Google Tensor G5 and G6 leaks suggest redesigned core configurations and a new GPU

Rumor mill: A few new leaks have provided insight into the chips that are expected to power Google's upcoming Pixel 10 and Pixel 11 smartphones. The Pixel 10 is expected to come with the Tensor G5 SoC, while the Pixel 11 is expected to come with the Tensor G6.

According to Android Authority, the Tensor G5 – codenamed “Laguna” – will feature the Arm Cortex-X4 CPU architecture, similar to the Pixel 9's Tensor G4 but with a different core configuration. While the G4 features a 1+3+4 setup consisting of one main core, three performance cores and four efficiency cores, the G5 is expected to have a 1+5+2 layout with one Cortex-X4 main core, five Cortex-X4 main cores and five Cortex-X4 main cores. A725 performance cores and two Cortex-A520 efficiency cores.

As for the GPU, the Tensor G5 is rumored to include one from Imagination Technologies, which previously supplied graphics chips for iPhones before Apple moved to developing its own GPUs. If this leak is true, it would mark a significant departure from the Tensor G4, which uses the Mali-G715 GPU also seen in the Tensor G3. It is noteworthy that the Mali-G715 in the G4 is clocked slightly higher at 940 MHz.

The report also claims that the Tensor G5 will be manufactured using TSMC's 3nm class N3E process node, the same process used for Apple's A18 Pro and M4 processors. The A18 Pro powers the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, while the M4 is found in the latest iPad Pro, which launched earlier this year. The M4 is also expected to power upcoming devices like the 14-inch MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and next-generation iMac.

Additionally, the Pixel 11's Tensor G6 (codenamed “Malibu”) is expected to be based on TSMC's updated 3nm N3P process node. This node is also rumored to be used for Apple's upcoming A19 chip, which could potentially give the G6 significant performance and efficiency improvements over the G5.

Additionally, Notebookcheck reports that the Tensor G6 will feature a 1+6+1 core configuration, consisting of an Arm Cortex-X930 prime core, six Cortex-A730 performance cores, and a Cortex-A520 efficiency core. The report also notes that the Tensor G5 may have a peak clock speed of 3.1GHz, while the G6 could reach 3.2GHz. Both chips are also said to support LPDDR5X-8533 memory, which is significantly faster than the Tensor G4's LPDDR5X-4200 modules.