“People who are really serious about software should make their own hardware” – Alan Kay’s philosophy, once adopted by Apples’ Steve Jobs, seems to be becoming true for Google as well now.
Google has a range of Pixel Phones which comes with Tensor Chip. Till now Samsung has been designing the chip for Google.
Google’s Pixel phones have gained popularity in recent years thanks to the high-quality cameras and seamless integration of Google’s software. One of the main factors that separate Pixel phones from other Android devices is the custom-built Tensor chips that power the devices.
Samsung Presently Manufactures Googles’ Chips
Google previously relied on Samsung for the design and manufacturing of the Tensor chips. There are rumors that Google is looking to make changes to the Tensor G3, G4, G5 chips.
Tensor G3 is expected to be designed in conjunction with Samsung System LSI and manufactured on Samsung’s 4nm technology. The chip is expected to adopt a “1+4+4” 9-core design consisting of a Cortex X3 core at 3.30GHz, four Cortex A715 cores running at 2.60GHz and four Cortex A510 cores operating between 2.20GHz-2.30GHz.
Google may be looking at manufacturing the Tensor G4 chips using TSMC 4nm technology. The cost of this process could be prohibitive for the Pixel and Google might have to use Samsung’s foundry. It is currently unknown what process will be used for the Tensor G4.
Google may be manufacturing the Tensor G5 using TSMC’s 3nm technology. This process promises to deliver even more power efficiency and performance improvements than the 4nm Process used in the Tensor G4.
These developments may have significant implications for the Pixel smartphone line. Google’s in-house chip manufacturing and design could allow it to have more control over its devices and their performance. This change could improve upon the user experience.
But switching to a new chip design and manufacturing process also brings risks and challenges. Google’s response to these challenges, and the performance of Tensor chips in the future, remains to be seen. The technology industry awaits the Pixel 6’s release and the Tensor G3 to see what the future holds for smartphone technology. Fans are eagerly awaiting the Pixel Fold and Pixel 7a launches, which will be happening soon.