Pixel 11 Pro XL Geekbench Scores Reveal Disappointing Tensor G6 Performance
The Pixel 11 series
is shaping up to be a difficult sell, with reports of smaller batteries and reduced RAM on some models suggesting a downgrade rather than an upgrade. The Tensor G6 chip was initially seen as a potential bright spot due to its shift to a 2nm node, but recent Geekbench listings have cast doubt on that expectation.Disappointing Benchmark Results
The Pixel 11 Pro XL achieved a single-core score of 2,112 and a multi-core score of 5,196 on Geekbench. While these results aren't definitive due to the possibility of test manipulation, they indicate a less-than-impressive performance.
Pixel 11 Pro XL benchmark scores. | Image by Geekbench
Efficiency Over Power?
Rumors suggested Google was moving towards Arm C1 clusters for improved performance. However, the Tensor G6's design appears to prioritize efficiency over raw power, putting it at a disadvantage compared to chips from Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Apple.
The Tensor G6 reportedly features one Arm C1-Ultra core (4.11GHz), four C1-Pro cores (3.38GHz), and two C1-Pro cores (2.65GHz), a reduction from the five cores in the Tensor G5. The absence of Premium cores, which offer a performance tier between the Ultra and Pro, is also concerning.
GPU Upgrade and Marginal Improvements
The GPU will be upgraded from the DXT-48-1536 to PowerVR CXTP-48-1536, potentially offering marginal graphics improvements and a 20% efficiency boost.
Comparison with Competitors
iPhone 17 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL Geekbench 7 scores. | Image by Geekbench
The Pixel 10 Pro XL scored 1,876 and 5,102 on single-core and multi-core tests respectively, showing only marginal performance improvements. In contrast, the iPhone 17 Pro achieved significantly higher scores of 2,865 and 8,475.
Price Increase Despite Performance Concerns
Despite the underwhelming performance gains, reduced battery capacity, and less RAM, the Pixel 11 series is expected to be more expensive than the Pixel 10. Google's in-house Tensor chip was intended to provide a competitive advantage, but the company's recent performance suggests a Snapdragon might have been a better choice.