diff --git a/.github/workflows/benchmark-apk.yml b/.github/workflows/benchmark-apk.yml
index 0d179e2e..6b7f2864 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/benchmark-apk.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/benchmark-apk.yml
@@ -1,8 +1,10 @@
 name: Benchmark APK
 
 # Builds the `benchmark` flavor APK on every push so the changes in each commit
-# can be downloaded, installed, and reviewed. The benchmark flavor uses a distinct
-# applicationId suffix, so it installs side-by-side with a production build.
+# can be downloaded, installed, and reviewed. Built as a signed *release* APK
+# (R8/minify enabled, not debuggable) so it has no debug overhead. The benchmark
+# flavor uses a distinct applicationId suffix, so it installs side-by-side with a
+# production build.
 
 on:
   push:
@@ -42,13 +44,24 @@ jobs:
       - name: Create keystore.properties
         run: touch keystore.properties
 
-      - name: Build benchmark APK
-        run: ./gradlew assembleBenchmarkDebug --no-daemon --stacktrace
+      - name: Build benchmark release APK
+        run: ./gradlew assembleBenchmarkRelease --no-daemon --stacktrace
+
+      - name: Sign benchmark APK
+        uses: r0adkll/sign-android-release@v1
+        with:
+          releaseDirectory: app/build/outputs/apk/benchmark/release
+          signingKeyBase64: ${{ secrets.SIGNING_KEY }}
+          alias: ${{ secrets.KEY_ALIAS }}
+          keyStorePassword: ${{ secrets.KEY_STORE_PASSWORD }}
+          keyPassword: ${{ secrets.KEY_PASSWORD }}
+        env:
+          BUILD_TOOLS_VERSION: "34.0.0"
 
       - name: Upload benchmark APK
         uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
         with:
           name: amber-benchmark-${{ github.sha }}
-          path: app/build/outputs/apk/benchmark/debug/app-benchmark-universal-debug.apk
+          path: app/build/outputs/apk/benchmark/release/app-benchmark-universal-release-unsigned-signed.apk
           retention-days: 14
           if-no-files-found: error