The Google Tensor G5 chip—the latest custom processor powering the Pixel 10 series—has found itself at the center of controversy, with early reviewers and analysts pointing out serious thermal and throttling issues. Despite being built on TSMC’s advanced 3nm process, the Tensor G5 has struggled to maintain consistent performance during demanding tasks such as gaming, emulation, and AI-based workloads. This has raised questions about Google’s chip design strategy and whether the Tensor lineup can compete with performance-focused processors like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and Apple’s A18 Pro.
Google Tensor G5 Chip: Built for AI, Not Performance
The Google Tensor G5 chip continues Google’s tradition of prioritizing artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities over raw processing power. Designed with eight CPU cores—one high-performance Cortex-X4 core at 3.78GHz, five Cortex-A725 cores at 3.05GHz, and two Cortex-A520 efficiency cores at 2.25GHz—the chip theoretically promises balanced performance and energy efficiency. It also integrates a fifth-generation Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) for AI tasks, an Imagination IMG DXT-48-1536 GPU, and Samsung’s Exynos 5G modem.
However, reports from tech analysts and platforms like Wccftech suggest that the Tensor G5 suffers from overheating and aggressive throttling, especially during intensive operations like gaming or multitasking. Even when handling CPU-heavy processes such as PlayStation 2 emulation, the chip shows noticeable slowdowns, suggesting limitations in how Google has optimized its architecture.
Why the Tensor G5 Chip Is Struggling
The Google Tensor G5 chip is manufactured by TSMC on its 3nm process, which should theoretically offer higher efficiency and lower power consumption than previous nodes. However, the chip’s architecture is a patchwork of components from multiple vendors. The CPU cores are licensed from ARM, the GPU from Imagination Technologies, and the modem from Samsung. This complex mix of technologies has resulted in an unoptimized integration, leading to poor thermal control and inconsistent performance.
In simpler terms, Google’s chip design acts as a “Frankenstein’s monster” of components that work together—but not always efficiently. Without the deep hardware-software optimization seen in Apple’s custom silicon or Qualcomm’s Snapdragon lineup, the Tensor G5 struggles to balance performance, power management, and heat dissipation.
GPU Choice Adds to the Heat Problem
One of the most debated aspects of the Google Tensor G5 chip is its GPU choice. Google moved away from ARM’s Mali GPU architecture to Imagination’s PowerVR-based DXT-48-1536 GPU. While this GPU is capable on paper, it comes with strict proprietary control, meaning Google has limited ability to fine-tune drivers or optimize the GPU’s behavior for its unique software ecosystem.
This lack of flexibility has resulted in the chip heating up rapidly during high-performance tasks like 3D rendering, emulation, or gaming. Without custom optimization, Google can’t fully manage how power and heat are distributed across the GPU and CPU cores, making throttling inevitable when the system reaches thermal limits.
Is the Tensor G5’s Performance Really a Problem for Google?
Despite the thermal issues, the Google Tensor G5 chip may still fulfill Google’s actual vision for Pixel phones. Historically, Google’s Tensor series has never aimed to dominate benchmark charts. Instead, these chips are built to enhance AI-driven tasks—camera optimization, real-time translation, voice recognition, and on-device machine learning.
In fact, during the Pixel 10 launch, Google focused more on AI-powered features such as enhanced photo editing, real-time transcription, and generative search capabilities rather than raw CPU or GPU performance. This strategy aligns with the brand’s reputation: Pixel devices are considered the “smartest phones” due to software innovation, not hardware dominance.
Market Impact and Consumer Perception
Even with the Google Tensor G5 chip facing criticism, it’s unlikely to hurt Pixel’s core audience. Pixel buyers typically prioritize the camera experience, AI tools, and clean Android interface over gaming or benchmark scores. According to Counterpoint Research (2024), over 70% of Pixel owners cite software quality as their primary reason for choosing Google phones.
However, the growing competition in the Android market—especially from Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi—means that thermal performance could become a concern for potential switchers. If Google fails to address these issues through firmware updates or better cooling solutions, it risks falling behind in markets where performance metrics matter more.
Can Google Fix the Tensor G5 Chip?
Future updates may improve how the Google Tensor G5 chip handles thermal management and CPU scaling, but deep hardware-level optimization may require changes in future Tensor generations. Analysts believe that Google could move toward more unified chip design by bringing development fully in-house—similar to Apple’s approach—rather than relying on multiple external partners.
If Google continues to prioritize AI efficiency, the Tensor G6 or G7 might focus more on improving heat management and energy efficiency while maintaining the AI strengths that define the Pixel series.
The Google Tensor G5 chip showcases both the promise and the pitfalls of Google’s hardware strategy. On one hand, it drives Pixel 10’s AI-powered innovations, reinforcing Google’s vision of smart, context-aware devices. On the other, it highlights ongoing challenges in achieving hardware optimization and thermal stability.
While performance-focused users may prefer Snapdragon or Apple chips, Google remains committed to creating a unique Pixel experience where AI takes precedence over raw power. For now, the Tensor G5 may run hot—but it still fuels one of the smartest smartphone ecosystems in the world.
