Despite the fact that Google has not yet released the Pixel 9 (and it is unlikely to do so before October), there are already leaks about the Pixel 10, which bring positive news regarding the Tensor chip.
After the Google Pixel 6, all subsequent Pixel phones have been equipped with Tensor, a custom chipset developed by Google. The most recent addition to the Tensor lineup is the Tensor G3, which powers the Pixel 8 series. It is expected that the upcoming Pixel 9 models will be powered by the Tensor G4. While Google is responsible for designing its own chips, they are currently being manufactured by Samsung. However, this arrangement may change with the release of the Pixel 10 series.
According to reliable leaker Tipster Revegnus, who has a history of accurate leaks about Samsung and semiconductor-related news, TSMC will be responsible for producing the chipset for the Pixel 10 series. TSMC, also known as Taiwanese Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, is the manufacturer behind Apple’s A series and M series chips, including the recently released M4 silicon.
From the Pixel 10 series to be released in 2025, Google will produce AP at TSMC’s 3nm process in Taiwan.Google recently expanded its R&D center in Taiwan and is actively hiring local semiconductor engineers, with cooperation with TSMC in mind.
— J. Reve (@Revegnus1) May 14, 2024
This marks a victory for Google Pixel devices as TSMC chips have consistently outperformed those made by Samsung. To provide context, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip was produced by Samsung in 2022 and featured in high-end Android phones like the Galaxy S22 Ultra. However, users were not impressed with its performance, prompting Qualcomm to collaborate with TSMC and release an improved version later that same year.
According to the tipster, the chip will be produced using TSMC’s 3nm process. While the current Tensor G3 utilizes a 4nm process, it is speculated that the upcoming Tensor G4 will also use this technology. Nevertheless, there are rumors that the Tensor G4 may incorporate Samsung’s more advanced 4nm technology.
The use of the 3nm process has the potential to enhance the performance and efficiency of the Tensor G5. However, the current Tensor G3 falls significantly behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Apple A17 Pro in terms of performance, and speculation suggests that the Tensor G4 may also have similar limitations.
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