The Google Pixel 10 may have launched barely a month ago, but the rumor mill is already buzzing about its successor, the Pixel 11. Early leaks suggest a major internal shift: the Tensor G6 processor could be paired with a MediaTek modem, breaking Google’s long reliance on Samsung modems.
Fresh Leaks Point to MediaTek Modem Testing
This isn’t the first time such speculation has surfaced. Ahead of the Pixel 10’s launch, there were whispers about Google moving away from Samsung’s Exynos 5400i modem, though the phone ended up sticking with it.
Now, however, new evidence indicates things may be different for the Pixel 11. A leaked screenshot shows “early internal testing” of the MediaTek M90 modem, along with fresh baseband versions and a new bootloader codename: “spacecraft” (a shift from Pixel 10’s “deepspace”).
What the MediaTek M90 Brings
Unveiled at MWC 2025, the MediaTek M90 5G modem is a powerful piece of hardware. It supports:
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Peak download speeds up to 12 Gbps
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Dual 5G SIM dual-active support
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Integrated AI models for better power efficiency
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Satellite connectivity for emergency communication
Compared to the Exynos 5400i, the M90 reportedly improves average power efficiency by 18% — a meaningful upgrade for battery life in everyday use.
What It Means for Tensor G6 and Google’s Strategy
Pairing the Tensor G6 with a MediaTek modem would mark a bigger strategic shift. It aligns with reports that Google is increasingly relying on TSMC to manufacture its custom silicon, gradually moving away from Samsung’s foundry.
The Tensor G6, codenamed “Malibu,” is rumored to use an advanced TSMC process, with some reports hinting at a cutting-edge 2nm node. Together, these changes could deliver the Pixel 11 a noticeable boost in performance, efficiency, and connectivity.
The Bottom Line
If the leaks hold true, the Pixel 11 could represent one of the biggest hardware overhauls in the history of the Pixel series — moving from Samsung to MediaTek for modems while leaning further into TSMC-built silicon. For users, that could translate into faster speeds, longer battery life, and more reliable connectivity.
