Samsung stunned by Google’s chip switch

Samsung was caught off guard when Google decided to use TSMC to make the chips for its upcoming Pixel 10 series, expected this summer. According to The Bell, Samsung is calling this move “the Google incident” and sees it as a wake-up call. This reaction seems surprising, though, because Google’s Tensor chips, built by Samsung, have had issues like poor performance and efficiency compared to competitors like Qualcomm.

These problems point to bigger challenges within Samsung’s chip-making division. Google’s choice to stick with Samsung’s modems for the Pixel 10 but switch to TSMC for the Tensor G5 chip shows a lack of trust in Samsung’s ability to deliver top-quality chips. TSMC is a trusted name, making chips for companies like Apple, which hasn’t used Samsung for its processors since 2015.

 Samsung’s shock suggests it’s been slow to recognize its weaknesses. While the company still makes great devices, like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, this news highlights the need for Samsung to rethink its approach. The move to TSMC could push Samsung to improve, but it’s a clear sign that Google is looking for better results elsewhere. For now, Samsung needs to take a hard look at its chip-making strategy to stay competitive.