Google Tensor G5 SoC for Pixel 10 to Feature Fully Custom Google ISP
The specifications and benchmarks of the Tensor G5 surfaced last year, ahead of the Pixel 10 launch later this year. For the first time, Google is set to use TSMC’s 3nm-class process for the Tensor G5, moving away from its previous reliance on Samsung. A recent report from Android Authority provides further insights into the chip.
An earlier report indicated that the Tensor G5 will feature a PowerVR two-core IMG DXT-48-1536 GPU clocked at 1.1GHz, replacing the previous Arm Mali GPU. This suggests that Google is incorporating its next-generation Google EdgeTPU and Google GXP DSP while maintaining the Google Emerald Hill memory compressor and Google AoC audio processor.
According to the report, Google will introduce a fully custom Google ISP for the first time, moving away from Samsung’s ISP with custom Google components. Additionally, the chip will feature a VeriSilicon DC9000 display controller/2D GPU and a Chips&Media WAVE677DV video codec, enabling up to 4K120 encoding and decoding in AV1, VP9, HEVC, and H.264—replacing the custom ‘BigWave’ AV1 video codec.
While the Tensor G5 is expected to retain the Synopsys DesignWare USB3 for USB connectivity, Google has partnered with multiple IP providers, including Synopsys and SmartDV Technologies. The chip is also likely to use a third-party vendor for its UFS controller, though the specific provider remains unknown.
Despite the shift to TSMC’s manufacturing process, the Tensor G5 will closely resemble its predecessors, continuing Google’s approach of integrating limited custom components while relying heavily on externally sourced, off-the-shelf parts.
