The upcoming Google Pixel 10 is expected to introduce a significant leap in mobile hardware, particularly in graphics performance. According to multiple industry sources, Google may equip its new Tensor G5 chipset with a GPU from Imagination Technologies, replacing the Arm Mali GPUs used in previous Tensor chips.
This potential change came into focus after a technical blog post related to the RISC-V Day Tokyo event surfaced online. The post, which was later shared by Imagination Technologies, included a table listing upcoming chipsets using Imagination GPUs. The Tensor G5 was explicitly mentioned, suggesting that Google is moving forward with integrating Imagination’s DXT-48-1536 GPU into its next-generation chipset.
The DXT-48-1536 is a modern GPU solution capable of advanced features like hardware ray tracing, offering higher graphical fidelity and improved gaming experiences. If confirmed, this would mark a first for the Pixel series, bringing it in line with top-tier mobile devices that prioritize high-end graphics performance.
Beyond the GPU, the Tensor G5 is expected to be Google’s most custom chip to date, fabricated by TSMC using a 3nm-class process. The chip will reportedly feature Arm Cortex CPU cores, a fully custom image signal processor (ISP) developed by Google, a bespoke memory controller, system-level cache, and power modules. Third-party solutions will still be used for components like USB, PCIe, I3C, DSI, DisplayPort, and LPDDR5x memory.
The shift from Samsung to TSMC for manufacturing may also result in improved energy efficiency and thermal management, addressing past performance concerns with earlier Tensor chips.
Interestingly, the same integration table also included a reference to a mysterious custom Xiaomi chipset, codenamed XuanJie, that is also expected to use an Imagination GPU. This indicates growing momentum behind Imagination Technologies as a competitive GPU provider in the mobile space.
If these reports prove accurate, the Pixel 10 could deliver substantial upgrades in graphics and performance, reinforcing Google’s broader strategy of hardware-software optimization and bringing it one step closer to true flagship status.
