Pixel 10's Performance: A Closer Look

Google's latest Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro XL phones have been put to the test against some of the best smartphones on the market. The results show that these new models, powered by the Tensor G5 processor, are not leading the pack in terms of performance.

Performance Comparison

The Pixel 10 ($799) and Pixel 10 Pro XL ($1,199) were compared to other high-end phones in tests including CPU performance, graphics, and overall system performance.

CPU Performance

• The Pixel 10's Tensor G5 processor ranked at the bottom in CPU performance tests.
• It performed similarly to the Nothing Phone 3 (Snapdragon 8s Gen 4) but lagged behind the iPhone 16 and phones with the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor.

Graphics Performance

• The Pixel 10's new PowerVR GPU initially performed well but couldn't maintain peak performance over time.
• This resulted in lower stability scores compared to last year's model.
• The Nothing Phone 3's GPU outperformed the Pixel 10's, partly due to better cooling in its larger chassis.

Pixel 10 Pro XL Performance

• Despite higher clock speeds and a more aggressive middle-core CPU arrangement, the Pixel 10 Pro XL still couldn't match the performance of Apple's and Qualcomm's custom cores.
• The gap is significant, and it's unlikely that Google will close it in the next generation or two.

Gaming Performance

• The Pixel 10 Pro XL's performance is hampered by higher temperatures and lower stability.
• While it's not the hottest phone, it's not the coolest either.
• The benefits of its new manufacturing node seem to have been used to push performance rather than improve power efficiency and thermals.

Conclusion

Google's focus on AI features and unique tools often comes at the cost of raw performance.

• The Tensor G5 is a good fit for the baseline Pixel 10, which offers decent performance for its price.
• For the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL, the performance argument is tougher to make.
• These models are still good for AI tools and photography, but they may not be the best choice for power users who need top-notch performance.