Google’s Pixel 10 chip switch surprises Samsung

Google’s decision to use TSMC instead of Samsung for the Tensor G5 chip in its upcoming Pixel 10 series has caught Samsung off guard, according to a recent report. For years, Google relied on Samsung to build its Tensor chips for Pixel phones, but the partnership faced challenges like performance issues. Now, Google is shifting to TSMC, a company known for making chips for big names like Apple and Qualcomm, to create a fully custom Tensor G5.

The move was a “wake-up call” for Samsung, prompting the company to review its chip-making process. The report suggests Google wanted better performance and more advanced features, but Samsung struggled with its 3nm chip production, achieving only about 50% yield compared to TSMC’s 90%. This gap, along with Samsung’s limited chip design resources, likely pushed Google to switch.

While Google is moving away from Samsung for the Tensor G5, the Pixel 10 will still use a Samsung modem. The new chip, made with TSMC’s 3nm process, is expected to improve efficiency and performance for the Pixel 10, set to launch later in 2025.

Samsung, meanwhile, is working to strengthen its chip business to win back major clients like Google in the future. This shift highlights Google’s push for better control over its phone hardware and Samsung’s need to catch up in the competitive chip-making world.