Exynos 2400 vs Tensor G5: Specs & Benchmarks

This article compares Samsung’s Exynos 2400 and Google’s Tensor G5 mobile processors across specifications, real-world benchmark expectations, and usage scenarios. You’ll get a clear side-by-side of CPU, GPU, modem, and AI capabilities, plus practical advice on which chip matters more for your next phone purchase.

Background: Two Different Design Philosophies

The Exynos 2400, launched in early 2024, is Samsung’s flagship chip used in the Galaxy S24 series in most global markets. It’s built on Samsung’s 4nm LPP+ process and uses a 10-core CPU cluster with a mix of Cortex-X4, A720, and A520 cores. Its GPU is the Xclipse 940, based on AMD’s RDNA 3 architecture, a notable departure from the older Mali GPUs.

The Tensor G5, expected in late 2025 with the Pixel 10 series, marks Google’s first fully custom chip, moving away from Samsung’s foundry to TSMC’s 3nm process. Unlike the Exynos, the Tensor G5 is not designed to win raw performance benchmarks. Instead, it focuses on on-device AI, photography, and seamless integration with Google’s software. The G5 reportedly uses a custom CPU cluster (likely based on Arm’s Cortex-X4 and A720 cores) and an Imagination Technologies GPU, a major shift from the previous Arm Mali GPUs.

CPU Specifications and Performance

The Exynos 2400’s CPU is a 10-core design: one Cortex-X4 at 3.2GHz, two Cortex-A720 at 2.9GHz, three Cortex-A720 at 2.6GHz, and four Cortex-A520 at 1.95GHz. This aggressive multi-core setup gives it a strong Geekbench 6 multi-core score of around 6,900, with single-core around 2,200.

The Tensor G5’s CPU is less clearly specified, but leaks suggest an 8-core design with one Cortex-X4 at 3.0GHz, three Cortex-A720 at 2.6GHz, and four Cortex-A520 at 1.95GHz. Its Geekbench 6 scores are expected to be lower—likely around 2,100 single-core and 6,300 multi-core—because Google prioritizes sustained performance over peak bursts. In day-to-day use, the difference is barely noticeable; both chips handle scrolling, app launches, and multitasking with ease.

GPU and Gaming Performance

The Exynos 2400’s Xclipse 940 GPU, with RDNA 3 architecture, is a significant step up from previous Exynos GPUs. It supports hardware ray tracing and delivers frame rates comparable to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in many titles. In 3DMark Wild Life Extreme, it scores around 4,800 points, which is excellent for mobile gaming.

The Tensor G5’s GPU, from Imagination Technologies (model number likely IMG DXT-48-1536), is a mid-range design. Early benchmarks suggest it scores around 3,500 in 3DMark Wild Life Extreme, which is about 25% slower than the Exynos. For casual games, this is fine, but for demanding titles at high settings, the Exynos 2400 will deliver smoother frame rates and better thermal headroom.

AI and Machine Learning Capabilities

Here, the Tensor G5 is the clear winner. Google’s entire chip design revolves around the Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), which handles on-device AI tasks like real-time translation, photo editing, and voice recognition. The G5’s TPU is reportedly 40% faster than the previous Tensor G4, and it enables features like “Video Boost� and “Magic Eraser� to run locally, without cloud processing.

The Exynos 2400 also has a capable NPU, but its AI features are more limited. Samsung uses it for features like “Circle to Search� and on-device photo editing, but the overall AI ecosystem is less deep than Google’s. If you rely heavily on AI-powered photography or voice assistants, the Tensor G5 will feel more responsive and capable.

Modem, Connectivity, and Power Efficiency

The Exynos 2400 integrates Samsung’s Exynos 5300 modem, which supports sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.3. It’s a solid modem, but it has historically been less efficient than Qualcomm’s Snapdragon modems, leading to slightly higher power drain during calls or data use.

The Tensor G5 uses a modem from Samsung too (likely the Exynos 5400), but the chip’s TSMC 3nm process gives it a significant efficiency advantage. The 3nm node reduces power consumption by up to 30% compared to the 4nm node used by the Exynos 2400. In battery life tests, the Pixel 10 with the G5 is expected to last 10-15% longer than a Galaxy S24 with the Exynos 2400, despite having a similar battery capacity.

Benchmark Comparison: What the Numbers Mean

Here’s a practical summary of expected benchmark differences (based on leaked or early samples):

• Geekbench 6 (single-core): Exynos 2400 ~2,200 vs Tensor G5 ~2,100 (5% difference)
• Geekbench 6 (multi-core): Exynos 2400 ~6,900 vs Tensor G5 ~6,300 (10% difference)
• 3DMark Wild Life Extreme: Exynos 2400 ~4,800 vs Tensor G5 ~3,500 (25% difference)
• AnTuTu 10: Exynos 2400 ~2,100,000 vs Tensor G5 ~1,700,000 (20% difference)

In real-world use, these differences translate to: the Exynos 2400 will load heavy games faster and sustain higher frame rates, while the Tensor G5 will feel snappier in AI-driven camera processing and voice commands. For most users, the benchmark gap won’t be noticeable outside of gaming.

How to Choose: Which Chip Should You Care About?

Your choice depends on your priorities:

• Choose the Exynos 2400 if: You’re a mobile gamer, you want the highest raw performance for future-proofing, or you prefer Samsung’s One UI and ecosystem.
• Choose the Tensor G5 if: You’re a photography enthusiast who uses AI editing tools, you want the best on-device AI features, or you prefer Google’s clean Android experience and longer software support.
• If you don’t care about gaming: The Tensor G5 is the better daily driver due to its superior efficiency and AI capabilities.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A common misconception is that the Tensor G5 is a “flagship killer� in performance. It’s not; it’s a mid-range performer with flagship AI features. Another misconception is that the Exynos 2400 overheats. While earlier Exynos chips had thermal issues, the 2400’s vapor chamber cooling in the S24 series handles heat well, though it still runs warmer than the Tensor G5 under heavy load.

Another issue is that benchmarks don’t reflect sustained performance. The Exynos 2400 may throttle after 20 minutes of gaming, while the Tensor G5, with its lower peak power, maintains a more consistent frame rate. Always look at sustained performance tests, not just peak numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Exynos 2400 faster than the Tensor G5?

Yes, in raw CPU and GPU benchmarks, the Exynos 2400 is roughly 10-25% faster. However, the Tensor G5 is faster in AI-specific tasks and is more power-efficient.

Which chip is better for battery life?

The Tensor G5 is better due to its TSMC 3nm process, which consumes less power. Expect 10-15% longer battery life in mixed usage compared to the Exynos 2400.

Can the Tensor G5 play heavy games?

Yes, but at lower settings or frame rates. It can handle most games at medium settings, but demanding titles like Genshin Impact will run at 45-50fps instead of 60fps on the Exynos 2400.

Will the Tensor G5 get longer software support?

Yes, Google typically offers 7 years of OS and security updates for Pixel phones, while Samsung offers 7 years for the S24 series as well, so both are similar. However, Google’s updates are often faster and more consistent.

Does the Exynos 2400 support ray tracing?

Yes, the Xclipse 940 GPU supports hardware ray tracing, a feature the Tensor G5 lacks. This makes the Exynos 2400 better for future games that use ray tracing.

Which chip is better for photography?

The Tensor G5 is better for photography due to its superior image signal processor (ISP) and TPU, which enable real-time HDR processing, Magic Eraser, and other AI features. The Exynos 2400’s ISP is good but not as advanced.

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