As we all know, the recently introduced Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro fell below expectations due to the Tensor G3 chipset. So much so that we saw that the new generation phones fell behind even the three-year-old Apple A14 Bionic (iPhone 12), making it necessary to switch to a completely special design. In this context, the curtain on Tensor G5 has slowly begun to lift.
Google will remain loyal to Samsung for a generation
As you know, although Google and Samsung produce their own chipsets, they use core designs prepared by ARM. At this point, various leaks were shared that the upcoming Tensor G4 would be produced with TSMC’s 4nm technology. But it looks like Google will remain loyal to Samsung for another generation. In this context, we can say that minor upgrades will be offered.
Tensor G5, on the other hand, will likely be where Google abandons Samsung and focuses on a completely custom solution. Reports point to the TSMC N3E fabrication process for the next-generation processor. However, we know that both Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 and Dimensity 8400 will switch to the 3nm production process in 2024. Therefore, Tensor G5 will be a full generation behind its competitors.
Of course, there is an important variable here. If Samsung can prove that its next-gen manufacturing process is on par with TSMC, we could see Google sticking with its original foundry. But it’s fair to say that the Pixel 10 and 10 Pro will be a significant upgrade anyway.
On the other hand, it is among the leaked details that Google has developed two special GPUs, one of which will be used in Tensor G5. At this point, Pixel 10 and 10 Pro will host Google’s first custom SoC solution. Hopefully Google can join the competition in raw CPU and GPU performance by putting an end to slower Tensor chipsets.