Google’s next Tensor chip has a Samsung connection despite TSMC switch

All the Tensor chips launched by Google have been partly developed and manufactured by Samsung. However, the company's next chip, the Tensor G5, is reportedly fabricated by TSMC. But this switch doesn't mean there's no Samsung connection to it.

The Pixel 10 Pro is expected to go official next month, but it has been leaked already. It appeared in the Telegram channel Mystic Leaks, revealing the specifications of the Tensor G5 processor. It has an octa-core CPU featuring one Cortex-X4 CPU core, five Cortex-X725 CPU cores (divided into two clusters), and two Cortex-A520 CPU cores. It appears to be using the Exynos 5400 modem from Samsung.

The Exynos 5400 is the same 5G modem used in the previous-generation Tensor chip. It is also features in the Exynos 2400 and the Exynos 2400e chips used in the Galaxy S24 series.

This modem is made on a 4nm fabrication process and is compatible with mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G networks. It has a maximum download speed of up to 14.79Gbps when combining FR1 and FR2 bandwidth and up to 11.2Gbps with 1024 QAM when using just FR1. It also features NB-IoT and NR NTN connectivity for low-earth orbit satellite connectivity for emergency calling and messaging.

But Exynos is not the only Samsung component used in the Pixel 10 series. The Pixel 10 Pro appears to use the DRAM (memory) and UFS (storage) made by Samsung Electronics. Who knows, Pixel 10 series phones might also use OLED panels from Samsung Display.

An earlier report claimed that the Tensor G5 will use a 5G modem from MediaTek, but based on the leaked device, that doesn't appear to be the case. So, despite a switch to TSMC, which is said to be at least a four-year switch, the next-generation Pixel 10 phones still have several parts from Samsung Electronics.