# Google Tensor

> series of system-on-chip processors for smartphones

**Wikidata**: [Q114446754](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q114446754)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Tensor)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/google-tensor

## Summary
Google Tensor is a series of system-on-chip processors designed by Google for smartphones. Announced in August 2021, it powers Google's Pixel 6 and later devices. The chip is manufactured by Samsung Electronics and TSMC.

## Key Facts
- Google Tensor is a series of system-on-chip processors for smartphones
- Announced on August 2, 2021
- Designed by Google
- Manufactured by Samsung Electronics and TSMC
- Different from Tensor Processing Unit (TPU)
- Instance of model series, subclass of system on a chip
- Website: https://store.google.com/intl/en/ideas/articles/google-tensor-pixel-smartphone/
- Logo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Google_Tensor_GS101.svg
- Inception date: April 2016 (concept)
- Wikipedia title: Google Tensor
- Commons category: Google Tensor

## FAQs
### Q: What is Google Tensor?
A: Google Tensor is a series of system-on-chip processors designed by Google specifically for smartphones. It was first announced in August 2021 and powers Google's Pixel 6 and later devices.

### Q: Who manufactures Google Tensor chips?
A: Google Tensor chips are manufactured by Samsung Electronics and TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company).

### Q: How is Google Tensor different from Tensor Processing Unit?
A: Google Tensor is a system-on-chip processor for smartphones, while Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) is a separate AI accelerator chip used in Google's data centers. They are different products with different purposes.

### Q: When was Google Tensor first announced?
A: Google Tensor was first announced on August 2, 2021.

### Q: What devices use Google Tensor?
A: Google Tensor powers Google's Pixel 6 and later smartphone models.

## Why It Matters
Google Tensor represents Google's entry into custom silicon design for mobile devices, marking a significant shift in the company's hardware strategy. By creating its own system-on-chip, Google gains greater control over performance, power efficiency, and AI capabilities in its Pixel smartphones. This vertical integration allows Google to optimize the hardware and software experience specifically for its devices, potentially offering advantages in areas like computational photography, machine learning tasks, and overall system responsiveness. The move also positions Google more competitively against other smartphone manufacturers who use custom silicon, such as Apple with its A-series chips. Google Tensor enables tighter integration between hardware and software, allowing for more advanced AI features and improved user experiences that differentiate Pixel devices in the crowded smartphone market.

## Notable For
- First custom system-on-chip designed by Google for smartphones
- Enables advanced AI and machine learning capabilities on Pixel devices
- Manufactured by both Samsung Electronics and TSMC, showing Google's diverse supply chain
- Differentiates Pixel smartphones from competitors using standard off-the-shelf processors
- Represents Google's strategic move toward vertical integration in hardware design

## Body
### Design and Development
Google Tensor was designed in-house by Google's hardware team, marking the company's first major foray into custom mobile processor design. The project began as a concept in April 2016, with development spanning several years before the public announcement in August 2021.

### Manufacturing Partners
The Google Tensor chip is manufactured by two major semiconductor companies: Samsung Electronics and TSMC. This dual-source manufacturing strategy provides Google with supply chain flexibility and redundancy.

### Technical Classification
Google Tensor is classified as a system-on-chip (SoC), which integrates all or most components of a computer or other electronic system into a single chip. It is specifically designed for smartphone applications and is part of a model series rather than a single chip design.

### Relationship to Other Google Hardware
Google Tensor should not be confused with the Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), which is Google's AI accelerator chip used in data centers. While both share the "Tensor" branding, they serve different purposes and operate in different environments.

### Product Integration
The primary application of Google Tensor is in Google's Pixel smartphone line, starting with the Pixel 6 series. This integration allows Google to optimize the chip's capabilities specifically for its smartphone software and features.