Google Pixel 10: Tensor G5 will stick with the same Exynos modem found on the Tensor G4

Despite Google's best efforts (or lack of thereof), the Pixel 10 prototype has been spotted in the wild, prompting Google to delay its launch altogether. This time, it gives us a glimpse into its innards, specifically its Tensor G5 SoC. Previous leaks speculated the Tensor G5 is a part of Google's broader goal of distancing itself from Samsung Foundry's IP in general. 9to5Google has noticed an interesting detail that suggests Google might not be fully ready for the split just yet.

The Tensor G5's baseband modem is code-named 'g5400'. It is the same Exynos-based modem found on the Tensor G4-powered Pixel 9 series. This information effectively debunks an earlier rumour which stated the Pixel 10 series would launch with a MediaTek T900 5G modem. Google's decision to stick with Samsung is understandable. Designing a smartphone SoC from scratch is difficult, especially a 5G modem. It took Apple nearly six years to make one after acquiring Intel's 5G division.

Overall, the Google Tensor G5 seems like a last-gen part stuck in a current-gen smartphone. For starters, it uses a mix of older Arm v8 and v9 CPU cores (Cortex-X4, Cortex-A725, Cortex-A520) for its CPU. Second, it is manufactured on TSMC's 5 nm node in an era where 3 nm is the norm. The real wildcard will be its GPU from Imagination Technologies. Its on-paper specs look great, and it'll be interesting to see how it fares against Qualcomm's Adreno and Arm's Mali counterparts.