Google is looking to improve its Google Pixels on one very central element: their chip. Indeed, while the Google Pixels are renowned for their interface, their photo capabilities, and their AI features, they don't really shine in performance tests.
Since 2023, rumors have suggested that for the future Pixel 10, expected this summer of 2025, Google would turn to the Taiwanese chip manufacturer TSMC, after several years spent alongside Samsung Foundry. It is quite simply the market leader to date. Such a choice could translate very concretely into more efficient manufacturing and therefore better temperature management.
Google x TSMC: It's getting clearer
We knew more or less that Google was heading towards the Taiwanese giant, but we didn't know until now if it would be a long-term partnership or not. The site DigiTimes, often very well informed on these technical subjects, tells us in an article that the two partners could therefore look forward to 2029 for the Pixel 14.
In detail, the article from our colleagues states that during a visit by Google managers to TSMC, cooperation between the two entities was envisaged for "at least 3 to 5 years". The article further states that the two companies would like to work together at least until the Pixel 14, which would take us until at least 2029.
Why is TSMC seen as a better choice than Samsung Foundry?
For several years, TSMC has become the benchmark for chips with the best engraving finesse. The Tensor G5 of the Pixel 10 is expected to have a finesse of 3 nm for example.
While Samsung Foundry, the semiconductor division of the Korean giant, would theoretically be capable of producing such a chip, Google is probably turning to TSMC because the Taiwanese company offers more guarantees.
A rather famous episode allows us to compare the two chip manufacturers. In 2021, Qualcomm trusted Samsung Foundry for its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. However, over the months, users noticed that the chip suffered from overheating problems. A little later this year, Qualcomm will release a second chip, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, this time from TSMC. This SoC will instantly become the benchmark for the high-end market due to its high stability. Since then, Qualcomm has only worked with TSMC for its high-end SoCs.
Samsung Foundry hasn't said its last word, however. The company has landed a lucrative contract with Nintendo, as it will be responsible for manufacturing the Nvidia Custom chips integrated into the Nintendo Switch 2. The hybrid console follows the third best-selling console in history, the Nintendo Switch 1.
Source: DigiTimes
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