Google’s Pixel smartphones are set to undergo a significant change in their processor manufacturing process, marking a shift from Samsung Foundry to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) for the upcoming Pixel 10 series.
This move, slated for next year, is driven by Google’s desire for more reliable quality and yield in chip production. According to recent reports, the Pixel 10 will feature the Tensor G5 processor, fabricated using TSMC’s advanced 3nm process technology.
Tensor G5: Google’s First Fully In-House Designed Chip
The Chinese publication CTEE has revealed that Google’s Tensor G5, the company’s first 3nm chip, has already been taped out by TSMC. This milestone suggests that the chip’s design has been finalized, with significant changes unlikely moving forward.
Notably, the Tensor G5 is reportedly Google’s first entirely in-house designed chip, departing from previous collaborations with Samsung’s System LSI division. This shift, combined with TSMC’s cutting-edge 3nm process, is expected to deliver substantial improvements in both performance and power efficiency for the Pixel 10 series.
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While the specific variant of TSMC’s 3nm process (N3E or N3P) chosen for the Tensor G5 remains unclear, either option represents a considerable advancement over the 4nm process currently used for the Pixel 9 series.
This transition aligns with a broader industry trend, as major chip clients like Nvidia and Qualcomm are also moving away from Samsung Foundry in favor of TSMC, the world’s largest and most technologically advanced contract chip manufacturer.
Impact on Future Pixel Devices
The move to TSMC for the Pixel 10’s Tensor G5 processor marks a pivotal moment in Google’s smartphone strategy, potentially setting the stage for enhanced performance and efficiency in future Pixel devices.
As the tech giant continues to refine its chip design and manufacturing processes, consumers can anticipate significant improvements in their Pixel smartphone experience, further solidifying Google’s position in the competitive smartphone market.
