Since its inception, Google’s Tensor chips has been the brain behind the Pixel series’ distinctive AI capabilities. From voice transcription to real-time translation and camera wizardry, Tensor has enabled Google to carve out a niche in the smartphone market focused on intelligent software integration. But while Tensor has been a software standout, its hardware shortcomings particularly in thermal efficiency, power consumption, and raw performance have been widely criticized.
Google’s reliance on Samsung’s foundry for chip fabrication. Now, in a decisive move, Google is transitioning Tensor production to TSMC, the world’s most advanced semiconductor manufacturer. And according to reports, this isn’t just a one-off shift Google will be sticking with TSMC through at least 2029, or until the Pixel 14.
Why Google Is Leaving Samsung’s Foundry Behind
The core reason for this shift is Samsung’s inferior process node compared to that of TSMC. While Samsung has struggled with yields and thermal performance, TSMC has become the go-to foundry for Apple, Qualcomm, NVIDIA, and other industry leaders due to its cutting-edge fabrication technologies, including its 3nm and soon 2nm nodes.
The Tensor chips fabricated by Samsung have been known to run hot, throttle under sustained load, and lag behind rivals like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon and Apple’s A-series chips. While Tensor allowed Google to optimize Android and deploy advanced AI features, the hardware lag was hard to ignore.
By switching to TSMC’s 3nm process the same node Apple uses for its A18 chip in the iPhone 16 Google aims to resolve these core inefficiencies.
The Long-Term Commitment: Google and TSMC Through 2029
According to a new DigiTimes report, Google isn’t making a one-time bet. Instead, it has committed to a multi-year partnership with TSMC, which will likely continue through the release of the Pixel 14, expected in 2029. This long-term alignment gives Google several strategic advantages:
- Consistent fabrication quality
- Priority access to advanced nodes
- More time to co-optimize chip design and fabrication
This move positions Google alongside the likes of Apple and Qualcomm, both of which have relied on TSMC for years to ensure their chips remain power-efficient and performant.
Power Efficiency Will See Immediate Benefits
One of the first fruits of this switch is expected in the Pixel 10, which is rumored to feature the Tensor G5 chip built on TSMC’s 3nm process. This should translate to significantly cooler operation and improved battery life key pain points in earlier Pixel phones.
We’ve already seen a hint of this with the Pixel 9 series, where the Tensor G4 still built on Samsung’s 3nm node performed better thermally than its predecessors. Coupled with the Exynos 5400 modem, which is also more power-efficient, the Pixel 9 represents a step forward.
But it’s the Tensor G5, with TSMC behind the scenes, that’s poised to make a dramatic leap in power and thermal efficiency.
While TSMC’s superior fabrication will improve efficiency and heat management, raw performance gains aren’t a given. Fabrication is only one part of the equation. Performance also depends heavily on:
- CPU/GPU architecture
- Core count and clock speeds
- System-level optimizations
So while the G5 might run cooler and use less power, matching the performance of Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 or Apple’s A18 Bionic will require substantial architectural improvements. This is a challenge Google has yet to fully overcome.
Still, using TSMC gives Google a far more solid foundation on which to build.
Why Google Had to Act Now
TSMC’s advanced process nodes are in extremely high demand. Clients typically book capacity years in advance, and supply is limited. That means Google’s move to secure TSMC capacity through 2029 reflects long-term planning and a serious investment in Tensor’s future.
By aligning Tensor’s design roadmap with TSMC’s foundry advancements, Google can design future chips more strategically, optimizing for size, efficiency, and scalability. This could also lead to smaller dies, potentially reducing manufacturing costs and freeing up space for other components inside Pixel devices.
Google’s decision to switch to TSMC for its Tensor chips production marks a major strategic pivot. It addresses long-standing criticisms of the Pixel’s hardware performance and sets the stage for a new generation of devices that could finally compete on equal footing with Apple and Qualcomm in both AI features and hardware efficiency.
The real test begins with the Pixel 10 and Tensor G5. If Google executes well leveraging TSMC’s 3nm process and pairing it with meaningful architectural upgrades, it could transform Pixel phones from niche AI showcases into top-tier flagship contenders.
Only time will tell if Tensor’s newfound silicon muscle will match its software smarts. But for now, the future looks promising and cooler.
