Google’s next-generation Tensor chips, expected to power the Pixel 10 and Pixel 11, are gearing up for significant efficiency upgrades. According to recent reports, these improvements focus heavily on optimizing battery life and reducing heat generation—key pain points for previous Pixel models. The shift in Google’s chip strategy also aligns with a broader push for extended Android software updates, setting the stage for a more reliable and long-lasting Android ecosystem.

Big Efficiency Gains with Tensor G5 in Pixel 10

Google’s Tensor chip series, first introduced with the Pixel 6, has consistently improved over time, especially in terms of performance and energy efficiency. Yet, issues like battery life and heat dissipation remained prevalent in the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and even the Pixel 8. While the Tensor G3 and G4 chips have shown some improvement, Google is still working to catch up to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors, which have long set the benchmark for power efficiency in Android devices.

Looking ahead, Google’s upcoming Tensor G5 chip, codenamed “Laguna,” is expected to focus primarily on enhancing efficiency rather than introducing massive performance boosts. Reports suggest that Google will move production away from Samsung’s foundry to TSMC, a decision that aligns with the use of TSMC’s 3nm N3E process, the same advanced technology behind Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro chips. This change alone promises a significant leap in energy efficiency, as TSMC’s processes have been proven to be more power-efficient than Samsung’s.

Tensor G6 for Pixel 11: Further Efficiency Gains with TSMC’s N3P Node

Following the improvements in the Tensor G5, Google is already planning for its Tensor G6 chip, which is expected to power the Pixel 11 series in 2026. This chip, internally codenamed “Malibu,” will reportedly use TSMC’s N3P node, a more refined version of the 3nm process. This upgrade could bring even more efficiency improvements to the Pixel 11, potentially making it one of the most power-conscious flagship smartphones on the market.

While performance details for Tensor G5 and G6 remain under wraps, Google appears focused on refining power consumption and heat management as key priorities.

Google’s 7-Year Update Plan for Android Phones

Beyond hardware improvements, Google is also leading the charge in extending Android software support. The company made waves by promising 7 years of Android updates for the Pixel 8 series, a major leap from the standard 3-4 years most manufacturers offer. Now, Google is aiming to push other Android manufacturers to follow suit.

Reports from Android Authority reveal that Google has introduced the “Longevity GRF” program. This initiative is designed to make it easier for manufacturers to provide long-term software support. A major hurdle for extended Android updates has been the limited support for chipsets from manufacturers like Qualcomm, which typically only offer software updates for their chips for a few years.

Google’s GRF (Google Requirements Freeze) program, implemented a few years ago, started to address this by allowing some Android updates to roll out without requiring new vendor software. However, this only extended support by three years, after which updates became more complex.

Longevity GRF: Paving the Way for 7-Year Android Updates

The new “Longevity GRF” program takes things a step further. It allows Android manufacturers to support up to 7 years of OS updates without needing to overhaul vendor software for every update. This simplifies the process of extending software updates on Android devices.

However, manufacturers will still need to update the Linux kernel, the core software that interacts with the device’s hardware, at least every three years. This is crucial for security purposes, as relying on older Linux kernels can make it difficult to implement security patches.

While the new program ensures that Android phones can receive longer software support, it may come with some trade-offs. Specifically, devices may not get access to certain new features introduced in future Android versions if those features require vendor software updates. For example, Android 12’s 2G toggle or Android 13’s flashlight brightness API needed updated vendor software to function, even if the main Android update had been installed.

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite: The First Chip to Support Longer Android Updates

One of the first chips to support the Longevity GRF program is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, which is expected to feature in a range of high-end Android devices in the coming years. Though there hasn’t been an official announcement from Google or Qualcomm, the move signals a new era for Android, where long-term software support becomes the norm, even on non-Google devices.

As the landscape of Android evolves, Google’s push for longer update lifecycles—coupled with its focus on efficiency in its Tensor chips—could greatly improve user experience, ensuring that Android phones remain powerful, efficient, and secure for years after their release.

In conclusion, Google’s upcoming Tensor G5 and G6 chips for Pixel 10 and Pixel 11 are poised to bring major efficiency improvements, thanks to the switch to TSMC’s advanced 3nm process. At the same time, Google’s “Longevity GRF” program could reshape the Android ecosystem by pushing for longer software support across a wider range of devices, starting with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite. With these efforts, Google is setting the stage for more reliable, energy-efficient, and longer-lasting Android smartphones in the future.

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