In 2021, Google stopped using Qualcomm Snapdragon chips and began equipping its smartphones with Tensor chips that it designs in-house. The advantage of this transition is that it allowed the firm to have components whose characteristics are optimized for its applications and functionalities based on artificial intelligence. As a result, Google was able to offer unique features for its smartphones, which allowed it to increase sales. However, while Tensor chips allow Google to have hardware optimized for its software, Google Pixel devices are not really a benchmark when it comes to CPU (and GPU) performance.
3nm engraving would arrive on Google Pixels
But the good news is that Google could finally make an effort in this area, according to rumors circulating on the web. Currently, Google Tensor chips are said to be manufactured by Samsung’s Exynos arm. But many sources suggest that Google should hand over manufacturing of the next generation of Tensor chips to Taiwanese company TSMC, which also makes iPhone chips. And recently, the Android Authority site published new information, which allegedly comes from leaked documents. According to the article, the Google Tensor G5 chip, which will equip the Pixel 10 series models, would be manufactured using TSMC’s N3E process and would therefore be engraved in 3 nm.
Compared to the processors currently offered by Google Tensor, which are engraved in 4 nm, this new chip should benefit from a significant improvement in performance. Indeed, 3nm engraving makes it possible to increase transistor density, and therefore CPU and GPU performance, as well as energy efficiency. As a reminder, the processors of the latest iPhones are engraved in 3nm. And the new Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, which will equip a certain number of high-end Android smartphones in 2025, also benefits from this technology.
Another improvement for the Google Pixels of 2026
In its article, Android Authority also mentions the Tensor G6 chip, which should equip the Google Pixels of 2026. According to the site, this chip should unfortunately not benefit from 2nm engraving, a technology which should improve the performance of smartphone processors in the coming years. However, the Tensor G6 chip would use TSMC’s N3P technology which would bring some improvements over the N3E of the Tensor G5 chip.
Obviously, for the moment, this information should be considered with caution, since it does not come from an official source. But what is certain is that Google should improve the performance of its chips, so that Google Pixel devices remain competitive. Recently, Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite chip made headlines. Compared to the Snapdragon 8 gen 3, this new component promises significant performance improvements. The CPU would be 45% more efficient, while the GPU would benefit from a gain of 40%.
- Instead of using Snapdragon processors, Google is designing its own “Tensor” chips for Pixel devices
- These chips allow Google to optimize its hardware for its AI-based features
- But Pixel devices aren’t a benchmark when it comes to CPU and GPU performance
- The good news is that the next generation of Pixel smartphones should benefit from a significant processor improvement
- The Pixel 10 series would benefit from TSMC’s 3nm engraving, which will significantly increase CPU performance
