Google Pixel 11's Tensor G6 could bring faster CPU, but the GPU may be a step back

A new leak has pulled back the curtain on the Tensor G6 chipset expected to power the Google Pixel 11 series—and the picture it paints is uneven. On the CPU side, Google appears to be making a real generational jump, adopting ARM's newest core architecture. But the GPU tell a different story, and not a flattering one.The chip, surfaced by Telegram tipster MysticLeaks, will reportedly move to a seven-core CPU setup instead of the eight-core arrangement on the Tensor G5. The configuration includes one ARM C1-Ultra prime core running at 4.11GHz, four ARM C1-Pro performance cores at 3.38GHz, and two ARM C1-Pro efficiency cores at 2.65GHz. For context, the Tensor G5's prime core peaks at 3.78GHz—so the G6 should be meaningfully quicker, at least in single-core tasks.The C1 cores are ARM's newest architecture, introduced in late 2025, and also power MediaTek's Dimensity 9500. Even the lower-clocked C1-Pro efficiency cores should outperform the Tensor G5's Cortex-A520 units. On CPU, Google looks to be in good shape.The GPU story is less encouraging. Tensor G6 reportedly pairs those new cores with a PowerVR C-Series CXTP-48-1536 GPU—a design that dates back to 2021. The Tensor G5 already uses the newer DXT-48-1536, which makes this a technical regression, not a lateral move. Gaming performance on Pixel phones has already drawn criticism, and this won't quiet that conversation.The leak also confirms the internal codenames for the lineup: Cubs (Pixel 11), Grizzly (Pixel 11 Pro), and Kodiak (Pixel 11 Pro XL). A previous report had flagged the Tensor G6 would include Google's new Titan M3 security chip, which would be a notable security upgrade.Google hasn't officially confirmed any of this. The Pixel 11 series is expected to launch in August, in line with the company's usual schedule.