The Big Switch: From Samsung to TSMC
Perhaps the most significant change with the Tensor G5 isn't what's inside the chip, but where it's made. Google has switched from Samsung's foundry to TSMC for manufacturing, utilizing TSMC's advanced 3nm process technology. This foundry switch represents more than just a change in manufacturing partner it's a strategic move that addresses many of the efficiency and thermal concerns that have plagued previous Tensor generations.
The move to TSMC wasn't just about manufacturing prowess. Samsung was reportedly "shocked" by Google's decision to switch foundries, indicating this was a carefully calculated decision by Google to achieve better performance and efficiency metrics that Samsung's foundry couldn't deliver.
Revolutionary CPU Architecture
The Tensor G5 introduces a completely redesigned CPU architecture that breaks away from previous generations. The new chip features a 1+5+2 core configuration: one big core, five medium cores, and two little cores a significant layout change from last year's chip, which had one big core, three medium cores, and four little cores.
Specifically, the CPU cluster consists of:
• 1 Cortex-X4 core running at 3400 MHz
• 5 Cortex-A725 cores operating at 2850 MHz
• 2 Cortex-A520 efficiency cores at 2400 MHz
This new configuration prioritizes sustained performance over peak bursts, with more medium-performance cores handling the bulk of everyday tasks while maintaining excellent power efficiency through the two dedicated efficiency cores.
Impressive Performance Gains
Google claims the Tensor G5 delivers the biggest leap in performance yet for Tensor chips, with the CPU being 34% faster on average compared to its predecessor. Early benchmark leaks support these claims, with leaked benchmark numbers showing up to a 36% performance improvement over the current Tensor G4.
These improvements aren't just theoretical. Google has upgraded both hardware and software thermal controls to allow the chip to operate at higher frequencies without throttling, addressing one of the most persistent criticisms of previous Tensor generations.
AI and Machine Learning: The Heart of Tensor G5
Where the Tensor G5 truly shines is in its AI capabilities. The chip features a 60% more powerful TPU (Tensor Processing Unit) compared to the G4, representing a massive leap forward in on-device AI processing power.
The enhanced TPU isn't just about raw performance. The improved TPU includes new features for Google's developers, such as small embedded RISC-V cores to allow running operations not implemented in hardware, as well as support for on-device training. This means your Pixel 10 can actually learn and adapt to your usage patterns directly on the device, without sending data to the cloud.
Camera and Imaging Revolution
The Tensor G5 powers some of Google's most ambitious camera features yet. The chip enables new camera features including motion deblur, improved Real Tone, Add Me, Auto Best Take, and Google's most impressive yet 100x Pro Res Zoom powered by Google's largest Pixel Camera model at nearly 1 billion parameters.
This represents a fundamental shift in mobile photography, with the first diffusion model running directly in the camera app, with the TPU providing the computational power needed for these advanced AI-driven features.
The switch to TSMC also brings improvements to the Image Signal Processor (ISP). With the Tensor G5 and beyond, we might expect better photos and videos from the same camera hardware, as older Pixel phones used Samsung-designed ISPs, while the G5 features Google's fully custom ISP design.
Memory and Connectivity Upgrades
The Tensor G5 doesn't just focus on processing power—it also brings significant improvements to memory and connectivity. The chip features a high-speed memory interface thanks to LPDDR5X support, providing faster data access and improved multitasking capabilities.
The Tensor G5 will include 16GB of RAM using PoP (Package on Package) RAM technology, ensuring smooth performance even with the most demanding AI workloads and multitasking scenarios.
Efficiency Focus Over Raw Performance
This strategic decision makes sense given the foundry switch and the need to establish a solid foundation with TSMC before pushing for maximum performance gains in future generations.
Competitive Positioning
How does the Tensor G5 stack up against the competition? Early comparisons suggest the Tensor G5 will be around 25% better than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in gaming efficiency and sustained tasks, though multicore scores will be roughly equivalent.
While the Tensor G5 may not claim the absolute performance crown, its strength lies in AI processing, camera capabilities, and the tight integration with Google's software ecosystem—areas where raw CPU benchmarks don't tell the whole story.
Looking Forward: What This Means for Users
The Tensor G5 represents more than just another processor upgrade. Users can expect faster on-device AI, proactive features, the best Pixel camera yet, and all-day battery life with the Pixel 10.
The combination of improved efficiency from the TSMC manufacturing process, enhanced AI capabilities, and Google's continued focus on computational photography creates a compelling package that prioritizes real-world user experience over benchmark bragging rights.
The Foundation for Future Innovation
Perhaps most importantly, the Tensor G5 establishes the foundation for Google's future silicon ambitions. The switch to TSMC, the fully custom ISP, and the enhanced TPU with on-device training capabilities all point toward a future where Pixel devices become increasingly intelligent and personalized.
As Google continues to develop its silicon capabilities, the Tensor G5 will likely be remembered as the chip that marked Google's transition from a promising but flawed silicon strategy to a mature, competitive approach that truly differentiates Pixel devices in the marketplace.
Conclusion
The Google Tensor G5 isn't just an incremental upgrade it's a fundamental reimagining of what Google's silicon can achieve. With its focus on AI processing, computational photography, and real-world efficiency, the Tensor G5 positions Google's Pixel 10 series as devices that don't just compete on specs, but redefine what smartphones can accomplish through intelligent silicon design.
For users considering the Pixel 10 series, the Tensor G5 promises a device that's not just faster than its predecessors, but smarter, more capable, and built for the AI-driven mobile experiences of tomorrow.