Google Locks in TSMC for Tensor Chip Production: Pixel 10 to Pixel 14 and Beyond

Big news for Google Pixel fans! A new report indicates that Google has secured a long-term partnership with TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) for the production of its Tensor chipsets. This deal, reportedly spanning the next three to five years, ensures TSMC will be manufacturing Tensor chips for Pixel phones all the way up to the Pixel 14 generation.

This marks a significant shift for Google, which has previously relied on Samsung Foundry for its Tensor chips. The first TSMC-made Tensor chip, the Tensor G5, is expected to debut in the upcoming Pixel 10 series later this year and will be built on TSMC’s advanced 3nm process.

Reports suggest that Google executives even visited TSMC in Taiwan to solidify the deal, highlighting the importance of this partnership for the future of Pixel devices. The collaboration aims to boost the competitiveness of the Pixel range against rivals, particularly given Samsung's reported struggles with its 3nm GAA yields.

What does this mean for Pixel users? TSMC's reputation for producing more efficient processors than Samsung Foundry suggests potential improvements in battery life and performance. Industry observers remember the stark difference between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (made by Samsung) and the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 (made by TSMC) in 2022, where the latter delivered significant efficiency gains alongside a performance boost. This shift could address concerns regarding Tensor chip overheating, which some reports have indicated as a primary reason for Pixel returns.

While early reports suggest that the Tensor G5 will offer an iterative performance upgrade, the long-term partnership with TSMC is viewed as a positive step towards the future of Tensor chips and the Pixel lineup. It also avoids the potential pitfalls of relying solely on a single manufacturer experiencing yield issues, which reportedly impacted Samsung's ability to supply Exynos 2500 chips for the Galaxy S25 series.

The move to TSMC positions Google to better compete with other tech giants who are also leveraging TSMC's advanced semiconductor technology. Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Apple are also expected to utilize TSMC's third-generation 3nm process for their respective chipsets.

What improvements are you hoping to see in the Pixel 10's Tensor G5 chip? Do you think this long-term partnership with TSMC will give Google a significant advantage in the smartphone market? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!

• Google Pixel
• Tensor G5
• TSMC