The initial Tensor chip is based on Samsung’s 5nm production process, so Google’s upcoming second-generation Tensor chip may still be based on Samsung’s more advanced production process. After previous rumors that TSMC is not Google’s chip supplier, foreign media now have more in-depth information.
Citing foreign tech media SamMobile reports that the Tensor G2 chip will be based on Samsung’s 4nm LPE node instead of the LPP node for the sake of reducing production costs. Assuming Samsung doesn’t offer Google a better deal when it comes to mass-producing subsequent Tensor SoCs, the advertising giant may instead work with TSMC.
Tensor G2 features two Cortex-X1 cores running at 2.85GHz and two Cortex-A78 cores running at 2.35GHz. The remaining four cores are ARM’s Cortex-A55, running at 1.80GHz. In terms of GPU, Tensor G2 uses the Mali-G710 GPU with seven cores.
For the 5G modem, the Tensor G2 integrates Samsung’s Exynos 5300 module. Little information is available about the baseband chip, but we assume it’s built on a 4nm LPE architecture, which means it’s faster and more energy efficient than the 5G modem running in last year’s Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Google is now expected to continue working with Samsung on the Pixel 8 series next year.
Google reportedly intends to use Samsung’s 3nm GAA technology to produce 3nm GAA technology, a manufacturing process that offers significant advantages. Samsung claims that the next-generation chip will reduce power consumption by up to 45 percent, improve performance by 23 percent and reduce the area by 16 percent compared to the manufacturer’s 5nm technology. Perhaps by 2023, Google will catch up with its competitors.
