Google among 7 big brands prioritizing TSMC’s 3nm process

According to Business Korea, Google is joining a growing list of tech giants prioritizing TSMC’s cutting-edge 3nm process for their next-generation flagship chipsets. This move comes amid reports of Samsung Foundry grappling with yield and power efficiency issues in its own 3nm process. However, this might be too soon for a “made in America” Tensor chipset.

Since the Pixel 6 series in 2021, Google has relied on Samsung to produce its Tensor chips, leveraging the foundation of Samsung’s Exynos processors. However, as the Pixel line approaches its tenth iteration, Google is making a decisive change by switching to TSMC for its first fully custom Tensor chip, expected to be dubbed the Tensor G5.

This decision, whose first hints dropped last year, aligns Google with industry leaders like Apple, who already embraced TSMC’s 3nm technology in last year’s iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models. Development has been progressing steadily, with Google securing testing facilities to ensure the chip meets its high standards. The move signifies a significant step for Google in its pursuit of improved performance and efficiency for Pixel devices.

While Samsung pioneered the industry with the early adoption of the 3nm GAA process, it has faced challenges in yield and power efficiency, particularly in comparison to TSMC’s offerings. As the demand for AI-powered features and energy-efficient chips grows, these factors have become increasingly crucial for manufacturers.

Industry experts attribute Samsung’s struggles to a combination of lower yields and inferior power efficiency compared to TSMC. Despite Samsung’s efforts to control power consumption and heat, their 3nm process still lags behind TSMC’s in terms of performance.

This performance gap has reportedly prompted major clients like NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, Qualcomm, MediaTek, Apple, and Google to switch to TSMC, even with the Taiwanese chipmaker’s higher production costs. The decision highlights the growing importance of power efficiency in the era of AI semiconductors, where excessive heat generation can compromise the functionality of mobile devices and overload server infrastructure.

The shift towards TSMC is expected to widen the gap in market share between the two foundry giants. TSMC’s market share has been steadily increasing, while Samsung’s has declined slightly.

Despite these setbacks, Samsung remains committed to innovation in chip manufacturing. They are reportedly accelerating the development of Backside Power Delivery (BSPDN) technology, a potential game-changer that could dramatically improve power efficiency in their 2nm process. Initially planned for post-2027 commercialization, Samsung is aiming for mass production as early as next year or by 2026. This aggressive timeline underscores Samsung’s determination to regain its competitive edge.

For Pixel enthusiasts, the switch to TSMC’s 3nm process promises a brighter future for their devices. The Tensor G5, built on TSMC’s advanced technology, is expected to deliver improved performance, better battery life, and enhanced AI capabilities.

As Google catches up with industry leaders in chip technology, the Pixel 10 is shaping up to be a compelling contender in the competitive smartphone market. The switch to TSMC is a clear indication of Google’s commitment to delivering top-tier performance and efficiency in its flagship devices.