The Google Pixel phones might finally catch up to the iPhone.

Pixel users have expressed their frustration in recent years, pointing out that the performance of the Tensor processor is similar to Samsung's Exynos semiconductors, leading to issues such as overheating, poor battery life, and underperformance compared to Qualcomm processors, which use TSMC's architecture. However, it seems that the situation could change next year, as Google is reportedly considering moving away from Samsung and adopting a strategy similar to Apple's by developing custom mobile processors.

According to information from internal documents, Google plans to shift to TSMC's manufacturing facilities next year, following the lead of Apple and Qualcomm. For the fifth Tensor processor, which will be destined for the Pixel 10 series, Google is expected to use TSMC's 3-nanometer N3E node. This same node was used by Apple to create its M4 silicon, which now powers the iPad Pro and will appear in Macs soon.

Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor also relies on this advanced technology, and the significant improvements in its performance make the future of the Tensor G5 look promising. The Oryon core, which has delivered a remarkable performance boost, has been seen as a major advancement compared to Apple’s A18 Pro processors. While it seems that the Tensor G5 is on track to compete effectively, the expected successor in 2026 could truly rival Apple, as both companies are considering TSMC's N3P node for their respective upcoming chips, A19 and Tensor G6.

The shift towards more advanced process nodes generally translates to improvements in performance and energy efficiency. However, the actual impact of this transition depends on the quality of the engineering work done. In this context, Qualcomm has struggled to keep up with Apple’s A processors in recent years, although this year, thanks to the custom cores in the Snapdragon 8 Elite, the trend seems to be changing.

Qualcomm's acquisition of Nuvia, a company co-founded by former Apple engineers, has enabled the development of Phoenix cores, which have now become Oryon, successors to the Kryo cores based on the Cortex design. The first generation of Oryon, already implemented in the Snapdragon X Elite laptops, has shown superior performance compared to Apple’s M3 in multiple scenarios. The second generation cores are found in the Snapdragon 8 Elite and, according to Qualcomm, have outperformed the A18 Pro.

For Google, the success of the upcoming Tensor G5 and G6 remains to be seen. The improvement in TSMC's process node is evident compared to Samsung's Exynos stack, which will surely be reflected in the performance of the Tensor G5 and beyond. The decision now lies in Google's hands, although there is always the possibility that plans could change and the company may choose to stick with Samsung if it can offer a more attractive proposal. Expectations for the next Pixel are high.