It was rumored that Google’s new Tensor G6, debuting in the Pixel 11, would be the first smartphone chip using TSMC’s 2nm process, but it turns out that won’t be the case.
According to VP of Hardware at Google, Peng Yu-chun, speaking with CNA, Tensor G6 is actually produced using TSMC’s 3nm process. Prior to launch, it was reported that Google would be the first to use TSMC’s 2nm process in a smartphone chip, beating Apple, which is usually first in line for these upgrades.
Google’s new Tensor G6 chip isn’t without upgrades, though, with the company touting:
- Upgraded CPU with “25% faster web browsing, 15% quicker app launches”
- 50% more TPU compute
- Support for a new Gemini Nano on-device AI model
- Upgraded Image Signal Processor powering faster Night Sight, further digital zoom
- Upgraded Titan M3 security chip
TSMC’s 2nm process would have likely delivered efficiency upgrades for the most part, which has been rumored to be among Google’s key focus for this generation of chip. Previous details pinpointed the use of modern CPU cores from ARM, but still a lesser GPU compared to other flagship-tier smartphone chips.
More on Pixel 11:
- Pixel 11 moves the NFC antenna to the top of the phone for easier payments, Tap to Share
- I can’t unsee the reason Pixel 11 Pro Fold is thinner, but it’s for the best [Gallery]
- Pixel 11 Pro displays are ‘more than twice’ as scratch-resistant – it only gets better from there
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