Google’s Tensor G4 might be the last SoC that is mass produced by Samsung, as the Tensor G5 is said to leverage TSMC’s cutting-edge 3nm process when it powers the upcoming Pixel 10 series in late 2025. Previously, we discussed a database leak revealing that the chipset’s early samples were being tested. Fortunately, the company has moved from this stage and reached ‘tapeout’ status, which is considered to be an exceptionally big deal because we can now have a chipset release in the future that can take on Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek.
‘Tapeout’ stage of the Tensor G5 means that it is the final stage of the design process, after which mass production can start
One reason Google would side with TSMC is that the Taiwanese semiconductor giant has proven its reliability in mass producing wafers on its next-generation nodes. This is why companies like Apple continue to choose it exclusively as their only foundry partner, with companies like MediaTek and Qualcomm also recognizing TSMC’s importance as they gear up to announce their first 3nm ‘N3E’ chipsets later this year.
Since Samsung’s 3nm GAA process is said to be suffering from yields as low as 20 percent, it has little choice but to partner up with TSMC. According to Commercial Times, Google’s and TSMC’s alliance seems to be progressing smoothly, as the Pixel 10’s Tensor G5 is said to have reached the ‘tapeout’ stage. For those who do not know, tapeout is the final stage of the design process of any integrated circuit before it is sent for mass production. This stage pretty much means that all Google has to do is provide TSMC with the number of shipments it requires next year, and the foundry behemoth will do the rest.
As for why Google is not providing TSMC with orders for the latter’s 3nm process, it could be due to its high costs, and perhaps the advertising giant could receive an attractive discount in 2025 as the node matures. Unfortunately, we do not know the Tensor G5’s configuration, though Google is said to be developing custom CPU and GPU cores for it. Hopefully, the company can bridge the performance and efficiency gap between its rivals and finally introduce a worthy flagship series in 2025.
News Source: Commercial Times
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.
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