Google chose Samsung for Pixel 9’s Tensor G4 because of Galaxy S24’s success …or did it?

The Tensor G4 chip that will power the Pixel 9 is said to be made by Samsung. Google previously wanted to switch to TSMC, but recent reports indicate it will stick with Samsung for its next chip, which will also power the Pixel Fold 2. Google has reason to believe customers will be happy with its decision, implies a new report.

Korean outlet fnnews reports that the Tensor G4 will be based on Samsung's latest 4nm process, which the Korean giant calls the “3rd generation low-power 4nm process node.”

The Exynos 2400, which powers some variants of the Galaxy S24, also relies on the same process. Like Samsung's flagship Exynos silicon, the Tensor G4 is also said to use FOWLP (Fan-out Wafer Level Package) technology.

This should make thermal management easier and improve energy efficiency and battery life. Google's Tensor-powered Pixel phones are plagued with overheating issues and using FOWLP packaging technology can help alleviate the problem to a large extent.

The Exynos 2400 is an impressive chip and in some ways better than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which is quite an achievement for Samsung. The success of the chip should help the South Korean giant win orders from major players, some of whom have already expressed interest in a collaboration.

fnnews claims that the favorable reception of the Exynos 2400 is one of the reasons why Google opted for Samsung's latest 4nm manufacturing technology for the Tensor G4. The new 4nm process should theoretically also improve performance compared to the Tensor G3, which is based on an older version of 4nm technology.

The Exynos 2400 and Tensor G4 will have more in common than the same manufacturing node, however. According to a report, the Tensor G4 will be loosely based on the Exynos 2400. It is expected to be an eight-core chip and use ARM's latest cores.

Google was reportedly ready to ditch Samsung in favor of TSMC this year, but the Taiwanese company declined due to low order volume. It is almost confirmed that Google will manufacture the Tensor G5 from TSMC next year.