Google Tensor G6 Leak Hints Pixel 11 Could Fall Behind Again

Google has a pattern. And unfortunately, a fresh Tensor G6 leak suggests the Pixel 11 may be about to repeat it. Here’s what the early benchmarks reveal — and why Pixel fans should be concerned.

What the Tensor G6 Leak Actually Shows

A device codenamed “Google Kodiak” surfaced on Geekbench 6 with specs widely believed to point to the Pixel 11. The configuration raised eyebrows immediately.

History Repeating for Google’s Chip Strategy

The Tensor G5 had the uncomfortable distinction of being slower than Apple’s A14 Bionic — a chip that launched in 2020. Now, the Tensor G6 reportedly drops to 7 cores (down from 8), cuts the system-level cache in half to 4MB, and ships with a GPU originally designed for the Tensor G4. That’s not progress — that’s a cost-cutting exercise.

Internal Google documents leaked by Android Authority revealed the motivation bluntly: Tensor-based Pixel programs “have not met financial targets,” and the SoC cost goal has been set at just $65 — compared to roughly $150 for Qualcomm’s flagship chips.

The saving grace? Tensor was never really about raw benchmarks. Google’s focus remains on AI-driven camera features like 100x zoom and Ultra Low Light video, plus a rumoured Titan M3 security chip upgrade. As TechnoSports has noted, real-world Pixel experience often outpaces what the spec sheet suggests.

Still, at $800+, Pixel 11 buyers will reasonably expect more than a sideways chip step.

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