By Zainab Shafiq 
Inspired by Apple’s approach, Google has embarked on a mission to integrate its own custom chip into its Pixel smartphones. The Pixel 6 series introduced Google’s first custom processor, Tensor, which was based on Samsung’s Exynos chips manufactured using the 5nm node process. The Pixel 7 also utilized a semi-custom processor from Samsung, and the upcoming Pixel 8 will follow suit.
However, it seems that Google is planning to part ways with Samsung and turn to TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) for its fully customized Tensor G5 chip, set to launch in 2025.
Initially, the company aimed to release a completely custom Tensor chip as early as the following year. However, production delays with the chip, codenamed Redondo, arose due to employee retention challenges and coordinating development across multiple teams. As a result, the chip’s launch has been pushed to 2025.
Reports confirm Google’s decision to transition from Samsung to TSMC for the production of the Tensor G5 chip. The chip will utilize TSMC’s advanced 3-nanometer manufacturing process and incorporate Integrated Fan-Out technology, enabling a thinner design and improved power efficiency.
The upcoming Pixel 8 lineup, scheduled for release this year, will continue to feature a Samsung-developed and manufactured processor. Similarly, the Pixel smartphones planned for 2024 will also include a Samsung processor, although with a reduced number of Samsung components compared to previous iterations.
By adopting a fully custom chip, Google aims to achieve a higher level of integration between hardware and software, leading to significantly enhanced smartphone performance. This closer integration will optimize synergy between hardware components and software, ultimately providing users with a superior experience compared to current performance levels.