Google Ditches Samsung for Tensor G5: What This Means for the Pixel 10 and Beyond

In a bold move that's shaking up the semiconductor industry, Google has reportedly shifted production of its Tensor G5 chipset from Samsung’s foundry to TSMC, the world’s leading chipmaker. This change, set to debut in the Pixel 10 series, has taken Samsung by surprise and may mark a pivotal moment for Google’s hardware ambitions—and Samsung’s foundry future.

Google and Samsung: A Rocky Chip Partnership

Google has relied on Samsung to manufacture its custom Tensor chips since the launch of the Pixel 6. While that partnership helped Google fast-track its entry into custom silicon, it was never without issues. Users and developers often pointed to thermal limitations, power inefficiencies, and inconsistent performance in early Tensor-powered Pixels.

Although Samsung made strides in subsequent chip generations, it seems Google’s expectations for performance, power efficiency, and custom features outgrew what Samsung could reliably deliver.

Why the Switch to TSMC?

The Tensor G5, expected to debut in late 2025 with the Pixel 10, will be the first Google chip made by TSMC, the same company trusted by Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek. According to a report by The Bell, this move has been internally dubbed "the Google incident" by Samsung, highlighting just how unexpected—and unsettling—it was for the Korean tech giant.

Samsung is reportedly conducting an internal investigation to understand why it lost Google's business. An industry source noted, “Losing Google shows the complex problems of Samsung Foundry at once.”

Among the key factors for Google's decision:

• Low yield rates: Samsung’s 3nm process reportedly has only a 50% yield, compared to TSMC’s 90%.
  
  

• Limited semiconductor design assets: Samsung's slower pace in advanced chip design and integration hampered Google’s ambitions.
  
  

• Diversifying chip needs: As Google looks to power more AI and edge-computing features, it needs higher reliability and customization.

What About Samsung? The Wake-Up Call

Samsung now finds itself in a critical period of self-assessment. As one of the only companies with both chip manufacturing and design capabilities, Samsung has long aimed to compete with TSMC. But losing a major partner like Google is more than a missed business opportunity—it’s a sign that Samsung’s foundry division needs a radical rethink.

While the Pixel 10 will still reportedly use a Samsung modem, the loss of the main chip deal underscores a significant shift in the tech landscape.

If you're thinking about upgrading to the Pixel 10—especially to experience Google's first truly custom chip built by TSMC—you’ll want to make sure your data transfer is fast, safe, and effortless.

Enter Smart Transfer, a third-party switch mobile app designed to help users share files:

• Photos, videos, and media
  
  

• Contacts, messages, and call logs

Whether you're switching from Samsung, iPhone, or an older Pixel, Smart Transfer’s phone clone feature ensures you don't lose a byte. It's particularly useful when moving to a new device powered by a completely new chipset architecture, like the upcoming Tensor G5.

What This Means for the Future of Pixel and Android

Google’s shift to TSMC is about more than chip yield and heat efficiency—it's about taking control. With tighter integration between hardware and software (a strategy Apple has mastered), Google is positioning the Pixel as a truly flagship ecosystem, not just another Android phone.

If the Tensor G5 delivers, the Pixel 10 series could be a game-changer—and Samsung’s foundry might have to fight hard to win back clients like Google in the future.

Final Thoughts

The transition from Samsung to TSMC marks a watershed moment for Google's Pixel roadmap and highlights the intensifying pressure in the chip manufacturing race. As the tech giants shift strategy and the stakes rise, users stand to gain faster, more efficient, and reliable smartphones.

And when it's time to upgrade, don’t forget to download Smart Transfer—because revolutionary hardware deserves a frictionless transition.