 10-15% longer in typical daily usage scenarios.
Choose the Pixel smartphone for camera quality, AI features, and timely Android updates. Pick the Samsung Galaxy for gaming performance, display quality, and broader feature set options.
