Pixel 10’s Tensor G5 shows promise in benchmarks, but early gaming results are mixed
Google’s Pixel 10 series brings a meaningful upgrade under the hood with the debut of the Tensor G5, the company’s first 3 nm smartphone chip. On paper, that shift should deliver better power efficiency and steadier performance, and early stress testing does point to impressive stability. But initial real-world gaming tests tell a more complicated story.
The new SoC pairs with a PowerVR D-Series DXT-48-1536 GPU, and synthetic loads suggest the platform can keep its cool under pressure. However, when popular games are thrown into the mix, the Pixel 10 XL’s frame rates vary widely depending on the title and settings.
Here’s how the Pixel 10 XL fared in early testing:
– Valorant Mobile: Averaged 60 FPS on High graphics, maintaining smooth play.
– PUBG Mobile: Held 60 FPS using the Smooth + Extreme preset.
– Genshin Impact: Averaged 29 FPS at the Highest preset, with noticeable dips.
– Wuthering Waves: Averaged 44 FPS at the highest visual settings.
– Fortnite: The toughest run of the bunch, averaging 25 FPS on the Epic preset with clear stutters and frame drops.
Thermals stayed largely in check, peaking around 42°C in most titles. Fortnite was the outlier, pushing the device up to 42.9°C and likely triggering throttling during a 25-minute session. That lines up with the observed frame instability in that game.
Why the discrepancy between benchmarks and gameplay? A few likely factors:
– Early software: GPU drivers and game profiles often need several updates to fully tap new silicon.
– Game optimization: Demanding titles like Genshin Impact and Fortnite may not yet be tailored to the Tensor G5’s GPU and scheduler.
– Thermal limits: Sustained high settings can push the phone into throttling, especially with top-tier presets.
The takeaway: Tensor G5 looks efficient and stable in synthetic tests, and it can deliver solid 60 FPS in lighter or well-optimized titles at the right presets. But in today’s early state, ultra-demanding games on max settings don’t always hit smooth, sustained frame rates. As patches roll out for both the Pixel 10 series and popular games, expect performance to tighten up.
If you’re eyeing the Pixel 10 XL for gaming right now, consider dialing back from the very highest presets in the most intensive titles to balance visuals, temperature, and frame pacing until broader optimizations land.
