Google’s next-generation Pixel smartphones are still a few months away, but they keep appearing on the internet now and then. We have seen the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, at least got a clear view of its rear panel, and the Pixel 7 prototype is even up for sale on eBay. But there has not been much talk about the powerhouse inside the two phones – the second-generation Tensor chip — until now. According to a report, Google has once again partnered with Samsung for the second-gen Tensor chip.
As per a report by Naver, citing industry officials, Samsung Electronics will manufacture Google’s second-generation Tensor chip for the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. The report suggests that the mass production of the second-gen Tensor chip will begin in Samsung Electronics Foundries this month, i.e., June. Further, it is being reported that the chip will be fabbed on the 4nm process node. The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are expected to debut in October.
The report mentions Samsung using the PLP (Panel Level Packaging) technology to manufacture the second-generation Tensor chips. In PLP, the chips cut from the wafer are placed on a rectangular panel. The technique is said to minimise costs while improving productivity.
It is not the first time Google and Samsung are partnering up for the Tensor chips. Last year, Samsung manufactured the Tensor chips for the Pixel 6 series on its 5nm process node. Samsung has also supplied DRAM and NAND flash components to Google, and even chips for the Waymo autonomous vehicles. The South Korean giant is also in talks with Google to supply chipsets for Google servers and other applications.
The second-generation Tensor chip, expected to debut with the Pixel 7, is reportedly dubbed Tensor GS201, internally known as Cloudripper. Moreover, the GS201 is said to come with the yet to be announced Samsung Exynos 5300 modem.
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