Highlights
- Google partners with TSMC for Tensor G5 chip production
- Early samples indicate improved thermal efficiency and performance
- Shift from Samsung to TSMC aims to enhance Pixel devices
- Potential impact on mobile processor market competition
Google has been working with Samsung’s silicon division on its custom Tensor chips since the debut chip in 2021.
But that long history will soon come to an.
TSMC Takes Over Manufacturing Duties
Per trade data uncovered by Android Authority, shipping manifests confirm TSMC is indeed producing the early samples of Google’s Tensor G5 chip, codenamed “Laguna Beach.”
The manifests mention TSMC’s exclusive InFO POP packaging, so there is little doubt about who the manufacturer is.
In short, this move from Samsung to TSMC in terms of the flagship processor for Google doesn’t come as a big surprise.
Over the past couple of years, TSMC has been doing better in thermal efficiency and flat-out performance than Samsung, and those are some areas where Google’s Tensor chips have traditionally been behind.
A Lengthy Process Underway
The manifests point out that these Tensor G5 samples are in the very early “A0” revision stage, the first version of one-time programmable data.
This means that Google is well into the long process of bringing Tensor G5 to market, in other words, fixing the bugs and further optimizing the chip.
As Android Authority reports, Google is looking to use TSMC’s manufacturing prowess to improve the chip’s thermal and efficiency performance on the Tensor G5.
With leading-edge production processes from TSMC, the Tensor G5 can actually have huge gains in performance and battery life, which has been a long-standing flaw of earlier Tensor generations by Google.
Ramping Up Competition
The shift to TSMC might have more fundamental implications for the mobile processor market.
For years, Qualcomm has been one of TSMC’s largest clients for its Snapdragon processors; now, however, the entry by Google raises competition and demand for TSMC’s limited manufacturing capacity.
This may cause supply shortages or speed up TSMC’s expansion plans to meet its clients’ growing demands.
Finally, Google’s use of TSMC demonstrates a commitment to pushing the boundaries on its in-house silicon operations.
Upping the Ante for Pixel Devices
With the help of TSMC’s leading-edge manufacturing, the Tensor G5 could drive improvements in the performance and efficiency of future Pixel smartphones, allowing them to better compete with rivals like the industry-leading Apple bionic CPUs and flagship Snapdragon products from Qualcomm.
As Google continues to refine its custom processor designs, the partnership with TSMC marks an exciting new chapter that could yield substantial dividends for Pixel enthusiasts and the mobile industry as a whole.
FAQs
Who is manufacturing Google’s Tensor G5 chip?
TSMC is now producing the early samples of Google’s Tensor G5 chip, taking over from Samsung.
What improvements are expected with the Tensor G5 chip?
The Tensor G5 chip is expected to have better thermal efficiency and overall performance, thanks to TSMC’s advanced manufacturing processes.
Why did Google switch from Samsung to TSMC for chip production?
Google switched to TSMC due to its superior thermal efficiency and performance capabilities compared to Samsung, areas where previous Tensor chips lagged.
What stage is the Tensor G5 chip currently in?
The Tensor G5 chip is in the very early “A0” revision stage, indicating that Google is in the initial phase of testing and optimizing the chip.
How might this shift impact the mobile processor market?
Google’s move to TSMC could increase competition for TSMC’s manufacturing capacity, potentially leading to supply shortages or expedited expansion plans.
Also Read: Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Could Be Powered by TSMC’s 2nm Chipset: Report
Also Read: Qualcomm and MediaTek Shift Looking at TSMC for 3nm Needs Ahead of Samsung