Google Is Reportedly Going With TSMC for Next-Gen Tensor G5 Chip for Pixel 10

Google appears to be shaking things up with its upcoming Pixel 10 smartphone. Evidence suggests Google might be ditching Samsung for chip production in the Pixel 10, potentially leading to performance improvements.

TSMC Takes the Wheel

Reports from Android Authority, backed by findings in public trade databases, indicate Google's next-gen Tensor G5 chip for the Pixel 10 will be manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). This marks a departure from Google's previous reliance on Samsung for chip production in Pixel phones.

Codes and Abbreviations

The trade database evidence includes details about a sample Tensor G5 chip codenamed "Laguna Beach" (LGA). This code system aligns with Google's past practices, where "WHI" represented "Whitechapel" (Tensor G1) and "ZPR" stood for "Zuma Pro" (Tensor G4).

The information also mentions TSMC's involvement and their InFO POP packaging technology, further solidifying the switch from Samsung.

Work in Progress

The chip identified is marked as revision "A0," signifying an early stage in development with potential future revisions. Additionally, "OTP, V1" suggests it's the first version of the one-time programmable data, allowing Google to fine-tune the chip's behavior without altering its core structure. The "NPI-OPEN" label indicates the chip is undergoing the New Product Introduction phase, where manufacturing processes are being optimized.

Testing and Building Blocks

The trade database reveals the chip has passed basic functionality tests, including the system-level test (SLT). With an estimated release window 16 months from now, early sampling is crucial to ensure a smooth launch. Interestingly, the details also mention 16GB of package-on-package RAM from Samsung Electronics Co., potentially aligning with leaks suggesting a RAM upgrade in the upcoming Pixel 9 Pro.

Export and Import

The trade data lists Google LLC in Taiwan as the exporter and Tessolve Semiconductor in India as the importer. Tessolve specializes in semiconductor solutions, hinting that Google might be outsourcing some tasks previously handled by Samsung.

Pixel 10's Potential

This change from Samsung to TSMC is expected to deliver the significant performance enhancements that users have been waiting for, as Tensor chips have always lagged behind the top offerings from Qualcomm and MediaTek.

As for the upcoming Pixel 9 series, the detailed specifications and performance capabilities of the Tensor G4 chip will likely be unveiled closer to its expected launch in October 2024.

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