Google Tensor G2 is a 5nm chip, despite what the internet might say

A few of Android Authority’s eagle-eyed readers accurately noticed in our protection that the Tensor G2 processor powering the newest Pixel 7 sequence is constructed on Samsung Foundry’s 5nm manufacturing course of. This, maybe, just isn’t what many had anticipated, on condition that the business’s cutting-edge processors are presently constructed on 4nm nodes from Samsung and TSMC, and are anticipated to succeed in 3nm within the looming subsequent era.

As such, some publications haven’t finished their homework, basing articles on earlier rumors, blind expectations, or just copying another person’s incorrect reply. Some commentators have even relied on screenshots from Android {hardware} apps to verify their preconceived notions, even supposing manufacturing data of this kind just isn’t included in Android system recordsdata. One particularly hilarious screenshot we’ve seen even has the improper CPU cores on it. However hey, everybody makes errors each from time to time.

As is regular enterprise over right here, we particularly requested Google for our unique article. We have now since gone again to the Tensor G2 developer to double-check and put the controversy to relaxation. A Google spokesperson offered Android Authority with the next response:

We purpose-built Google Tensor G2 for real-world use instances. Our ultimate structure, which incorporates 5nm, helped us attain that purpose whereas growing each efficiency and energy effectivity. This method additionally allowed us so as to add new capabilities whereas taking a step ahead on machine studying with our subsequent era TPU with G2.

There you will have it, straight from the supply — Tensor G2 is a 5nm chip. Now, this isn’t a completely complete reply, even on the second time of asking. Google doesn’t inform us the precise manufacturing node employed or who constructed it (however we all know that Samsung is Google’s chief companion). Samsung has two 5nm nodes on its roadmap — the identical 5LPE course of used for the unique Tensor and a more recent 5LPP. Sadly, we don’t know which Tensor G2 is utilizing.

Even with out Google’s affirmation, there have been a couple of different clues that 5nm was extremely probably. The shortage of a serious clock-speed enhance, for one. The Arm Cortex-X1 cores within the Tensor G2 run at 2.85GHz, up a measly 50Hz from the unique Tensor’s 2.80GHz. You’d count on a much bigger leap with the transfer to a brand new main node or a notable point out of vitality effectivity enhancements. Though Google claims to have upgraded all the Tensor G2 sub-systems to cut back energy consumption for on a regular basis workloads, that is very totally different from stating that the processor is constructed on a extra environment friendly course of. Google additionally doesn’t point out the manufacturing course of anyplace in its Pixel 7 or Tensor literature, a surefire signal that it has nothing new to boast about.

Make sure you examine Android Authority’s deep dive into the internal workings of Tensor G2 to be taught what this all means within the grand scheme of the Pixel 7 sequence and its competitors.