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Is Google set to ditch Samsung for 3nm Tensor G5 production?
Google Pixel 10 series will likely use 3nm Tensor G5 made by TSMC. The company is swiftly working to switch the Tensor producer for the next-gen SoC. Starting with the Tensor G1, Samsung has been fabricating Pixel-exclusive chips.
BusinessKorea reports that Google is likely to switch Tensor G5 production from Samsung to TSMC next year. The report suggests that the Tensor G5 will be used in the Pixel 10 series and is expected to be produced using TSMC’s 3nm process.
Samsung retained Google for the production of the Tensor G4 processor last year. Recent developments suggest that the Tensor G5 would not be produced at Samsung Foundry as a switch to Taiwan’s TSMC is highly likely.
Google and TSMC have entered the full-scale mass production phase of the Tensor G5. Despite utilizing its own developed Tensor, Google’s Pixel phones have always been criticized for performance and efficiency issues.
“TSMC has gained an advantage over Samsung in the 3nm process.”
In a situation where Samsung urgently needs to secure Foundry clients, losing Google to TSMC could disrupt its order strategy. Samsung Elec is also considering solely using Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 which would also benefit TSMC.
Samsung Foundry’s low yield rate is the biggest reason for Google to opt for TSMC. Exynos 2500 is already facing release uncertainty, and the departure of Google would significantly harm Samsung Foundry’s Mobile AP business.
Beyond Tensor G5, Google is rumored to produce Tensor G6 using TSMC’s 2nm process. It will be a huge leap in the Pixel segment’s AP strategy. Pixel 11 may be the early entry to ship with a 2nm process-based chipset variant.
Samsung Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22 Plus, and Galaxy S22 Ultra smartphones are getting an Android 14-based One UI 6.1.1 update. The company has initiated this update rollout for S22 series users in Korea and the company will expand it in more countries soon.
One UI 6.1.1 update for the Samsung Galaxy S22 series arrives with One UI build versions given below.
- S901NKSU5EXH7 – Galaxy S22
- S906NKSU5EXH7 – Galaxy S22 Plus
- S908NKSU5EXH7 – Galaxy S22 Ultra
One UI 6.1.1 update adds exciting new features to improve your smartphone experience. It introduces Galaxy AI’s Sketch Conversion, which turns simple drawings into artwork in apps like Samsung Notes.
It also enhances photos with AI-generated style portraits and adds text auto-completion to the Samsung Keyboard for easier typing. You can now translate calls in real-time on apps like Google Meet and WhatsApp, and translate text in images with Samsung Internet.
Listening Mode helps translate languages during lectures. The update lets you record voice and convert it to text, manage PDFs better, and set wallpapers that change with the weather and time.
Users can check new software updates manually with a handful of simple steps. Firstly, visit your Galaxy device’s “System Settings,” once done, scroll down and tap the “Software update” tab, followed by the “Download and install” button.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus could look the same as S24 Plus from the front. The company has reportedly reduced side bezels on the vanilla and Ultra variants. Meanwhile, the lineup’s middle child could introduce no bezel refinements.
The Galaxy S25 Plus could have wider bezels than S25 and S25 Ultra. Tipster IceUniverse claims that the move is aligned with differentiating the Plus from Ultra. It’s also said that the recently leaked renders have frame appearance errors.
The S25 Ultra is said to be slightly thicker and more squarish than the S25 Plus. This is highly due to identical display size with a difference of only 0.1mm. The backplate will have notable differences due to distinct cameras and sensors.
Samsung’s next-gen flagships will likely debut in January next year. Details about the upcoming phones are floating heavily, fading the One UI 7 trend. However, things may change with time as early rumors couldn’t be considered final specs.
A bad news,S25+ will be the widest bezel among the three models, which is almost the same as S24+.
It may be that Samsung did this on purpose to make way for S25 Ultra.
Among the three models, the narrowest bezel is S25 Ultra. pic.twitter.com/CaEPyeooAC— ICE UNIVERSE (@UniverseIce) September 17, 2024
I have a more accurate CAD than onleaks, which contains lines that were missing before, so I know this.
— ICE UNIVERSE (@UniverseIce) September 18, 2024
The Galaxy S25 Plus could be equipped with a 4900mAh battery. Similar to the S24 Plus, it would support 45W fast charging technology. Yet, you can expect even longer battery performance due to the enhanced application processor.
Samsung will either use Exynos 2500 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. Both chipsets will be developed using the next-generation 3nm chipset. Improved display technology may further push the power efficiency, offering even more juice to run.
Samsung Foundry is not doing well with the newest cutting-edge technologies. Now, a new report from a Korean media outlet suggests that Samsung could begin DS Division restructuring by year-end, aiming to break down silos.
According to ChosunBiz (via TrendForce), Samsung plans a major shuffle in the DS (Semiconductor Foundry) Division. The move is aimed at addressing issues like lack of communication and team self-interest.
Additionally, Samsung is also facing competition in the DRAM market, falling behind SK Hynix in HBM and DDR5. TrendForce highlights that the company needs to go beyond restructuring to fundamentally change its organization.
Samsung’s DS division reportedly planning to strengthen collaboration processes by integrating existing team-based structures into a project-centered model, to resolve issues arising from the siloed operation of departments.
Recently, it was reported that the company is planning to cut up to 30% of its workforce in the future. The Korean tech giant’s Foundry business is struggling due to various issues, including low yields for the 3nm GAA process.
Earlier, The Korea Times reported that yield for Samsung’s 3nm process remained in the single digits until Q1 this year, and slightly improved to about 20% in Q2. The company needs the yield rate to be at least 60 percent to trigger mass production.
A Samsung spokesperson cited by Chosun Biz admitted that there continues to be a disconnection between the departments developing new processes and those responsible for mass production, with serious issues arising from the shifting of blame for failures.