Google is reportedly making a significant strategic change in its chip manufacturing approach by shifting from Samsung Foundry to Taiwan’s TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) for its future Tensor processors. The shift is expected to start with the Pixel 10 line-up arriving by the latter part of 2025, and may continue through to the Pixel 14 series, anticipated by 2029.
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Google to Use TSMC’s 3nm Node for Tensor G5 in Pixel 10, Ending 4-Year Chip Deal with Samsung
According to DigiTimes, Google has formed a long-term relationship with TSMC, suggesting a huge focus on better performance and efficiency in future Pixel handsets. Company executives reportedly travelled to TSMC’s headquarters in Taiwan to detail a multi-year partnership. Among things they apparently talked about are larger projects unrelated to smartphones, cloud TPU work, integrated circuits, servers, and very fancy liquid cooling systems.
The first chip in this new line of TSMC chips will be the Tensor G5, which is internally referred to as ‘Laguna’. Reportedly, it will be built using TSMC’s next-generation 3nm N3E process – a generational leap from Samsung’s 4nm node of the Tensor G4. The move is expected to resolve ongoing challenges like thermal inefficiency, power drain, and inconsistent production yields.
Early leaks suggest that the Tensor G5 will feature a new CPU setup: one high-performance Cortex-X4 core, five Cortex-A725 cores, and two Cortex-A520 cores. It will also house Google’s custom TPU for on-device AI, along with other proprietary components such as an always-on compute audio processor, the Emerald Hill memory co-processor, Google GXP (DSP), and the EdgeTPU. Graphics might be provided by a DXT-series GPU from Imagination Technologies.
The Pixel 10 family will probably consist of four editions: Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. With TSMC on board, Google hopes for better silicon performance consistency and more manageable manufacturing timelines, particularly in the face of lingering yield issues at Samsung Foundry for its Exynos 2500 platform. This strategic shift will enable Google to better compete with other high-end smartphone brands while laying the foundations for even more ambitious hardware plays in the years ahead.
FAQs
Is Google no longer using Samsung for its Tensor chips?
Yes, Google is switching to TSMC starting with the Tensor G5.
When will the first TSMC-made Tensor chip launch?
It’s expected to debut with the Pixel 10 series in late 2025.
