It is well-known that Samsung helped Google develop and fabricate Tensor processors for Pixel devices. This year’s Pixel phones—Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro—feature the Tensor G3 chipset that uses a Samsung 5G modem and is made by Samsung Foundry. There were rumors that Google might switch to TSMC for its next-generation Tensor processors. However, it is now being reported that isn’t true.
Samsung Foundry to make Tensor G4 processor using 4nm process
According to reports from South Korea, Samsung Foundry has received a contract to fabricate the Tensor G4 processor. This chipset will be used in next year’s Pixel phones: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel Fold 3. The Tensor G4 will reportedly be fabricated using the SF4P (third-generation 4nm) process, which offers improved performance and efficiency compared to the second-generation 4nm process of the Tensor G3 chipset. In comparison, Samsung’s in-house Exynos 2200 chipset used the SF4E (first-generation 4nm) process. Samsung’s upcoming Exynos 2400 processor, which will be used in some Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ units, also uses the SF4P process.
The Tensor G4 is rumored to bring minor improvements over the Tensor G3. The Tensor G3 carried the codename ‘Zuma,’ while the Tensor G4 is reportedly codenamed ‘Zumo Pro.’ The Tensor G4 is rumored to feature one Cortex-X4 CPU and an unknown number of Cortex-A720 and Cortex-A520 CPU cores. It will reportedly feature ARM’s Immortalis-G715 GPU. Google wanted TSMC to fabricate this chip, but the deal reportedly failed due to low yield, but we can’t say how accurate those rumors are.
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Samsung is gaining more customers for its most advanced semiconductor chip processes. Recently, the company confirmed that it will start making 3nm server chips for AD Technology. It is also rumored that Qualcomm has chosen Samsung Foundry to make at least some of its Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chips. The South Korean firm seems to have a slight lead over TSMC in its 3nm process family, thanks to the use of GAA (Gate All Around) transistor design technology.
