Pixel 10 Pro XL's Alleged Benchmarks Leak: Is Google's Next Flagship Already in Trouble?

A ripple of concern is spreading through the tech world following the alleged leak of benchmark scores for what is widely believed to be the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL. These early figures, if accurate, paint a less-than-rosy picture for Google's next-generation flagship, suggesting its Tensor G5 chip could be alarmingly underpowered, even compared to current Pixel models.

The controversial scores appeared on the Geekbench 6 platform, attributed to a device labeled "Google Pixel 9 Pro XL." However, given the expected release timelines and the natural progression of Google's chip development, industry analysts are strongly correlating this device with the upcoming Pixel 10 Pro XL, running on the highly anticipated Tensor G5 processor.

The reported single-core score clocked in at a mere 1,228 points, with a multi-core score of 3,801 points. These numbers are a significant eyebrow-raiser for all the wrong reasons.

To put these figures into perspective, the current Pixel 8 Pro, powered by the Tensor G3, typically achieves single-core scores around 1,760 and multi-core scores exceeding 4,400.

This means the leaked Tensor G5 results are not just incrementally lower; they represent a considerable performance regression, performing roughly 30% worse in single-core and over 15% worse in multi-core tests than its direct predecessor. This is an unexpected and concerning step backward for Google's custom silicon ambitions.

The gap widens even further when comparing these alleged G5 scores to top-tier competitor chips.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, found in many leading Android flagships, regularly posts single-core scores over 2,200 and multi-core scores above 7,000. Apple's A17 Pro chip, powering the iPhone 15 Pro, pushes the boundaries even further, with single-core scores around 2,900 and multi-core scores surpassing 7,200.

Against these titans, the leaked Tensor G5 numbers make Google's chip appear woefully uncompetitive.

This potential underperformance raises critical questions about the Pixel 10 Pro XL's viability as a true flagship device. In an increasingly competitive smartphone market where raw processing power underpins everything from AI features to gaming and multitasking, a chip that lags behind current and future rivals could severely limit the Pixel's appeal.

While Google's focus has historically been on AI and software optimization, a foundational deficit in processing capability could hinder those very advancements.

It's crucial to approach these early leaks with a degree of caution. Benchmarks from pre-production units, especially those appearing so far out from launch, are often unreliable.

The device tested could be an early engineering sample with unoptimized software, thermal throttling issues, or even a misconfigured test unit. Such early versions rarely reflect the final product's polished performance. Google's engineers will undoubtedly be working tirelessly to optimize and refine the Tensor G5 before its official debut.

Nevertheless, these initial benchmark figures serve as a stark warning and a source of significant concern.

While we await official details and more concrete performance indicators, the prospect of a Pixel 10 Pro XL launching with a chip that struggles to keep pace with older Pixel models, let alone its contemporaries, is undoubtedly disappointing. Google has a considerable task ahead to reassure potential buyers that the Tensor G5 will deliver the flagship performance they expect and deserve.