Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 vs Tensor G5: Which Smartphone Processor Reigns Supreme in 2025?
Google’s Tensor G5 and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 are the two heavyweights of the silicon industry that will be at the heart of the upcoming generation of flagship Android handsets. One offers unmatched raw performance, while the other promotes a vision of more AI intelligent and user-friendly mobile experiences.
This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which powerhouse is best for your next device by breaking into their architecture, performance metrics, artificial intelligence capabilities, and power efficiency.
JUMP LIST
- Quick Verdict: Which Processor Wins?
- Technical Specifications
- Architecture Deep Dive
- CPU Performance
- GPU Performance
- AI Performance
- Gaming Performance
- Battery Efficiency & Thermal Management
- Price-Performance Analysis
- Recommendations: Which Should You Choose?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 vs Tensor G5
Quick Verdict: Which Processor Wins?
Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (now Snapdragon 8 Elite) takes the crown for overall performance, delivering superior gaming capabilities, faster CPU speeds, and better multi-threaded performance. However, Tensor G5 excels in AI processing and machine learning tasks with its dedicated TPU that’s 60% more powerful than its predecessor.
Technical Specifications
Let’s take a quick look of the specification
| Feature | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Tensor G5 |
|---|---|---|
| Process | TSMC 3nm | TSMC 3nm |
| CPU | 2x Oryon Prime @ 4.32 GHz 6x Oryon @ 3.53 GHz | 1x Cortex-X4 @ 3.78 GHz 5x Cortex-A725 @ 3.05 GHz 2x Cortex-A520 @ 2.25 GHz |
| GPU | Adreno 830 (1.25 GHz) | Imagination DXT-48-1536 |
| AI | Hexagon NPU (45 TOPS) | TPU (60% faster than G4) |
| Modem | Snapdragon X80 (10 Gbps) | Exynos Modem (improved) |
| Memory | LPDDR5X, UFS 4.0 | LPDDR5X, UFS 4.0 |
| Camera | Up to 320MP, 8K@60fps | Up to 200MP, AI-enhanced |
| Features | Ray tracing, Wi-Fi 7 | Bluetooth 5.4, AI focus |
Architecture Deep Dive
Manufacturing Process Technology
Both processors use advanced 3nm manufacturing for improved efficiency:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 4: TSMC 3nm process
- Tensor G5: TSMC 3nm process
- Benefits: Better power efficiency and thermal management
Core Configuration Comparison
Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Architecture:
- Custom Oryon cores (based on Nuvia design)
- Focus on maximum performance per core
- Optimized for sustained high-performance tasks
Tensor G5 Architecture:
- 1x Cortex-X4 @ 3.78GHz (prime core)
- 5x Cortex-A725 @ 3.05GHz (performance cores)
- 2x Cortex-A520 @ 2.25GHz (efficiency cores)
Also check our Online CPU Testing Tools
CPU Performance
Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 dominates in raw CPU power with impressive benchmark scores that showcase its performance leadership:
- Single-core Geekbench 6: ~3,216 points
- Multi-core Geekbench 6: ~10,051 points
- Peak clock speed: Up to 4.2GHz on performance cores
Tensor G5 shows significant improvement over previous Google chips but trails behind Snapdragon:
- Single-core Geekbench 6: ~2,296 points
- Multi-core Geekbench 6: ~6,203 points
- Peak clock speed: 3.78GHz on prime core
The Geekbench 6 performance gap is substantial, with Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 delivering approximately 40% better single-core and 62% better multi-core performance.
GPU Performance
Gaming performance heavily favors Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, which achieved remarkable graphics benchmarks:
- AnTuTu GPU score: Up to 1,330,057 points
- Performance improvement: 43% over previous generation
- Gaming optimization: Superior for high-end mobile gaming
Tensor G5 GPU performance remains modest with Google’s focus on efficiency over raw power:
- Uses Imagination Technologies PowerVR DXT-48-1536 GPU
- Optimized for computational photography rather than gaming
- Performance trails flagship Android competitors significantly
AI Performance
Machine Learning Capabilities
Google Tensor G5’s dedicated TPU delivers exceptional AI performance that outclasses traditional smartphone processors:
- TPU performance: 60% more powerful than Tensor G4
- Gemini Nano processing: 2.6x faster than previous generation
- On-device AI: Superior for Google Assistant and real-time processing
Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 offers competitive AI processing through its integrated neural processing unit but focuses more on general performance.
Gaming Performance
High-End Gaming Capabilities
Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 clearly wins for mobile gaming enthusiasts:
- Superior GPU performance for AAA mobile games
- Better frame rate stability in demanding titles
- Advanced gaming features and optimizations
- Support for higher refresh rate displays during gaming
Tensor G5 handles casual to moderate gaming well but struggles with intensive titles:
- Adequate performance for most mobile games
- Focus on efficiency over maximum frame rates
- Limited appeal for serious mobile gamers
Battery Efficiency & Thermal Management
Power Consumption Analysis
Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 delivers better overall efficiency despite higher performance:
- Advanced power management
- Optimized for sustained performance
- Better thermal throttling control
Tensor G5 prioritizes specific workload efficiency:
- Excellent efficiency for AI tasks
- Optimized for Google’s software ecosystem
- 34% faster CPU with improved power efficiency
Real-World Battery Life
Battery performance varies significantly based on usage patterns:
- Heavy gaming: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 provides longer sustained performance
- AI-intensive tasks: Tensor G5 shows superior efficiency
- General usage: Both processors offer comparable all-day battery life
Price-Performance Analysis
Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 devices typically cost more but offer:
- Premium flagship pricing ($800-1200+)
- Maximum performance for demanding users
- Better gaming and multimedia capabilities
Tensor G5 devices offer competitive pricing with unique advantages:
- Google Pixel 10 starting around $699
- Excellent AI features and computational photography
- Strong software support and regular updates
Recommendations: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 If You:
- Prioritize maximum performance and gaming capabilities
- Need the fastest possible CPU and GPU performance
- Use demanding applications and multitask heavily
- Want the latest flagship Android features across multiple brands
Choose Tensor G5 If You:
- Value AI-powered photography and smart features
- Prefer Google’s clean Android experience
- Want guaranteed long-term software updates
- Use Google services extensively
- Prioritize computational photography over gaming
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for gaming: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 vs Tensor G5?
Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is significantly better for gaming, delivering 43% superior GPU performance and stable frame rates in demanding mobile games. The Tensor G5 handles casual gaming well but struggles with intensive AAA mobile titles and high refresh rate gaming scenarios.
Is Tensor G5 faster than Snapdragon 8 Gen 4?
No, Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is faster overall with 40% better single-core and 62% better multi-core performance. However, Tensor G5 is faster for AI-specific tasks with its dedicated TPU processing unit that’s 60% more powerful than previous generation chips.
Which processor has better battery life: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 or Tensor G5?
Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 generally offers better battery efficiency for sustained performance tasks and gaming. Tensor G5 excels in power efficiency for AI workloads and computational photography but may consume more power during intensive multitasking scenarios.
Should I choose Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 vs Tensor G5 for photography?
Choose Tensor G5 for photography excellence. Google’s custom silicon delivers superior computational photography with advanced AI image processing, better HDR capabilities, and exclusive Pixel camera features that outperform traditional smartphone cameras powered by Snapdragon processors.
Which smartphone processor is more future-proof?
Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 offers better performance future-proofing with higher baseline speeds for demanding future apps. Tensor G5 provides AI future-proofing with 7-year software support and continuously improving AI capabilities through Google’s machine learning updates.
Can Tensor G5 run demanding games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, Tensor G5 can run demanding games like Genshin Impact, but expect medium settings for optimal performance. For maximum graphics quality and frame rates in intensive mobile games, Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is the superior choice with its more powerful Adreno 830 GPU.
Is Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 worth the extra cost over Tensor G5?
Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is worth the extra cost if you prioritize maximum performance, intensive gaming, or need the fastest possible processing speeds. Tensor G5 offers better value for users who want flagship AI features, excellent photography, and long-term software support at a lower price point.
Final Verdict: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 vs Tensor G5
Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 wins for users prioritizing raw performance, offering superior gaming capabilities, faster processing speeds, and better overall benchmark scores. It’s the clear choice for power users and mobile gaming enthusiasts.
Tensor G5 excels for users wanting intelligent features, providing unmatched AI processing, excellent computational photography, and seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem. It’s perfect for users who value smart features over maximum performance.
The choice ultimately depends on your priorities: maximum performance (Snapdragon 8 Gen 4) or intelligent, AI-powered experiences (Tensor G5). Both represent excellent smartphone chipsets that will serve users well through their device lifecycle.
