The upcoming Google Pixel 10 is expected to bring many upgrades. Some will be run-of-the-mill, while others could come as a surprise or even leave some people shocked. That is how tech works. But usually, you go through these emotions after the launch. But it turns out some decisions could trigger a response even before the launch. While not explicitly confirmed in so many words, Google was widely reported to be switching its manufacturing partner from Samsung Foundry to TSMC for the Tensor G5 chip, which is set to power the Pixel 10 phones. Samsung has apparently not taken this decision well.

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Now, to be clear, Google has still not confirmed that it is switching partners, but according to a new report coming from Korea, Samsung is shocked about it and has initiated an investigation – intense analysis – into why this might have happened. So, in a way, the report all but confirms what we all knew for a while, but you get the impression that Samsung didn’t know of this change for a long time, which seems a bit odd given that it doesn’t seem like a last-minute type of decision. Some reports suggest Google has struck a deal with TSMC and all Pixel phones, Pixel 10 onwards to the Pixel 14, will be made by the Taiwanese company, not Samsung Foundry. Maybe Samsung is more interested in this long-term deal rather than specifically what’s happening with the Pixel 10. Either way, it’s all speculation and open to different interpretations.

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“Losing Google is a case that shows the complex problems of Samsung Foundry at once,” an industry source was quoted as saying by The Bell. “I understand that there are many discussions and concerns going on internally as well.” The outlet goes on to list several reasons why Google chose TSMC over Samsung. Mostly they’ve got to do with Samsung’s alleged inefficiency in cooking up better, faster chips with more advanced processes, something that has been reflected in recent Google Pixels with widely reported issues with heating and less-than-stellar battery life. TSMC chips are generally considered superior. Apple uses them for making its own silicon, so it isn’t surprising that Google, too, wants to test these waters and see if it brings any real-world advantages.

The Pixel 10 series will reportedly launch in August with a total of three models in tow: Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL. There could be a fourth, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, but we’ll have to wait and watch out for that. All the models are expected to pack the Tensor G5 chip.