Google Picks TSMC for Tensor G5, But Samsung Modem Likely Stays

Samsung has lost the deal with Google to manufacture the Pixel 10’s Tensor G5 chip using its 3nm node. However, it looks like Google will still use Samsung’s Exynos modem in the chipset. If true, the Korean firm will make some money off the next Pixels despite losing the major chip contract.

Tensor G5 chip shifts to TSMC, Samsung still supplies the modem

Google is gearing up to launch its Pixel 10 series in August 2025. The company will likely use the Tensor G5 chip in all models, including the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 XL, and 10 Pro Fold. While Samsung has been manufacturing Tensor chips for the past several years, a major change is underway. Google is reportedly shifting its chip manufacturing to TSMC for at least the next five years.

Recently, images of a Pixel 10 Pro prototype surfaced on the web, revealing key details of the Tensor G5 chip. The chip will feature a configuration of 2x Cortex-A520, 3x Cortex-A725, 2x Cortex-A725, and 1x Cortex-X4 CPU cores. One of the leaked images mentions “g5400” in the baseband string, the same as the Pixel 9 series. As 9to5Google points out, this suggests the presence of Samsung’s Exynos 5400 modem within the chip.

What’s surprising is that Google was supposed to use a modem from MediaTek, but the latest leak suggests otherwise. We can assume that MediaTek’s modem might have had some performance issues that led Google to change its decision. Only time will tell if Google has indeed moved to the Exynos 5400 modem.

If it has, it’s great news for Samsung’s semiconductor business, which has been struggling lately. The firm has failed to secure major chip orders, and losing Google to arch-rival TSMC has severely hit its shrinking revenue. Supplying the Exynos 5400 modem for the Tensor G5 gives its semiconductor business a subtle boost despite the massive loss.