This pivot marks a major shift. TSMC already produces chips for heavyweights like Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek, and the Tensor G5 will be the first Pixel chip made by TSMC (9to5google.com). In the eyes of Google, this switch isn’t just about capacity—it’s a move toward better efficiency, thermal performance, and battery life.
Internally at Samsung, teams are reportedly conducting a deep-dive analysis—dubbed “the Google incident”—to uncover what went wrong. Reports mention discussions around complex challenges at Samsung Foundry, including lagging design capabilities and poor yields with their advanced 3 nm process (around 50%), especially compared to TSMC’s roughly 90% yields (9to5google.com).
Why the Switch May Matter
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Better efficiency and cooling
Chips made by TSMC tend to run cooler and use power more effectively—benefits Google likely weighed heavily (androidauthority.com). -
Manufacturing advantage
Samsung's internal yields at cutting-edge nodes have lagged, making it harder for Google to ensure consistent quality . -
Strategic partnership
Rumors suggest Google may stick with TSMC through at least the Pixel 14 series, signaling a deeper realignment in its chip strategy (androidpolice.com).
What’s Next for Samsung Foundry
In response, Samsung is reportedly exploring major changes—ranging from spinning off its foundry division to redistributing internal design resources—to rebuild its position in the competitive semiconductor landscape (sammobile.com). Meanwhile, Google is expected to continue using Samsung for other components, like modems, but the Tensor series appears firmly in TSMC’s domain.
Final Thoughts
Google’s migration to TSMC for the Pixel 10’s Tensor G5 isn't just a supply chain tweak—it’s a clear message about performance priorities. It also represents a wake-up call for Samsung, triggering reassessment and possible major changes at its foundry arm. Whether Samsung can bounce back remains to be seen.
Credit for original reporting: GSMArena.com
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