Google Pixel 5's chipset may be barely better than the Pixel 4a's

Google Pixel 4a
Google Pixel 4a (Image credit: TechRadar)

The Google Pixel 5 is expected to be Google's top-end smartphone for the year, but it seems it might not have the processing power of other premium smartphones - in fact, it could be only a small step above the recently-launched budget Google Pixel 4a.

This news comes from leaked Pixel 5 AI benchmarks, as discovered by MyFixGuide, which lists the phone as having the Snapdragon 765G chipset.

We'd expected the handset to have the Snapdragon 865 or even 865 Plus processor - those are the best chipsets available to Android phones right now, and would give the phone a lot more processing power than the 765G.

We've heard previous rumors that the phone won't be as top-end as, say, the Pixel 4, and perhaps the chipset is one area the company has decided it doesn't need to go all-out in. When the phone launches later in the year, we'd hope the price tag reflects any sacrifices though.

Basically a Pixel 5a

If this information is correct, the Google Pixel 5 will likely have processing power similar to the Pixel 4a. That has a Snapdragon 730G chipset, and on the Geekbench website we can see it often scores roughly 1600 in multi-core tests.

Compare that to the OnePlus Nord and Moto G 5G Plus, two Snapdragon 765G phones, which scored 1877 and 1822 respectively - those scores aren't much higher than the Pixel 4's.

When you consider that Snapdragon 865 phones like the Xiaomi Black Shark 3, Sony Xperia 1 II and OnePlus 8 all got above 3000 in that same test, it becomes clear that the 765G is much closer to the 730G than the 865.

In short, the Google Pixel 5's processing power might barely beat out that of its 'budget' relative. We'll be testing the phone when it's released to find out, but if it does indeed coming running the Snapdragon 765G then that's likely to be the case.

Tom Bedford
Contributor

Tom Bedford joined TechRadar in early 2019 as a staff writer, and left the team as deputy phones editor in late 2022 to work for entertainment site (and TR sister-site) What To Watch. He continues to contribute on a freelance basis for several sections including phones, audio and fitness.

Latest in Google Pixel Phones
Google Pixel 9a being held, from the back
The Google Pixel 9a’s mysterious delay may have just been explained
Android 16 logo on a phone
Here's how Android 16 will upgrade the screen unlocking process on your Pixel
Google Pixel 9
The Google Pixel 10 just showed up in Android code – and may come with a useful speed boost
Google Pixel 9 in green Wintergreen color showing AI features on screen
Older Pixels just got a big performance boost, while the Pixel 9a is lacking a key feature
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL on peach background with don't miss text overlay
Why wait for the Pixel 9a? Here's a Pixel 9 Pro XL deal that can save you up to $600 at Best Buy
The Google Pixel 9a
The Google Pixel 9a’s AI has a RAM problem
Latest in News
Xbox Series X and Xbox wireless controller set to a green background
Xbox Insiders are currently testing a new Game Hub feature that looks useful, but I've got mixed feelings about it
A stylized depiction of a padlocked WiFi symbol sitting in the centre of an interlocking vault.
Broadcom warns of worrying security flaws affecting VMware tools
Microsoft Surface Laptop and Surface Pro devices on a table.
Hate Windows 11’s search? Microsoft is fixing it with AI, and that almost makes me want to buy a Copilot+ PC
Oura Ring 4
Activity tracking on Oura Ring is about to get a whole lot better, but I've got bad news about your step count
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Cleaned your Pixel Buds Pro 2 recently? If not, you might be getting worse sound
Google Maps on a phone being held in someone's hand
Google Maps is getting two key upgrades, for easier route planning and quicker access to Gemini AI