Google is looking at major jumps in its Pixel 11 series of devices, and it all starts with the chipset powering the device. Recent Tensor G6 leaks revealed that Google is planning to use TSMC’s cutting-edge 2nm process node (N2), which would be a major leap up from the 3nm process used for the Tensor G5 on the Pixel 10 series. This particular Google Tensor G6 rumor would mean a major boost to the smartphone’s performance and power efficiency.
Ever since the introduction of the Tensor chip in 2021, Google has been one step behind competitors operating on the latest Snapdragon chipset every year. If the Pixel 11’s chip process were advanced to the 2nm process, not only would it be on par with competitors, but it could also finally jump a step ahead.
Google Tensor G6 Leaks Promise Big Changes for the Pixel 11 Series
The Google chip rumors for 2025 don’t give too much away, but they do suggest big changes are coming. Reports appear certain about the fact that the Tensor G6 will be manufactured using TSMC’s cutting-edge 2nm process node, and won’t just use a more efficient 3nm process and call it a day.
Google has stepped away from its reliance on the Samsung Foundry, which had previously produced older Tensor chips like the G3 and the G4 on 4nm processes, to TSMC for both the Tensor G5 and G6, built on the 3nm and 2nm processes, respectively. This transition is a part of Google’s long-term alliance with TSMC and sets the stage for a collaboration for all future Pixel phones.
The Tensor G6’s advancement to TSMC’s 2nm process could spike production costs significantly, but the company could also be willing to absorb the immediate costs to make the switch. Pixel devices are already among the pricier smartphones on the market, and an increase in their costs would not make the device more appealing, regardless of its internal processing capabilities. Google will have to find a way to bring down the costs without affecting its profit margin with its next set of smartphones.
The Pixel 11 Tensor G6 Upgrade Could Bring a List of Gains
The 2nm process identified in the Tensor G6 leaks is expected to provide significant performance improvements over the 3nm Tensor G5, potentially allowing Google to compete more closely with rivals like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) and Apple’s A-series chips. With the smaller node size, Google can see higher transistor density, which could improve graphical and computational performance. The Pixel 11 Tensor G6 upgrade could also improve energy efficiency, giving users what they crave most—better battery life.
Additionally, the Google Tensor G6 production rumors also suggest that the upcoming smartphones could feature a next-gen CPU with a single ARM Cortex-X930 prime core, six Cortex-A730 performance cores, and one Cortex-A530 efficiency core. According to Gizmochina, it may also include a 3-core Imagination CXTP GPU running at 1.1GHz, paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, enhancing AI and gaming performance.
Are you Excited for the Pixel 11 Series?
The Tensor G6, codenamed “Malibu,” is expected to debut with the Pixel 11 series in 2026, in August or September. This would allow Google to lead the industry by picking up the process before industry frontrunner Qualcomm, whose Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 is expected to continue with the 3nm node in 2025. Samsung could follow closely with the 2nm Exynos chip for Galaxy devices, but Google would still walk out with an edge on the global Android market.
Currently, most of the focus has been on software, with Android 16 and iOS 26 going head to head with fully redesigned releases expected around September. Samsung is also expected to bring out One UI 8 to pull ahead of the competition, particularly with its Fold smartphones expected next month. We have some time to go before Google validates the authenticity of these Tensor G6 leaks for us, so until then, we’re going to keep our eyes peeled for what’s to come.
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