Tensor G5 to use Imagination GPU, reports Android Authority
Google's next in-house chip for Pixel smartphones, the Tensor G5, will be fabbed by TSMC instead of being a Samsung ASIC like past Tensors. Accompanying that change are numerous IP-selection changes, according to Android Authority.
The most surprising change is adoption of Imagination's DXT GPU, which the GPU supplier alluded to when launching the newest DXT version (https://xpu.pub/2025/02/25/imagination-dxtp-gpu/). This is a major win for the once-dominant GPU licensor.
The choice of Chips & Media for the video codec is less surprising. Not widely known outside the industry, C&M is a go-to company for such IP.
VeriSilicon/Vivante didn't pick up the 3D GPU but did land a win for its display processor, which could be a foot in the door for other IP.
Arm claims the CPU win. Realistically, who else would Google use?
According to previous stories, MediaTek will supply the 5G modem--a separate chip. I've been impressed that Samsung won the modem socket in previous Pixels, indicating its a good design. MTK is the second-biggest modem supplier after Qualcomm and will likely deliver a power-efficient chip supporting recent 3GPP standards.
