As Google prepares its next generation custom chip, the Tensor G2, for the upcoming Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, we get a glimpse of the chipset’s performance and the results are very disappointing. Not only was the second generation Tensor unable to keep up with Snapdragon 8, but it was ultimately beaten by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888, an SoC that was launched last year.
The Pixel 7 Pro test results were found on Geekbench 5, where the Tensor G2 is expected to be part of its internal specs. the performance results shared by Kuba Wojciechowski are not what we expected, especially since the Tensor G2 is mass produced on Samsung’s improved 4nm architecture. the Tensor G2 single-core and multi-core results are slower than the Snapdragon 888, which means the Tensor G2 simply can’t compete with the flagship Android chipsets of 2022.
Checking out the Geekbench 5 charts, the fastest Snapdragon 888-powered smartphone was the Lenovo Legion 2 Pro, scoring 1,115 and 3,581 points in both single-core and multi-core results. In comparison, the Tensor G2 only managed 1068 and 3149 points in the same results, showing the difference between the two chipsets.
With competing chipsets adopting the Cortex-X3 core in the coming months, it is puzzling why Google is sticking with the older generation Cortex-X1 on the Tensor G2. Fortunately, raw performance in smartphones is not everything, and as Kuba Wojciechowski mentions, despite getting lower scores in benchmark tests scores, certain optimizations can improve the user experience.
Alternatively, the Pixel 7 Pro may have just been tested with the lower frequency Tensor G2, and we could see the improvements in the near future when we get closer to the official release. Speaking of official releases, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro will probably be on sale from October 6.
