3 days Ago By Alap Naik Desai
Google may continue relying on TSMC, and use its 2nm fabrication process, for its Tensor G6 chipset. The Taiwanese company’s foundries are ready to mass-produce the Google Tensor G5. Google to tap TSMC’s 2nm fab platform for Tensor G6 SoC Google launched the Pixel 9 series of flagship Android smartphones a few days ago.
The lineup includes the Pixel 9 , the Pixel 9 Pro , the Pixel 9 Pro XL , and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold . The Google Tensor G4 SoC (System on a Chip) powers all these devices. The next generation of the Pixel smartphones would have the Tensor G5 chipset.
Google has reportedly partnered with the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company or TSMC for this SoC. Several reports have suggested Google severed ties with Samsung Foundry and shifted production of the Tensor G5 over to TSMC. A new report claims Google would continue relying on TSMC for the Tensor G6 as well.
“If Google collaborates with TSMC, it could take a considerable amount of time before they return to Samsung for production. Improving yield rates to prove product performance is the best course of action,” Business Korea reported, TSMC’s gain is Samsung’s loss? Google initially relied on Samsung to manufacture the Tensor chipset. However, Samsung Foundry has been struggling with yield.
Some experts have suggested Samsung is struggling with low yield on its production of 3nm chips, which may be as low as 20%. Google has reportedly designed the Tensor G5 from the ground up. The company may have optimized the chipset to be manufactured by TSMC.
TSMC is expected to fabricate the Tensor G5 on its second-generation 3nm process node (N3E). The company has already perfected its latest advanced chip-production technology for the upcoming iPhone 17 series, which will be 2nm. TSMC could start shifting production of some chips by late next year.
Simply put, Samsung appears to have lost Google’s business. The company has hinted it working on improving its production yield but it would certainly take time to improve yields. Incidentally, the Google Pixel experience isn’t dependent on the highest clock speeds.
Buyers acquire a Pixel smartphone for its clean Android OS and Google’s innovative features. Hence, it would be interesting to see how well the TSMC’s 2nm chips work in the upcoming Pixel devices..
