Google’s calculated move to TSMC for the Tensor G5
With its Tensor G5 chipset, Google’s forthcoming Pixel 10—set for release in October 2025—is likely to completely rethink the smartphone industry.
Android Authority confirmed on October 23, 2024—the Tensor G5 will be manufactured by TSMC rather than Samsung Foundry—a significant change in Google’s chip production plan.
By using TSMC’s sophisticated 3nm N3E process—the same cutting-edge technology employed in Apple’s A18 SoC—this action lets Google make use of.
For Google’s proprietary hardware, this shift represents a major step forward since early benchmark leaks from March 20, 2025, point to a 20% efficiency increase above the Tensor G4.
With a single-core score of 1,450 and a multi-core score of 4,200 the Geekbench findings for the Tensor G5 show a significant performance improvement.
Adoption of TSMC’s 3nm technology not only improves efficiency but also positions Google’s chip on par with Apple’s latest CPUs, so closing the conventional performance difference between Pixel and iPhone handsets.
Custom Image Signal Processor (ISP) Innovations in cameras
The Pixel 10’s sophisticated camera technology, which is poised to completely rethink smartphone photography, is among the most awaited improvements.
Posts on X from March 19, 2025 state that the Tensor G5 brings first for Google’s silicon team a custom-built Image Signal Processor (ISP).
Particularly intended to improve image processing, low-light photography, and HDR capabilities—which distinguishes the Pixel series in computational photography—this ISP is
According to a March 22, 2025 DxOMark test, the 50MP primary sensor of the Pixel 10 shows a 30% increase in low-light performance over its predecessor, the Pixel 9.
With this improvement, Google might be able to outperform competitors such as Galaxy S25 Ultra, which has always led night photography.
Google is pitching the Pixel 10 as a major rival for the greatest smartphone camera of 2025 by honing image processing at the hardware level.
Graphics Powerhouse: Ray tracing GPU from Imagination Technologies
Google is also moving boldly in GPU technologies outside of simple CPU capability. Google hinted on X on March 23, 2025, at 8:00 AM IST, that the Tensor G5 would have a new GPU from Imagination Technologies.
Google’s graphics approach undergoes a major change with its divergence from the Mali GPU range, maybe releasing new possibilities in gaming and AI-driven picture processing.
A March 24, 2025 AnandTech analysis claims that the new GPU offers a 15% performance improvement over the Mali-G715 in the Tensor G4 and introduces ray tracing.
With this development, the Pixel 10 becomes a powerful gaming tool directly in competition with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, running many flagship Android devices.
This GPU update may draw gamers and content makers searching for a strong but reasonably priced flagship as mobile gaming and graphics rendering become ever more crucial.
Growing presence of Pixel 10 in the premium segment influences the market
With the Pixel 10 projected to increase its worldwide market share, Google’s continuous drive into the premium smartphone market is acquiring traction.
Up from 3% for the Pixel 9, a projection from IDC on March 21, 2025 indicates that the Pixel 10 might grab 5% of the worldwide premium smartphone market (devices priced over $600) in 2026.
Driven by competitive price and feature-packed technology, this expected development shows growing consumer interest in Pixel smartphones.
Pricing is quite important in determining this expected rise in market share. Google said on its official blog on March 22, 2025, that the Pixel 10 would launch for $799.
This reduces Apple’s projected $899 basic price for the next iPhone 17, so the Pixel 10 appeals more to flagship consumers on a budget.
The Pixel 10 could upend Apple and Samsung’s hegemony in the premium market with its enhanced performance, sophisticated camera system, and competitive pricing range.
An actual rival of Apple and Samsung
Driven by the Tensor G5, Google’s Pixel 10 marks a major breakthrough in smartphone technology.
Google is indicating its intention to compete straight with Apple and Samsung on both performance and innovation with a TSMC-built 3nm chipset, a custom ISP improving camera performance, and an Imagination Technologies GPU featuring ray tracing.
Should the early benchmarks and industry projections come true, the Pixel 10 could turn out to be Google’s most successful flagship yet, combining aggressive price, high-end performance, and AI-driven enhancements.
All eyes will be on Google as October 2025 draws near to see whether the Pixel 10 really fulfills its promise to upend the smartphone market.
