We’ve recently found evidence that TSMC will make the Tensor G5 processor for the Pixel 10 series. Now, another source has seemingly confirmed this.
According to BusinessKorea, Google plans to use TSMC’s 3nm process for the Tensor G5 in the Pixel 10, while Samsung Foundry will continue to make the Tensor G4 for the Pixel 9 range. The report also mentions Qualcomm will initially produce the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 with TSMC. This move isn’t surprising, as Qualcomm has used TSMC for its flagship processors since the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 in 2022.
Tensor G5: Why the switch for Pixel 10?
Business Korea reported that Samsung Foundry’s 3nm process struggles with poor yields and efficiency, delivering 10 to 20% lower performance than TSMC’s 3nm process. This suggests that a Tensor G5 made by TSMC could significantly outperform one made by Samsung Foundry, even if the design is similar to the Tensor G4.
A similar situation occurred 2022 with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 made by Samsung and the 8 Plus Gen 1 made by TSMC. The TSMC version showed reduced heating, up to 30% better efficiency, and improved performance. Despite earlier claims of Samsung’s better 3nm yields, the latest reports indicate underwhelming performance, suggesting that claims about Samsung Foundry’s improvements should be viewed skeptically.
What are Google Tensor Processors?
Tensor is a custom silicon designed by Google to excel at tasks like machine learning. The first-generation Tensor in the Pixel 6 is a significant upgrade from the previous Pixel 5’s chip, even competing with flagship chips from Qualcomm and Samsung.
While speed improvements are modest, the real highlight is Google’s in-house TPU. This chip excels at real-time language translation, text-to-speech without the Internet, image processing, and live translation. It also enables advanced video capabilities, like using Google’s HDRNet algorithm at 4K 60fps. The TPU allows these machine learning features to run efficiently on the device, improving battery life and security by reducing reliance on the cloud.
