After ditching Samsung, Google plans Apple peer Tensor by TSMC for Pixel 10, 11

TSMC will produce the next-gen Tensor chipsets for Google Pixel 10 and beyond. Starting with the original Tensor, Samsung Foundry manufactured chipsets for Google until this year’s launch of the Pixel 9 series’ Tensor G4.

Recently, AndroidAuthority revealed a Tensor roadmap covering key info on Pixel 10 and Pixel 11’s chipsets. Google is reportedly planning Apple iPhone equivalent chipset strategy for future Pixel smartphone releases.

Tensor G5 (Pixel 10)

The Tensor G5’s CPU (TSMC’s N3E node) could use the Arm Cortex-X4 the same as the Tensor G4. However, the next Tensor will have a 1+5+2 with five performance/middle Cortex-A725 (from A720) and two Cortex-A520.

Besides 14% better TPU, the processor is said to use a new GPU made by Imagination Technologies. It is reported to be a similar chipset that Apple used in the past. It will bring ray tracing and GPU virtualization for accelerated graphics to the Pixel 10 series.

Tensor G6 (Pixel 11)

Key specs of Google Pixel 11’s potential Tensor G6 chipset have also been revealed. The chip is codenamed “Malibu” and is expected to be fabricated using the TSMC N3P process having a 1+6 core configuration.

Tensor G6 could feature unannounced Arm X5 (Cortex-X930) and Cortex-A730 cores. It’s a move similar to Qualcomm’s approach with Snapdragon 8 Elite. A newer Imagination Technologies GPU  could also be paired with 15% less power consumption.

Samsung Foundry is facing issues with yield rate, leading it to face major drawbacks. The company failed to attract major clients for contract chip production. Google also switched Samsung with TSMC for future Tensor chipsets.