- Google will stop manufacturing its Tensor chips with Samsung and will rely on TSMC for the Pixel 10 and future models.
- The change is due to TSMC's technical and efficiency superiority, as well as the overheating and battery life issues with previous chips.
- Samsung has been taken aback and has launched an internal review to analyze the loss of Google as a client for its foundry.
- The new Pixel 10 will arrive with AI, battery, and photography improvements, and a redesign that aims to differentiate itself from the previous generation.
Although We had already been warning, the mobile chip manufacturing landscape has just taken an interesting turn with the decision of Google to entrust production of its Tensor G5 processor, intended for the new Pixel 10 series, to TSMC instead of SamsungThe news has shaken the industry and generated numerous reactions, both from Samsung itself and in specialized media and among users most attentive to technological developments in the sector.
During the last years, Samsung had been responsible for producing Google's custom Tensor chips, integrated into previous generations of the Pixel. However, The results have not always been up to par, with recurring criticisms of overheating problems, energy management and lower than expected autonomy compared to the competition.
Google's move to TSMC: reasons and consequences
Google's decision to turn to TSMC for the production of its upcoming Tensor G5 processors is driven by several key factors. TSMC is recognized for its leadership in the sector, manufacturing chips for companies such as Apple, Qualcomm and MediaTek, and offering a more advanced, efficient and reliable manufacturing process than Samsung, especially in the 3nm nodes that will be used in the next generation of Pixel.
According to information from different Korean and international sources, The change has taken Samsung by surprise, which did not expect to lose the contract with Google.The reaction has been immediate: Samsung's semiconductor division has launched a thorough internal review to understand the reasons for what they themselves describe as "the Google incident." Internally, it is acknowledged that Losing Google as a client highlights the structural and technological challenges facing the Korean foundry..
One of the most compelling arguments that has been played against Samsung has been the Low profitability in chip manufacturing with the 3nm process, where TSMC has achieved a performance close to 90% compared to Samsung's 50%. Furthermore, the Lack of sufficient design assets and resources to develop fully customized chips has become evident in recent years.
Google's decision is not merely temporary, as the agreements indicate that TSMC will continue to be the reference partner for manufacturing Tensor chips in the following generations, at least until the Pixel 14. This strategy seeks ensure significant improvements in efficiency, autonomy and thermal management, as well as taking a qualitative leap in the integration of artificial intelligence functionalities.
Impact on Samsung and the chip market
The impact for Samsung goes far beyond a simple contractual loss.. Google's exit as a client focuses on the difficulties faced by its foundry division, which has been experiencing a progressive loss of customers in favor of TSMC, as happened in the past with Apple. The company is even considering drastic reforms to gain competitiveness, ranging from a possible spin-off of the foundry to reorganizations in the semiconductor division.
The challenge is especially relevant for the future. Samsung is confident in its upcoming Exynos 2600 processor, manufactured in a new 2nm lithography and planned for the Galaxy S26 series, as a possible boost. However, The latest reports point to delays and technical problems that do not bode well for a smooth recovery..
In the background of this situation is also the increasingly complex relationship between Google and Samsung not only as a client and supplier, but also as direct competitors in strategic segments such as foldable mobile phones and artificial intelligence applied to smartphones.
Pixel 10 news thanks to TSMC
The Pixel 10 arrives with hardware improvements thanks to the jump to chips produced by TSMC.The Tensor G5 processor will be manufactured using the 3nm process, which promises more efficient phones with improved performance and longer battery life compared to previous generations. Google will initially maintain the Arm Cortex cores, although a future addition of an Imagination DXT GPU with support for advanced graphics features such as ray tracing is expected.
In the range, it is plans to launch several models: Pixel 10, Pixel 10Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL and possibly the Pixel 10 Pro FoldAll will feature the new Tensor chip, improved memory (up to 16GB of RAM in the most advanced models), and expanded storage options.
Details about a triple camera on the standard Pixel 10 have leaked, clearly differentiating the base and Pro models. new software features based on artificial intelligence: Personalized support with Pixel Sense, generative AI video editing, advanced stabilization, and smarter charging and battery management.
In relation to the screen, they anticipate AMOLED panels brighter (up to 2.700 nits), PWM frequency improvements for Reduce flickering and increase sophistication in touch interaction even with a wet screen. In addition, There are rumors circulating about better speakers and new shades in the casing., leaving behind traditional colors like Obsidian and Porcelain in favor of options like Ultra Blue, Limoncello or Midnight.
Google's commitment to TSMC represents a decisive shift in its mobile hardware strategy. This move seeks to overcome the recent problems with its phones and compete on equal terms with the market's major players, both in terms of features and user experience. Meanwhile, Samsung faces a period of self-criticism and likely restructuring in an increasingly competitive and demanding market.
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