Since 2021 and the release of the first generation Tensor processor, Google has developed these chips in cooperation with Samsung. While this partnership has had advantages for Google, the company has been limited to Samsung’s technologies. Now leaks say that the G5 Tensor for the Pixel 10 series is likely to be built by TSMC.
Google is reportedly working with TSMC to develop the G5 Tensor chip in the Pixel 10, according to Android Authority. If this information is true, this will be the first Google chip to be made without the help of Samsung. The evidence that actually proves this claim is the customs data of TSMC chip shipments.
Google and TSMC cooperation for the development of Tensor G5
When different companies want to export or import goods, they must specify the contents, value and type of the traded goods in their customs declaration. These declarations are also sometimes publicly available. Now the document you can see below contains information that seems to point to Google and TSMC working together.
In the product specification section, the abbreviation “LGA” is registered, which is most likely the abbreviation of Laguna Beach (code name of Tensor G5). Similarly, Google previously introduced the Whitechapel (first generation Tensor chip) as the WHI and the Tensor G4 as the Zuma Pro or ZPR.
The document also directly mentions TSMC and InFO POP, a packaging technology unique to this Taiwanese company. Also, according to the phrase “OTP, V1”, Google can improve some parameters of the chip (mostly related to security and power) without changing its physical structure.
We also know from this image that this chip will be accompanied by 16 GB of RAM, which is apparently made by SEC (Samsung Electronics). This is in line with previous reports that the Pixel 9 Pro will have 16GB of RAM; As such, the base version of the Pixel 10 is likely to have the same amount of RAM, although we’re still a long way from the launch of the Pixel 10 and Tensor G5.