Google’s custom Tensor processors have been developed in close collaboration with Samsung’s silicon division since the first generation chip back in 2021. While this arrangement has allowed Google to develop its processors in considerably less time and with fewer engineers than would otherwise be required, it also meant Google was confined to Samsung’s technologies. It was fine in most cases, but one area where the Tensor chips definitely suffered was thermals and efficiency — lately, Samsung’s Foundry has been no match for TSMC.
Fortunately, it appears that this will soon change. Late last year, we confirmed that the upcoming Pixel 9’s Tensor G4 will still be manufactured by Samsung and will be a fairly small upgrade overall. However, recent leaks have suggested that the Tensor G5 will be manufactured by TSMC, making it Google’s first chip made without help from Samsung.