Adapted by:
Ricardo Aguilar
WriterMobile tech writer and analyst. I studied Psychology, but I've been working in the consumer tech field for the last 10 years. Interested in motor projects and new forms of mobility.
Karen Alfaro
WriterCommunications professional with a decade of experience as a copywriter, proofreader, and editor. As a travel and science journalist, I've collaborated with several print and digital outlets around the world. I'm passionate about culture, music, food, history, and innovative technologies.
Buying a Google Pixel is often about the camera, Google’s clean software, and years of support—but rarely about the processor. Since its launch, Google Tensor processors have lagged behind direct competitors in a key area for high-end devices: power.
Two companies share responsibility: Google and Samsung Foundry, which has developed the processors for years. That agreement appears to have ended, and rumors have circulated for months about a new Google Tensor manufactured by TSMC.
According to Reuters, Google is finalizing a partnership with MediaTek to develop future versions of Tensor, specifically for the 2026 Google Pixel. The company hasn’t commented on this decision, nor is it official yet.
The reasons for choosing MediaTek are clear: the Taiwanese giant’s direct relationship with TSMC and its competitive pricing compared to Broadcom, Google’s current partner. However, Google won’t sever ties with Broadcom, which will continue handling much of the hardware for AI processing functions.
MediaTek is now one of the strongest manufacturers in the semiconductor industry. It has overcome past challenges and offers solutions on par with—and in some cases better than—Qualcomm.
Meanwhile, Samsung’s semiconductor division is struggling. Years of performance issues with Exynos have fueled rumors of a division restructuring.
Image | Daniel Romero (Unsplash)
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