Tensor G4 vs G5: A clear, practical comparison for you

Tensor G5 is now built on a 3 nm process and uses a newer Laguna architecture, while Tensor G4 remains on a 4 nm node. If you’re trying to decide which Google chip powers your next device or just want a clear view of the benchmarks, you’re in the right place. In this post, I’ll break down how these two chips compare in CPU, GPU, memory, AI features, and real-world performance so you can decide which one fits your needs.

CPU: clocks, cores, and real gains

• G4: 8 cores with a layout of 1x Cortex-X4 at 3.10 GHz, 3x Cortex-A720 at 2.60 GHz, and 4x Cortex-A520 at 1.95 GHz.
• G5: 8 cores with a layout of 1x Cortex-X4 at 3.78 GHz, 5x Cortex-A725 at 3.05 GHz, and 2x Cortex-A520 at 2.25 GHz.

The G5’s 3 nm process brings higher peak CPU clocks and a reshaped core layout, which pushes single-core and multi-core performance higher in many tests. In Geekbench 6, G5 shows a solid lead in both single-core and multi-core results compared with G4. In practical use, that translates to snappier app launches and smoother multi-tasking on the G5 devices.

GPU and graphics: the speed story varies by test

• G4 uses Mali-G715 MP7 with 940 MHz clock in many reports.
• G5 uses PowerVR DXT-48-1536 with around 1100 MHz in reported tests.

On several benchmarks, the G4 shows stronger GPU compute in certain tests, while the G5 brings higher raw GPU frequency and newer GPU architecture. In real-world gaming, you’ll notice the G5 handles CPU-bound tasks more smoothly, but GPU performance gains aren’t a universal win across every synthetic test.

Both chips include modern Vulkan/OpenCL support, memory bandwidth of LPDDR5X up to 68 GB/s, and similar memory capacities. The GPU differences tend to show up more in compute-heavy workloads than in everyday gaming at moderate settings.

Process node, efficiency, and sustained performance

• G5: built on TSMC 3 nm process (N3E), which typically offers better efficiency and density than 4 nm.
• G4: built on Samsung 4 nm process.

The 3 nm advantage helps with efficiency and sustained CPU work. In longer workloads, G5 shows better sustained CPU performance and thermals in several third-party tests, though sustained GPU workloads can still vary with thermals and software optimization.

Memory, AI, and multimedia features

• Memory: Both chips support LPDDR5X up to 16 GB with 68.2 Gb/s bandwidth ceilings in many setups.
• AI/NPUs: G5 adds newer on-device AI acceleration in the form of an Edge TPU-like accelerator, while G4 uses Google’s TPU integration. Real-world AI tasks feel smoother on G5 thanks to the newer TPU design.
• Multimedia: Both can handle high-res video pipelines and codecs such as AV1, H.265, H.264, VP9, etc., with strong ISP integration for imaging tasks.

Benchmarks snapshot (which helps you decide)

• AnTuTu v10: G5 typically scores around 1.03M vs G4 around 1.29M in some benchmark data sets, showing mixed results depending on test focus.
• Geekbench 6: Single-core G5 outperforms G4 by roughly 16–22%; multi-core G5 leads by ~26–40% in various reports.
• GPU Compute: Some data show G4’s GPU compute being stronger in specific GeekBench compute tests, while G5’s newer GPU and higher clocks push other compute results up.

In short, benchmarks are mixed. The G5 tends to win CPU-centric tests and deliver better efficiency thanks to the 3 nm node, while the G4 can outperform in certain GPU compute benchmarks depending on the test suite.

Practical takeaways for your purchase decision

• If you value CPU snappiness and better efficiency, the G5 is the smarter choice. The 3 nm process and higher CPU clocks pay off in everyday tasks and sustained workloads.
• If you care most about GPU compute in synthetic tests, you might see stronger results on G4 in some GeekBench sections. For gaming and real-world graphics, expect the G5 to perform well but not drastically outpace the G4 in all scenarios.
• For AI features and on-device AI tasks, the G5’s newer AI hardware provides tangible benefits in camera and imaging features and general AI workloads.

Real-world verdict

The CPU gains and the efficiency improvements make Tensor G5 a meaningful upgrade over G4. Yet in raw overall benchmarking, your mileage will vary by the workload. If you’re deciding between Pixel devices powered by G4 or G5, consider what you prioritize most: CPU performance and efficiency, AI features, or raw GPU compute in niche tests. In many daily tasks, the G5 delivers a smoother, cooler experience, while the G4 remains a capable, sometimes tougher competitor in GPU-centric workloads.

FAQ (PAA)

Is tensor G4 better than G5?

A: In terms of overall score, the Tensor G5 is over 20% faster than the Tensor G4. If we look closely at the CPU score, the TSMC-manufactured Tensor G5 posted 2.3x higher score than the Tensor G4, which is incredible.

Is tensor G5 any good?

A: Tensor G5 delivers smooth performance, but still no elite chip.

Is tensor G5 comparable to Snapdragon?

A: Google's Tensor G5 is not a flagship-grade chipset, but it's more focused on delivering balanced performance, with a particular focus on efficiency. It almost matches the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 in CPU performance; however, for heavy CPU-bound workloads, the 8s Gen 4 is a better pick.

What is the difference between G4 and G5 phones?

A: One of the main changes is the shrinking of the process node from 4 nm to 3 nm, enabling better efficiency and performance. The G5 also features a different CPU core arrangement and newer AI capabilities compared with the G4.

Final thought

If you want a crisp summary: Tensor G5 brings better CPU performance and efficiency thanks to 3 nm and a newer core layout, while the G4 can still surprise with strong GPU compute in some tests. For everyday use and AI-powered features, the G5 generally offers the more capable, future-facing platform.