Tensor G5 vs Snapdragon 8 Elite: Which Chipset Wins?

The mobile chipset industry is witnessing intense competition as Google and Qualcomm push the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and AI capabilities. Google’s Tensor G5, announced in August 2025, directly challenges Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, which debuted in October 2024. Both processors are built on TSMC’s advanced 3nm N3E process node, promising better power efficiency and higher performance. However, the two chipsets take very different approaches to CPU design, GPU architecture, and AI integration. Let’s break down how they compare across key aspects.

Tensor G5 vs Snapdragon 8 Elite

CPU Performance

The Tensor G5 uses a traditional ARM-based setup with:

• 1x Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at 3.78GHz
• 5x Cortex-A725 performance cores at 3.05GHz
• 2x Cortex-A520 efficiency cores at 2.25GHz

This design focuses on balancing raw performance with power efficiency, making it well-suited for everyday multitasking, gaming, and extended battery life.

On the other hand, the Snapdragon 8 Elite introduces Qualcomm’s custom Oryon CPU architecture (2nd-gen), with:

• 2x Oryon cores at 4.32GHz
• 6x Oryon cores at 3.53GHz

The higher clock speeds and custom cores give Snapdragon 8 Elite a significant advantage in peak performance, especially in gaming and heavy workloads.

GPU and Gaming

Graphics is where the two chipsets diverge sharply.

The Tensor G5 features a PowerVR DXT-48-1536 GPU, which lacks ray tracing support. While capable, it may feel limited compared to competitors in advanced gaming scenarios.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite comes with the Adreno 830 GPU, boasting ray tracing support and enhanced Snapdragon Elite Gaming features. This makes it a powerhouse for mobile gamers, supporting richer graphics and smoother frame rates.

AI and NPU

AI capabilities are increasingly critical in modern smartphones.

• Google integrates its new Edge TPU in the Tensor G5, designed to accelerate on-device AI tasks such as real-time translations, voice recognition, and smart photography.
• Qualcomm counters with its Hexagon NPU, which is highly versatile and optimized for generative AI workloads, pushing boundaries in real-time language processing and advanced imaging.

Memory and Storage

Both chipsets support the latest standards:

• LPDDR5X RAM for high-speed multitasking
• UFS 4.0 storage for faster app loading and data transfer

Here, neither has a clear edge.

Camera and Imaging

Google’s Tensor G5 ISP introduces real-time semantic segmentation, improving how smartphones process images by separating elements like sky, skin tones, and backgrounds for better clarity. It also supports up to 8K video recording.

Qualcomm’s AI Spectra ISP (18-bit) is more advanced, offering limitless real-time segmentation and equally supporting 8K video capture. Its deeper AI integration gives it an edge in computational photography.

Connectivity

The Tensor G5 relies on Samsung’s Exynos 5400 5G modem, paired with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite includes the Snapdragon X80 modem, delivering up to 10Gbps download speeds and 3.5Gbps upload speeds, along with Wi-Fi 7 (5.8Gbps peak), Bluetooth 6.0, and UWB (Ultra Wideband) support.

Clearly, Snapdragon takes the lead in network performance and wireless versatility.

Final Verdict

The Tensor G5 continues Google’s tradition of optimizing AI-driven experiences, focusing on smarter photography, real-time AI, and efficient performance. However, in areas like CPU power, gaming performance, and connectivity, the Snapdragon 8 Elite pulls ahead with its custom Oryon cores, ray-tracing GPU, and faster modem.

For users prioritizing AI integration and Google’s software ecosystem, the Tensor G5 will be an excellent choice. But for gamers, power users, and those needing peak performance, the Snapdragon 8 Elite remains the stronger chipset overall.