Samsung will manufacture the 2nd-gen Google Tensor SoC
In addition to that, it has been confirmed that this will be a 4nm chip, as expected. The original Google Tensor was made using a 5nm manufacturing process. DDaily.co.kr reports that Samsung will use panel level package (PLP) technology in order to bring this SoC to life. In case you’re wondering what PLP is: “PLP is a packaging technique in which chips cut from a wafer are placed on a rectangular panel. It is possible to minimize the discarded edge, thereby reducing cost and improving productivity”. Google has already confirmed that the Pixel 7 series will be fueled by the next-gen Tensor SoC. The company also added that this chip will “bring even more helpful, personalized features to photos, videos, security, and speech recognition” to the devices.
Mass production is expected to start this month
In the report from Korea, it is noted that the mass production for the 2nd-gen Google Tensor chip will start in June. The Pixel 7 series is expected to become official in October. The report also notes that Samsung manufactures Waymo’s autonomous driving chips. Also, Samsung could produce Google server chips moving forward. It’s not exactly a secret that Google and Samsung have a tight relationship. So, based on everything we know thus far, the 2nd-gen Google Tensor will be a considerable improvement. A new manufacturing process and use of PLP sure do seem promising. The original Google Tensor is a very capable chip, and has been doing a great job inside the Pixel 6 series. We’re expecting even more from its successor. The Google Tensor now fuels only the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, but the Pixel 6a will also include it. That device was announced during Google I/O, but it won’t become available to purchase until the end of July.
