The Tensor G4 found in all Pixel 9 models this year might be the last of its kind, as Google could very well be on its way to dropping Samsung as a foundry partner in favor of TSMC. The Mountain View giant has been reported on multiple occasions to be developing the Tensor G5 for its Pixel 10 lineup, and it will be mass produced on the Taiwanese semiconductor titan’s second-generation 3nm process. In addition, a new report claims that Google has plans to keep TSMC as a long-term partner, with its Tensor G6 supposedly leveraging the advanced 2nm process.
Samsung’s low yields of its 3nm GAA technology could be a major reason why Google will shift to TSMC for its Tensor G5 and Tensor G6
The Tensor G5 was previously reported in July of this year to have reached ‘tape-out’ status, with all that is required is the chip design to be sent to TSMC for mass production. A report from South Korea states that Samsung’s abysmal yields of its 3nm GAA node, which stand at an abysmal 20 percent, is a major reason why Google will not take advantage of the company’s wafers and will place its stock in its rival.
This is not the first time that Samsung has missed out on a significant opportunity, as it also lost Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 orders due to the same reason. For the Pixel 11 series, the latest report believes that Google will continue to use TSMC’s technology, with its Tensor G6 said to be mass produced on the 2nm node. An unnamed individual close to the semiconductor industry states that it could take a considerably long time for Samsung to bring back Google as a customer and mentions one area that the Korean foundry needs to work on.
“If Google collaborates with TSMC, it could take a considerable amount of time before they return to Samsung for production. Improving yield rates to prove product performance is the best course of action.”
Apart from TSMC’s second-generation 3nm process, the company also has a third iteration called ‘N3P,’ so while Google can jump straight to the 2nm process for the Tensor G6, it continues to sell fewer shipments of Pixel smartphones compared to the likes of Apple and Samsung. This lack of market penetration means that it could be incredibly costly for Google to order a small volume of Tensor G6 chipsets on the 2nm process, and it could instead benefit by taking advantage of the ‘N3P’ technology. Then again, this is just our assumption, so remember to treat it with a pinch of salt, and we will be back with more updates.
News Source: Business Korea
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
Follow Wccftech on Google to get more of our news coverage in your feeds.
