Google has unveiled the Pixel 11 series and the Tensor G6 is the new chip powering the lineup. This is the first Tensor chip built on a 2nm process node and the first to use Arm's newest C1-series CPU cores. On top of that, it packs MediaTek's new 5G modem and drops Samsung's modem. So, here is everything we know about the Tensor G6 benchmarks, CPU layout and specs.
Google Tensor G6 CPU
| CPU | Tensor G6 | Tensor G5 |
|---|---|---|
| Core count | 7 | 8 |
| Prime core | 1x Arm C1-Ultra (4.11GHz) | 1x Cortex-X4 (3.78GHz) |
| Performance cores | 4x Arm C1-Pro (3.38GHz) | 5x Cortex-A725 (3.05GHz) |
| Efficiency cores | 2x Arm C1-Pro (2.65GHz) | 2x Cortex-A520 (2.25GHz) |
Let's start with Tensor G6's CPU. Unlike previous generations, Google is going with an unusual 7-core CPU setup. Tensor G6 has a 1+4+2 layout with a single Arm C1-Ultra core clocked at 4.11GHz, 4x C1-Pro cores clocked at 3.38GHz and the last 2x C1-Pro cores clocked at 2.65GHz. On top of that, there are no efficiency cores.
Google claims the Tensor G6 is at least 25% faster at web browsing and up to 15% faster at app loading. In addition, the new chip is up to 20% more power-efficient than the Tensor G5.
Notably, Google has skipped an entire Arm generation. The Tensor G5 brought a Cortex-X4 Prime core, and the Tensor G6 jumps straight to the C1-Ultra. To put it simply, this is going to be the largest single-core gain on any Tensor lineup.
Note that the C1-Ultra is the same prime core inside the Dimensity 9500 and Exynos 2600 processors. The Tensor G6 has clocked the C1-Ultra core slightly lower at 4.11GHz, so it should not top the benchmark chart.
Interestingly, Tensor G6 has leaked on Geekbench, but it has scored much lower than our expectation, achieving 2,112 in single-core and 5,196 in multi-core. Since this is an initial listing, you should take the scores with a pinch of salt.
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Google Tensor G6 GPU
Now, coming to the GPU, the Tensor G6 uses an Imagination PowerVR C-Series CXTP-48-1536 GPU. That looks weird on paper because the Tensor G5 already uses the newer DXT-48-1536, and the D-Series came after the C-Series.
By the way, the CXTP part does not show up anywhere on Imagination's public product pages. The closest match is the IMG CXT-48-1536, which launched way back in 2021.
There is one silver lining, though. The CXT-48-1536 is the RT3 configuration, which packs 3x Ray Acceleration Clusters and it's rated for up to 1.3 GRay/s of hardware ray tracing. Google shipped the Tensor G5 chipset with no ray tracing hardware at all, so the Tensor G6 could arrive with Ray-Tracing support.
That said, it won't be a graphics powerhouse. The GPU was already the weakest part of the Tensor G5, scoring a measly 382,578 points in our AnTuTu test. In comparison, Arm's Mali-G1 Ultra MC12 GPU scored 1,330,281 points in our Dimensity 9500 GPU benchmark test. That is a 3.5x gap and the PowerVR GPU does not look like it's meant for gaming or heavy visual tasks.
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Google Tensor G6 Thermals and Efficiency
The Tensor G6 is fabbed on TSMC's N2 process, which is the most advanced node right now. It's an improvement over the N3E process behind the Tensor G5. Google has also beaten Apple in adopting TSMC's 2nm node since the A20 chip (built on 2nm) is expected in September 2026.
Apart from that, Google is replacing Samsung's Exynos modem with MediaTek's M90 5G modem which can deliver download speeds up to 12 Gbps. MediaTek also says it reduces power draw by up to 18%.
We all know that heat from the Exynos modem was one of the major issues on the Pixel lineup and it's going to be finally fixed on the Pixel 11 series. If the M90 modem delivers, it will mean a lot to Pixel owners in India than any other upgrade.
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Tensor G6 Specs
| Specs | Tensor G6 |
|---|---|
| Process Node | TSMC 2nm (N2) |
| CPU | 7-core Arm C1-series CPU, Armv9.3-A |
| CPU Cores | 1x C1-Ultra at 4.11GHz, 4x C1-Pro at 3.38GHz, 2x C1-Pro at 2.65GHz |
| GPU | Imagination PowerVR C-Series CXTP-48-1536 |
| NPU | New Google TPU, 50% more compute and 2x memory bandwidth |
| ISP | Upgraded ISP, new Custom Video Portrait Engine |
| Security | Titan M3 security chip |
| Storage and Memory | LPDDR5X and UFS 4.0 |
| Modem | MediaTek M90 5G modem, up to 12Gbps peak download speed |
In my assessment, the Tensor G6 has seen major upgrades in key areas. It's built on a 2nm node, packs Arm's newest CPU cores and there is a new MediaTek modem. Basically, this is a chipset tuned to run cool and stay steady rather than top benchmark charts.
That said, the GPU is a disappointment. You can't expect flagship graphics and gaming performance on the Pixel 11 series.
All in all, pick the Pixel 11 for its cameras, Gemini features and AI experiences and the Tensor G6 is the right chip for the job. We will put the Tensor G6 through our full benchmark tests the moment retail units arrive, so check back for the real numbers.
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