Google Pixel’s Tensor grows as global smartphone shipments continue to fall - 9to5Google

What the report says

9to5Google reported that Google’s Pixel Tensor chips are gaining ground in a weakening smartphone processor market, citing Counterpoint Research data comparing the first half of 2026 with the same period in 2025. According to the report, overall smartphone system-on-chip shipments fell 15%, a decline the article connects to softer smartphone demand among major Android manufacturers.

The shift appears to be pressuring the two largest Android chip suppliers. 9to5Google said MediaTek’s share dropped from 37% to 32%, while Qualcomm fell from 26% to 22%. Shipments from both companies declined by more than 25% year over year in the first half of 2026. By contrast, Google, Samsung, Apple and UNISOC recorded shipment growth, with Google and Samsung benefiting from continued investment in proprietary processors such as Tensor and Exynos.

The article points to rising memory costs as a major factor affecting the broader device market. It said memory prices were reported to be up 300% year over year, pushing manufacturers to raise device prices and reducing the relative weight of SoC costs in handset bills. 9to5Google also noted that generative AI-focused chipsets grew 24% year over year, even as total SoC shipments fell, reflecting demand for on-device AI features.

For Google, the trend matters because Tensor is central to Pixel differentiation, especially around AI capabilities. 9to5Google said the Pixel 11 series is expected to be announced on August 12 with Tensor G6, following Tensor G5 in the Pixel 10 lineup. Samsung continues to develop Exynos, although the article noted the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series uses Qualcomm processors globally.