Samsung will be the main production unit for Google's Tensor chip

At its most basic definition, Google Tensor is simply a 'system on a chip' (SoC), or more commonly known as a 'processor', that acts as a component that provides processing power, calculation for the device, specifically here Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.

During the recent product announcement, Google did not provide details about Tensor. Just know that this will be a CPU co-developed with Samsung, owning 8 cores, 5 nanometers and based on ARM architecture. Notably, the Korean giant will also act as the main processing unit for Tensor chips. While TSMC is likely to also handle a few small orders.

In fact, there have also been many reports about Samsung's partnership with Google in making an agreement to mass produce custom Tensor chips for the upcoming Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Thus, it can be said with certainty that Tensor will be manufactured on Samsung's 5nm line. This may disappoint many people who are expecting a 4nm chip, but it is not necessarily a big deal because 5nm is still a relatively new technology, rich in potential.

Considering the worldwide chip shortage shows no sign of cooling down, TSMC is said to be prioritizing resources to fulfill orders from its traditional (and biggest) partner: Apple. With TSMC rushing to complete an order of up to 100 million A15 Bionic chips in time for the iPhone 13 launch in September, it seems that the Taiwanese semiconductor giant will not be able to cooperate with Google. at this time. Therefore, the 'piece of cake' will have to 'give up' to Samsung. The Korean manufacturer will not only mass-produce Tensor chips for Google, but may even act as a supplier of the rigid OLED panels in the low-cost Pixel 6 model. While Pixel 6 Pro will most likely be equipped with a more expensive flexible panel.

Samsung has never been underestimated in the field of semiconductor chip and display processing. While Google's ability to optimize software has also been confirmed. Therefore, users can fully expect a great product from the cooperation agreement between these two giants. Let's wait and see!

Jessica Tanner

Update 05 August 2021