Google has moved key components away from Samsung’s semiconductor business: the Pixel 11 series unveiled today pairs Google’s Tensor G6 with a MediaTek M90 modem, replacing Samsung’s Exynos modems that appeared in earlier Pixels. The Tensor G6 is Google’s first 2nm chip and is manufactured by TSMC.
Samsung semiconductor and Google’s split over modems and chips
Samsung Foundry previously played a major role manufacturing Google’s custom Tensor chipsets, and Samsung’s Exynos modems were widely used in Pixel phones. Last year’s Pixel 10 series used the Exynos 5400 modem, which was also employed in the Pixel 9 lineup of 2024. Google moved Tensor manufacturing to TSMC beginning with the Tensor G5 last year, and the shift continues with the Tensor G6.
TSMC’s capacity constraints and typically higher pricing compared with Samsung Foundry have not prevented Google from switching suppliers. Samsung’s chipmaking division has improved 2nm yields and won significant orders from major clients, yet it has not regained Google’s business.
The change matters beyond the immediate revenue: semiconductor relationships help designers get their technology built into future products, and once a customer moves to another supplier, winning it back can be difficult. The shift away from Samsung for both modems and Tensor manufacturing signals that Google no longer defaults to Samsung for its complete hardware stack.
Despite the moves in silicon sourcing, the two companies remain closely linked on software. Samsung’s Galaxy products continue to showcase Google’s AI features, and Google provides the software for Samsung’s upcoming smart glasses. Android XR is fundamental to Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset, and Google has chosen Samsung as a preferred partner for Android XR hardware.
Samsung’s semiconductor division may be performing well in areas such as AI memory, but in consumer silicon it is facing the loss of a longtime partner for critical components. Being a partner, the facts show, is not the same as being indispensable.
