The Tensor G3 found in the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro has so far disappointed when compared to its competition, making it imperative for Google to switch over to a fully custom solution to rival Apple’s A-series and the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. Unfortunately, it will take some time for the rumored Tensor G5 to arrive, but according to the latest update, it will be mass produced on TSMC’s N3E process, the same one used to fabricate next-generation SoCs for Qualcomm and MediaTek.
Tensor G4 may not utilize any TSMC node due to high costs; Google is likely sticking with Samsung for a whole generation
A rumor is circulating that the Tensor G4 will be mass produced on TSMC’s 4nm process, but Revegnus believes that Google will stick with Samsung once more. For one thing, Google places a limited order of its chipsets since its Pixel lineup does not ship in the same quantity as Apple’s iPhone 15 range, so even a small Tensor G3 production run from Samsung’s foundry possibly resulted in a large bill. Also, due to some issues, the Tensor G4 will be a minor upgrade over the Tensor G3, which is something we have discussed previously, with the silicon sporting the codename ‘Zuma Pro.’
The Tensor G5 is where Google probably intends to ditch Samsung’s foundry and chipset designs, focusing entirely on a custom solution and possibly taking advantage of TSMC’s N3E process. For 2024, both the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 and Dimensity 9400 are rumored to be produced on the Taiwanese semiconductor firm’s 3nm process, putting them a whole generation ahead of the Tensor G5, which is said to arrive in 2025 at the earliest. Keep in mind that in addition to a custom CPU, Google is also rumored to be developing an in-house GPU for the Tensor G5, boosting its overall capabilities.
This means that the first custom SoC solution will arrive for the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro, whereas the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro will be regarded as minor upgrades over their predecessors, at least when discussing chipset comparisons. Most of the information talked about by Revegnus has been repeated in the past, though it was unconfirmed which TSMC manufacturing process Google prefers. Considering that N3E is reported to have a higher yield rate and is appropriately priced than the N3B variant, it makes sense for other companies to wait and give orders.
Hopefully, Google can end its sub-par run of churning out slower Tensor chipsets and focus on something that will not only exceed the competition in raw CPU and GPU performance but also in power efficiency and AI capabilities.
