The Pixel 11 series, set to debut in August 2026, may become a landmark smartphone release due to its anticipated use of a 2nm application processor. This development, centered around the Tensor G6 chip, marks a significant shift for Google’s hardware strategy, moving away from relying on Samsung’s Exynos chips combined with Google’s customizations. With the previous Tensor application processors manufactured by Samsung Foundry facing yield challenges, Google made a strategic decision to develop the Tensor G5 from the ground up.
This new chip will utilize TSMC’s advanced 3nm process technology, enhancing performance and efficiency while improving thermal management. The transition to TSMC represents a crucial change, enabling Google to embed specific features tailored for the Pixel experience directly into the processor. Looking ahead, there are strong indications that the Pixel 11 series will feature the upcoming Tensor G6, which could be among the first chips to utilize a 2nm fabrication process.
This potential achievement positions the Pixel 11 as a competitor against Samsung’s Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ series, which are also anticipated to run on a 2nm application processor—the Exynos 2600. While the Galaxy S26 lineup is expected to launch between late January and mid-February of 2026, the Pixel 11’s August release may prove pivotal if Samsung’s production issues persist. If Samsung opts to use the Exynos 2600, it could claim the title of the first 2nm smartphone.
Conversely, if they revert to the Snapdragon 8 for the Galaxy S26 series, the Pixel 11 may very well pioneer this next-generation technology, marking a historic milestone in smartphone evolution.