Google Pixel 11 Tensor G6 is a 3nm chip, not 2nm as previously rumored

Google Confirms Tensor G6 Uses 3nm Process, Not 2nm

Google's latest Tensor G6 chip powering the Google Pixel 11 series is fabricated using TSMC's 3nm process, not the anticipated 2nm node that would have made it the industry's first 2nm smartphone chip. Peng Yu-chun, Vice President of Hardware at Google, confirmed to Taiwanese news agency CNA that the processor uses TSMC's enhanced 3nm manufacturing process1

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. This revelation contradicts earlier speculation suggesting Google would beat Apple to become the first smartphone manufacturer to adopt TSMC's 2nm chipmaking nodes. The Tensor G6 powers the entire Pixel 11 lineup, including the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold, all unveiled at the Made by Google event earlier this week2

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Performance Upgrades Despite Missing 2nm Node

While the Tensor G6 isn't built on the cutting-edge 2nm process, Google has packed substantial performance improvements into the 3nm chip. The upgraded CPU delivers 25% faster web browsing and 15% quicker app launches compared to previous generations1

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. The tensor processing unit receives a significant boost with 50% more TPU compute power, enabling more sophisticated on-device AI capabilities1

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. This enhanced TPU compute supports a new version of Gemini Nano specifically designed for on-device AI tasks, allowing the Pixel 11 to handle complex AI workloads without relying on cloud processing1

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Camera and Security Enhancements

The Tensor G6 features an upgraded Image Signal Processor that powers faster Night Sight processing and improved digital zoom capabilities across the Pixel 11 series1

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. These imaging improvements build on Google's computational photography strengths, enabling users to capture better low-light photos with reduced processing time. Security also receives attention with the upgraded Titan M3 security chip integrated into the Tensor G6 architecture1

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Samsung Claims 2nm Crown

Even if Google had adopted TSMC's 2nm process for the Tensor G6, it would have been the second manufacturer to launch a 2nm smartphone chip. Samsung secured that distinction in December with the Exynos 2600 SoC, the world's first 2nm node chip fabricated using advanced Gate-All-Around technology2

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. The Exynos 2600 powers the Samsung Galaxy S26 series and Galaxy Z Flip 8, combining CPU, GPU, and NPU into a single compact chip for enhanced AI and gaming experiences2

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. This positions Samsung ahead in the race to smaller, more efficient chipmaking nodes, though Apple typically leads TSMC's adoption cycle for new process technologies. Watch how Google's focus on AI-specific optimizations rather than pure fabrication size impacts real-world Pixel 11 performance against competitors using more advanced nodes.