Google Tensor G2: Confirmation arrives of 5 nm manufacturing process for Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro chipset
While we have already compared most technical specifications between Tensor and Tensor G2, Google has since confirmed an arguably crucial aspect to Android Authority. To recap, Google has built the Tensor G2 around new performance cores but with the same prime and efficiency cores as its predecessor. Additionally, Google has included a more modern GPU, hopefully addressing one of Tensor's shortcomings.
Prior to launch, it had been rumoured that the Tensor G2 relied on Samsung's 4 nm nodes, an improvement on the original Tensor and in line with the Exynos 2200. Theoretically, adopting a narrower manufacturing process would improve power efficiency, although the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 disproved that. Incidentally, Qualcomm has moved away from Samsung 4 nm nodes with the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1, which it bases around TSMC's competing 4 nm nodes instead.
However, Android Authority writes that the Tensor G2 is also a 5 nm chipset and has shared the following quote:
We purpose-built Google Tensor G2 for real-world use cases. Our final architecture, which includes 5nm, helped us reach that goal while increasing both performance and power efficiency. This approach also allowed us to add new capabilities while taking a step forward on machine learning with our next generation TPU with G2.
For some reason, Google decided against revealing whether Samsung or TSMC produces the Tensor G2. Presumably still Samsung, it is also unclear if Tensor G2 uses Samsung's 5LPE or 5LPP process, the latter being a more modern version of the former. Either way, we would recommend awaiting independent battery life tests with the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro before passing any judgement.
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