Representative image: Google Tensor G3 chip
Google’s Tensor chips that power Pixel smartphones will reportedly be manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) starting in 2025. Tensor chips are currently being developed by Samsung’s silicon division, but the chip likely to debut on the 2025 Pixel smartphone series will be made by TSMC, according to a report from the Android Authority.
The Tensor G5 chip, which is called ‘Laguna Beach’ within the company, has appeared in a publicly available trade database, confirming that the chips will be made by the Taiwanese semiconductor chip maker, the report said. Available records show that the company exporting the chips from Taiwan is Google LLC, and the chips are imported by a company called Tessolve Semiconductor in India. The report states that Google will likely transfer part of the chip testing process to this company, which was done internally at Samsung until last year.
Among other details revealed in the report, early versions of the Tensor G5 chip will have 16 GB of built-in RAM, which is likely to increase in future versions. The Tensor G5 chip will likely be based on TSMC’s 3nm architecture and will deliver significant improvements in performance, power efficiency and thermal management.
For the next generation of Pixel 9 series smartphones, Google will likely introduce the Samsung-made Tensor G4 chip, which will bring minor performance upgrades, according to the report. However, the Pixel 9 series is expected to get a major overhaul in terms of design.
This year’s Pixel lineup will likely include four new models: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Unlike previous generation models, the Pixel 9 Pro will be the same size as the standard Pixel 9, while the larger screen will be reserved for the new Pro XL model. Google will likely rebrand the next-generation Pixel Fold by including it in its flagship phone lineup. Additionally, the Pixel 9 series smartphones will feature a new floating island-style camera module and a flat frame design. The standard Pixel 9 will likely have a glossy back panel, while those of the Pro model will have a matte texture.
First print: May 27, 2024 | 2:19 PM IST