Google's new Pixel 10 series has been launched with a range of impressive upgrades compared to its predecessor. Among the most notable enhancements is the introduction of the Tensor G5, which marks a significant leap in smartphone technology. Unveiled in August 2025, this chip is Google's first-ever 3 nm smartphone chip, designed to deliver remarkable power efficiency and performance improvements for mobile devices.
The Tensor G5 is equipped with the advanced PowerVR D-Series DXT-48-1536 GPU, which is expected to enhance graphical performance significantly. Initial stress tests conducted with the Pixel 10 XL have shown promising stability, yet the results from synthetic benchmarks have raised questions about the real-world gaming capabilities of this new SoC.
A recent video has put the Tensor G5 to the test by running multiple popular games on the Google Pixel 10 XL. While the synthetic benchmarks suggested strong performance, the actual gaming experience told a different story. For instance, the device managed to run Valorant Mobile smoothly, achieving an average of 60 FPS in High graphics settings. Similarly, PUBG Mobile also performed well, maintaining the same average FPS with the Smooth + Extreme preset.
However, the performance took a downturn with more demanding titles. In Genshin Impact, the Pixel 10 XL struggled to maintain a smooth frame rate, averaging only 29 FPS on the Highest preset. A similar trend was observed with Wuthering Waves, where the game ran at an average of 44 FPS under maximum visual settings.
The most disappointing results were observed while playing Fortnite on the Tensor G5. Users experienced noticeable frame drops and stuttering, leading to an average frame rate of just 25 FPS during a 25-minute session on the Epic preset. Additionally, the device's peak temperature during this session reached a concerning 42.9°C, higher than the 42°C peak temperatures recorded in other games. This raises concerns about potential throttling issues with the SoC during demanding gameplay sessions.
In summary, while the Google Pixel 10 series and its Tensor G5 chip bring exciting advancements, the real-world gaming performance does not consistently match the expectations set by synthetic benchmarks. Gamers looking to maximize performance may need to consider these factors before investing in the latest Pixel model.
