The Tensor inside Pixel phones has been a subject of much debate, with users often complaining about issues like overheating, poor battery life, and subpar performance compared to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors. This frustration stemmed from the reliance on Samsung’s fabrication process, which has consistently lagged behind TSMC in terms of performance and efficiency. But it seems Google is finally ready to take a page from Apple’s playbook and invest in custom-designed mobile processors fabricated by TSMC.
According to internal documents cited by Android Authority, Google will be transitioning to TSMC’s 3-nanometer N3E node for the fifth-generation Tensor processor, slated for next year’s Pixel 10 series. This is the same advanced node that powers Apple’s M4 silicon, found in the iPad Pro and soon to be integrated into Macs. Notably, Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite also benefits from this cutting-edge technology, delivering significant performance gains.
This move suggests a significant shift in Google’s approach to mobile chips. By adopting TSMC’s 3nm technology, Google aims to equip the Tensor G5 with the power to compete directly with Apple’s A-series processors. This ambition is further solidified by reports indicating both companies are eyeing TSMC’s even more advanced N3P node for future generations of their respective chips.
The move to TSMC’s process nodes holds the promise of increased performance and energy efficiency for Google’s Pixel phones. This is due to TSMC’s superior fabrication capabilities, which have consistently yielded higher performance and efficiency compared to Samsung’s offerings.
However, achieving this level of performance requires more than just a change in fabrication partner. It also demands significant investment in custom engineering. Qualcomm’s recent success in challenging Apple’s silicon dominance can be attributed to its acquisition of Nuvia, a startup founded by former Apple engineers with expertise in custom chip design.
This acquisition brought Qualcomm access to Nuvia’s intellectual property, including the Phoenix cores, which evolved into the Oryon cores powering Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon chips. These custom cores have proven to be a formidable force, even surpassing Apple’s A18 Pro in some benchmarks.
While Google’s commitment to TSMC presents a promising future for the Tensor processor, the success of Tensor G5 and G6 will ultimately depend on their custom engineering. The potential is undeniable, but only time will tell if Google can match the performance and efficiency of Apple’s silicon.
However, there’s always a chance that Samsung could offer a compelling deal, potentially keeping Google within its ecosystem. But for now, the ball is in Google’s court, and the future of Pixel phones looks brighter than ever, with the promise of a truly powerful and efficient Tensor processor.
