Key Points:
- The Tensor G5 chip for Google’s Pixel 10 will be manufactured by TSMC, marking a significant shift from Samsung’s foundry.
- Publicly available trade data confirms the involvement of TSMC in the production of the Tensor G5.
- Early samples of the Tensor G5 indicate substantial advancements in chip technology and production processes.
Google’s custom Tensor processors, which have powered Pixel devices since 2021, have traditionally been developed in collaboration with Samsung’s silicon division. While this partnership accelerated development and minimized engineering demands, it also tethered Google to Samsung’s technology. Consequently, Tensor chips have often struggled with thermals and efficiency, areas where Samsung’s foundry has lagged behind TSMC.
However, this dynamic is about to change. Recent leaks and trade data confirm that the Tensor G5 chip, destined for the Pixel 10, will be manufactured by TSMC. This transition from Samsung marks a pivotal development in Google’s quest for enhanced performance and efficiency in its processors.
The verification of TSMC’s involvement comes from trade databases, revealing the shipping manifest of a Tensor G5 sample chip. These documents disclose the “LGA” codename for the Tensor G5, known as “Laguna Beach,” and detail TSMC’s exclusive InFO POP packaging technology. This early-stage sample, described as revision “A0” with “OTP, V1,” indicates Google’s proactive approach in addressing potential flaws ahead of the chip’s final release.
Additionally, the trade entry notes that the Tensor G5 includes 16GB of package-on-package RAM from Samsung Electronics Co., corroborating leaks about the Pixel 10’s specifications. The exporter listed is Google LLC in Taiwan, with Tessolve Semiconductor in India handling verification and testing, suggesting a strategic shift in Google’s semiconductor production processes.
As we await the Pixel 9’s release, the anticipation for the Pixel 10 grows, bolstered by the promise of a TSMC-manufactured chip. This change is expected to enhance the overall performance and competitiveness of Google’s upcoming devices.
