Samsung’s foundries have been the backbone of Google’s Tensor chips from the beginning, powering models from the Pixel 6 through Pixel 9 series. However, the latest news is that Google has made a major shift, moving its future Tensor chip production to TSMC, leaving Samsung executives stunned. The decision includes the upcoming Tensor G5 to G9 chips, which will power Pixel 10 through Pixel 14 devices. 
This shift is reportedly a shock to Samsung, with their teams scrambling to understand what went wrong and how they can recover their lost ground.
In the world of chip production, Samsung’s foundries have been a key player, manufacturing everything from Google’s Tensor chips to Qualcomm’s mid-range Snapdragon models. But, when it comes to flagship chips, TSMC has emerged as the go-to foundry for industry giants like Apple, Nvidia, and even Qualcomm for their high-end Snapdragon series. While companies like Nvidia and Qualcomm have moved away from Samsung for their top-tier chips, the real blow came when Google, who was one of Samsung’s last major exclusive clients for high-end chip production, decided to make the switch.
The Tensor G5 chip, set to debut in the Pixel 10 series later this year, will be built using TSMC’s advanced 3nm process. This will mark a shift in both performance and power efficiency, with the G5 focusing more on optimizing efficiency rather than raw performance, which will be reserved for the G6. Meanwhile, Google is also working on a Tensor chip for its smartwatches, though it remains unclear which foundry will be chosen for that project.
Samsung, on the other hand, has seen some positive movement within its foundry division, with reports of improved yields from its 2nm GAA (Gate-All-Around) node. This could spell good news for Samsung’s upcoming Exynos 2600, which may feature in the Galaxy S26 series. A successful launch of the Exynos 2600 could prove crucial in regaining lost ground and persuading companies to return to Samsung for their flagship chips in the future.
The main takeaway is that Samsung’s struggle to compete with TSMC’s superior fabrication process has cost them significant market share. The company is now focused on rebuilding its reputation in the semiconductor world, hoping that innovations like the Exynos 2600 can help revive its fortunes.