Google’s Tensor chips have long prioritized AI and smart features over raw horsepower, but as the 2026 flagship competition reaches its peak with Ultra flagships, that strategy is being tested. In our recent comparison between the Pixel 10 Pro XL’s Tensor G5 and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 found in the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, we saw a staggering performance difference. While the Snapdragon chip easily maintained 120fps in demanding titles like COD Mobile, the Tensor G5 often struggled to maintain 90fps, gaining more power in the process.
We asked our readers if this weak display stops them from buying a Google Pixel. Here are the results:
Our poll received 6,310 votes, and 2,183 voters (34.6% of total votes) reported that the Pixel’s weak performance keeps them from buying Google’s flagship. However, for the vast majority of 3,954 voters (62.7% of total votes), this performance delta does not matter, at least not in their purchase decision. A small minority of 173 voters (2.7% of total votes) would not buy the Pixel either way, regardless of its performance.
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Despite technical data showing that rivals can deliver twice the performance in games like Genshin Impact or Asphalt Legends, a clear majority of respondents believe that the lack of performance is not enough to put them off buying the Pixel.
The comments echo a common theme, with many commentators valuing the “pixel experience” and compatible software over raw horsepower they’ll never actually use. As Android Authority Reader Pajaugaar commented:
I’m not really sure why this matters anymore. Unless you want to play AAA videogames on your cellphone, all this performance is pointless. I have a Pixel 9 Pro and it runs normal apps and browses the web fine, which is what 98% of people do. Plus, Google has closely integrated AI, which is the only other thing I care about.
Reader Jim Vlahos is in a similar boat:
I don’t really care about the raw performance of the Tensor chip.
The lack of raw performance is only noticeable when running benchmarks, exporting edited videos and high-end games.
I would like to see better power efficiency and less overheating from the processor and modem. My Pixel 10 Pro has bad battery life and overheats. That heat also means a battery that degrades faster.
For this group of people, the Pixel is not a gaming console; It’s a smart assistant that’s a phone. As long as it doesn’t overheat during daily tasks (which can be a bit hit-or-miss with Tensor, especially with the March 2026 pixel feature drop), the lower limit on GPU performance is an acceptable trade-off.
For these users, the pixel strength, specialized AI tools, and software experience in photography probably outweigh the need for “locked 60fps” gaming. As long as the phone remains “good enough” for mainstream workloads and casual gaming, the lack of cutting-edge silicon isn’t a problem.
However, for a third of our readers, Google’s inability to match the competition at key price points is a significant hurdle. As demand for mobile games continues to grow and rivals continue to push the definition of flagship performance, “good enough” may eventually cease to be good enough for this segment of the market.
Reader Maxmouse expressed concern about the device’s lifespan:
This is not a deal breaker for me but I am concerned about the longevity of the device. At the moment it doesn’t seem slow but in 3 years it will be worse than other flagships. In my opinion Google needs to move forward and catch up to the competitors. 10% is acceptable but not the current situation. Not for full priced devices.
Complacency in performance is not limited to sports; This can have real-world implications, such as during heavy multitasking. As reader Rasheed Gatiss says:
For me, when I move my 10 Pro XL I face performance issues. I don’t play games. I push my phone away when I’m out there making money with gig apps.
An example of this is that I will deliver packages for Amazon. I’ll have the Amazon Flex app, Google Maps, Android Auto, YouTube Music, and my mileage tracking app all running at the same time. I am constantly in my car. I use maps to navigate because the built-in navigation app that Amazon provides is terrible. I’m constantly in my car so naturally I’m using Android Auto for the big screen so I can see what’s going on. I play music so I don’t have to sit in a quiet car. I need 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 easily pushed. I don’t believe Snapdragon will have these problems.
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With early rumors suggesting that the Tenor G6 may stay in a similar performance bracket while Qualcomm may move forward with Pro Snapdragon chips, Google faces a tough road ahead if it wants to win over power users and mobile gamers who have always preferred Snapdragon-powered options.
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