Following in Apple’s footsteps, Google embarked on a journey to use its own custom chip in Pixel smartphones. The Pixel 6 series became the first to feature a custom Google processor called Tensor, albeit based on Samsung’s Exynos chips manufactured on the 5nm node process. The Pixel 7 continued to utilize a semi-custom Samsung-made processor, and so will the Pixel 8. But it seems Google is planning to drop the Korean company in favor of TSMC to launch its fully customized Tensor G5 chip in 2025.
A truly custom Tensor chip coming in 2025
A former Google executive told The Information (via 9to5Google) that the initial plan was to launch a truly custom Tensor chip as early as next year. However, the production of the chip, codenamed Redondo, got delayed due to challenges in retaining employees and coordinating development across multiple teams. According to the outlet, the chip is now expected to be ready by 2025.
Confirming previous reports, today’s source claims that Google is indeed switching from Samsung to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) for the production of its Tensor G5 chip. The chip is said to be based on TSMC’s 3-nanometer manufacturing process and will utilize Integrated Fan-Out technology for reduced thickness and increased power efficiency.
We will have to wait a little longer before witnessing a fully customized Tensor chip. The upcoming Pixel 8 lineup for this year will continue to feature a processor designed and manufactured by Samsung. Similarly, the Pixel smartphones set to launch in 2024 will also incorporate a processor from the Korean company, albeit with fewer Samsung components this time.
A fully custom chip will help Google to create a tighter integration between hardware and software, making the phones perform much better than they do now.
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