Google’s Tensor chips have long prioritized AI and smart features over raw power, but as the 2026 flagship competition peaks with Ultra flagships, that strategy is being tested. In our recent comparison between Tensor G5 of the Pixel 10 Pro XL and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 found in the Xiaomi 17 UltraWe saw a staggering achievement gap. While the Snapdragon chip easily maintained 120fps in demanding titles like COD Mobile, the Tensor G5 often struggled to maintain 90fps, consuming more power in the process.
We asked our readers if this lackluster performance deters them from purchasing a Google Pixel. Here are the results:
Our survey received 6,310 votes and 2,183 voters (34.6% of total votes) reported that the Pixel’s lackluster performance deters them from purchasing Google’s flagship. However, for a large majority of 3,954 voters (62.7% of total votes), this performance delta does not matter, at least not in their purchasing decision. A small minority of 173 voters (2.7% of total votes) would not buy a Pixel anyway, regardless of its performance.
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Even though technical data shows that rivals can offer twice the performance in games like Genshin Impact or Asphalt Legends, a clear majority of respondents believe that the performance shortfalls are not enough to stop them from buying a Pixel.
The comments echoed a common theme, with many commenters valuing the “Pixel experience” and cohesive software over raw power they’ll never actually use. As Android Authority Reader pjauger commented:
I’m not sure why it matters anymore. Unless you want to play AAA video games on your cell phone, all this performance is useless. I have a Pixel 9 Pro and it runs normal apps and browses the web fine, which is what 98% of it does. Plus, Google has integrated AI, which is the only other thing I care about.
Reader Jim Vlahos is in a similar situation:
I don’t really care about the raw performance of the Tensor chip.
The only time the lack of raw performance is noticeable is when running benchmarks, exporting edited videos, and high-end gaming.
What I would prefer to see is better power efficiency and less overheating of the processor and modem. My Pixel 10 Pro’s battery life is bad and it overheats a lot. That heat also means the battery wears out faster.
For this group of people, the Pixel is not a game console; is a smart assistant that happens to be a phone. As long as you don’t overheat during daily tasks (which can be a bit hit and miss with Tensor, especially with the March 2026 Pixel Feature Drop), the lower limit of GPU performance is an acceptable trade-off.
For these users, the Pixel’s strengths in photography, unique AI tools, and software expertise likely outweigh the need for “locked at 60fps” games. As long as the phone is still “good enough” for mainstream workloads and casual gaming, the lack of cutting-edge silicon isn’t a deal breaker.
However, for a third of our readers, Google’s inability to match the competition on flagship prices is a major deterrent. As mobile gaming becomes more demanding and rivals continue to expand the definition of flagship performance, “good enough” may eventually no longer be enough for this segment of the market.
Reader maxmousee expressed concern about the lifespan of the device:
For me it is not a deal breaker, but I fear for the longevity of the device. Right now it doesn’t seem slow, but in 3 years it will age worse than other flagships. In my opinion, Google needs to step up and catch up with its competitors. 10% is acceptable but the current state is not. Not for a full priced device.
Performance complacency isn’t limited to gaming either; can have real-world implications, such as during intense multitasking. As reader Rashid Gattis points out:
In my case, I have performance issues when using my 10 Pro XL. I don’t play. I tend to hit my phone when I’m making money doing gig apps.
An example of this is that I will be delivering packages for Amazon. I’ll have the Amazon Flex app, Google Maps, Android Auto, YouTube Music, and my mileage tracking app running at the same time. I’m constantly in my car. I use maps to navigate because the built-in navigation app Amazon provides is terrible. I’m in my car constantly, so naturally I use Android Auto for the larger screen to be able to see what’s happening. I play music so I don’t have to sit in a quiet car. I have to track my mileage for tax purposes. This is my real life example of how my phone is pushed to its limits and I feel like it’s easy to push. I don’t think the Snapdragon has these problems.
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With the first rumors suggesting the G6 tensioners can remain at a similar level of performance, while Qualcomm could move forward with Pro Snapdragon chipsGoogle faces a tough road if it wants to win over power users and mobile gamers who have always preferred Snapdragon-powered alternatives.
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