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If you’re a Pixel user like me, you’ve probably gotten used to the mixed bag that is Google’s Tensor chip. Smart software, great cameras, and AI features on one side—underwhelming thermals, battery life, and performance on the other. But now, there’s a real possibility that things might change for the better.
We’ve known for a while through leaks and rumors that Google’s upcoming Tensor G5 chip would be produced by TSMC instead of Samsung Foundry. But a new report fromDigitimes, cited byAndroid Authority, adds a fresh twist: this isn’t a one-off manufacturing swap.
According to the report, Google and TSMC have struck a long-term deal that could span the next five Pixel generations, through the Pixel 14.
Samsung Foundry and the Pixel’s Performance Bottleneck
ThePixel 8is my daily driver, and no doubt, it’s a great phone. But the Tensor still doesn’t stack up against the best from Qualcomm or MediaTek. I usually get a full day of battery life, but there are days when I find myself reaching for the charger twice.
And when I look at how Chinese brands like OnePlus are pushing the envelope with ultra-fast charging and delivering two-day battery life easily, it’s hard not to feel a little left out. Add to that the performance coming from chips like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 8 Elite, which offer incredible gaming capabilities, and I can’t help but expect more from my Pixel.
To be fair, Tensor has come a long way—G3 was a big step up from G1 and G2, and G4 does bring small gains—but seeing how fast Qualcomm is advancing on all fronts makes those Tensor improvements feel incremental at best.
A big part of that might come down to Samsung Foundry, which has handled Tensor chip production since the beginning. We’ve seen similar issues before—Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, built by Samsung, ran hot and inefficient. But when Qualcomm switched to TSMC for the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, everything improved, even though the architecture stayed the same.
So if that’s what a foundry switch did for Qualcomm, it’s reasonable to hope for something similar from Google’s rumored move to TSMC.
What TSMC Could Unlock for Pixel
TSMC is widely seen as the best chipmaker in the business. From Apple’s M-series to most of Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragons, TSMC’s fabrication processes consistently lead the industry in power efficiency and thermal control. The Tensor G5 is rumored to be built on a 3nm node, which should bring real gains in battery life and cooling.
That could also have ripple effects across the Pixel’s hardware. Take charging speeds, for example. The Pixel 9 Pro XL tops out at 37W wired charging—not terrible, but far behind competitors like the OnePlus 13 and its 100W speeds. Better chip efficiency could mean a higher sustained power draw, which might allow Google to close that gap without concerns about overheating.
A Long-Term Bet—If It Pays Off
If the report is true, and Google really has signed a multi-year agreement with TSMC, it’s a sign that this isn’t just a fix for the Pixel 10. It’s a foundational shift in Google’s silicon strategy. And that’s encouraging, because if there’s one thing Tensor has lacked since day one, it’s a sense of long-term competitiveness.
But here’s the thing: switching foundries doesn’t automatically solve everything.
What if the Problem Isn’t Just Samsung?
There’s a fair question to ask here: what if Tensor’s issues aren’t about the foundry, but the design itself?
Even with the Tensor G4 showing some progress, Pixel phones still fall short in raw performance and sustained efficiency. If those problems persist in the TSMC-made G5, then Google’s chip architecture may be the deeper issue. After all, Qualcomm didn’t just rely on better manufacturing—they also refined their chip design significantly.
So yes, this rumored shift is exciting. But it also puts the spotlight firmly on Google. If the Tensor G5 doesn’t deliver even with TSMC’s backing, there won’t be many excuses left.
Cautiously Optimistic
As a Pixel fan, this is the most hopeful I’ve felt in a while. If this TSMC rumor pans out, and Google brings its A-game to design, we could finally get a Pixel phone with no glaring hardware compromises. A phone that doesn’t overheat while shooting 4K videos in daylight. One that lasts longer, charges faster, and doesn’t feel like it’s playing catch-up with every launch cycle.
But this is also a make-or-break moment. Either this rumored move to TSMC kickstarts a new era of Pixel excellence, or it confirms that Google’s silicon troubles run deeper than anyone wants to admit.
Wrapping Up
The upcoming Pixel 10 is going to be an important phone for Google. We’ve already talked about thecamera upgradesexpected this year and some pretty thoughtfulaccessibility featuresthat are in the works. Oh, and let’s not forget the full-onad shootthat leaked online — easily one of the goofiest Pixel leaks I’ve seen in a while.
Just like last year, Google is expected to unveil the Pixel 10 series in August, so we can definitely expect more tidbits to drop in the coming weeks.
