Google Tensor vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G

Google Tensor

The Google Tensor SoC (G1, first generation) is the first smartphone processor from Google. It is positioned as a high end SoC and focuses on the integrated TPU for efficient AI and ML calculations. The CPU part integrates two fast and big ARM Cortex X1 cores at up to 2.8 GHz. A second cluster integrates 2 mid range Cortex-A76 cores at up to 2.25 GHz. Finally, four small ARM Cortex-A55 cores with up to 1.8 GHz are integrated for efficiency purposes. All cores can access the shared 4 MB L3 cache. 

The successors of the Tensor SoC are the Tensor G2 and G3.

The chip also integrates a Titan M2 security processor and a ARM Mali G78 MP20 GPU. The chip is manufactured in the modern 5nm process.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G Mobile Platform is a high-end SoC for smartphones that was introduced in late 2020 and manufactured in 5 nm at Samsung. Integrates one “Prime Core” based on a ARM Cortex-X1 architecture clocked at up to 2.84 GHz. Three more performance cores are based on the A78 but clock up to 2.42 GHz. Furthermore, four energy saving cores are integrated that are based on the ARM Cortex-A55 architecture and clock at up to 1.8 GHz. In addition to the processor cores, the SoC integrates a WiFi 6e modem, a Hexagon 780 DSP (up to 26 TOPS of AI performance) and a Spectra 580 ISP. The integrated memory controller now supports faster LPDDR5 memory with up to 3,200 MHz. 5G is now included in the chip with the Snapdragon X60 modem.

The performance of the processor cores should be around 15% better than the old Snapdragon 865+. The integrated Adreon 660 GPU should make a bigger jump by 35% (most likely compared to the SD 865).