Google’s Tensor chipset has delivered plenty of AI-focused improvements since its debut, but one persistent complaint from Pixel users has centered on modem performance, particularly around 5G stability and battery drain during mobile data use. According to a new report, that could be about to change with the upcoming Pixel 11 series.
Google Reportedly Switching to a MediaTek Modem
Google is said to be making a significant change to the Tensor G6 chipset, reportedly moving away from Samsung’s Exynos modem in favor of MediaTek’s M90 5G modem. The information reportedly surfaced through detailed FCC certification documents, a regulatory filing process that often reveals hardware details ahead of official product announcements.
According to TechieUltimatum on X specifications, the MediaTek M90 modem supports downlink speeds of up to 12Gbps, along with dual 5G SIM dual-active connectivity, allowing both SIM cards to maintain active 5G connections simultaneously rather than one falling back to a slower network. The modem is also said to incorporate AI-based optimization aimed at improving both power efficiency and overall network performance.
Why This Modem Switch Matters
If accurate, this change could address some of the most common criticisms leveled at previous Tensor-powered Pixel phones. Modem-related issues have historically been one of the more noticeable weak points in Google’s Tensor lineup, particularly when compared to competitors using more mature modem solutions from Qualcomm or MediaTek.
A switch to the MediaTek M90 could potentially bring several meaningful improvements for Pixel 11 users, including:
- Better battery life, particularly during extended mobile data use, an area where modem efficiency plays a major role
- More stable 5G connectivity, especially in areas with inconsistent network coverage
- Reduced heat generation while using cellular data, which has been a recurring complaint with earlier Tensor chips
- Faster network speeds, thanks to the modem’s higher rated downlink capacity
Of course, real-world performance will ultimately depend on how well Google integrates the new modem with the rest of the Tensor G6 chipset, since modem performance isn’t determined by hardware specifications alone.
Part of a Broader Shift Away From Samsung Components
This wouldn’t be the first time Google has reportedly moved away from Samsung-supplied components for its Tensor chips. Over recent Pixel generations, Google has gradually diversified its supply chain for various chipset components rather than relying solely on Samsung’s System LSI division. A shift to a MediaTek modem would continue that pattern, suggesting Google may be prioritizing component performance and reliability over maintaining an exclusive partnership with Samsung for every part of the Tensor platform.
Pixel 11 Launch Timeline
The Pixel 11 series is set to launch on August 12, arriving with the Tensor G6 chipset at its core. With the launch date already confirmed, more details about the modem, along with the rest of the phone’s specifications, should become clearer as the announcement date approaches.
What This Means for Pixel Buyers
For longtime Pixel users who’ve experienced modem-related quirks on previous Tensor-powered devices, this reported change could be one of the more meaningful under-the-hood upgrades in the Pixel 11 series, even if it doesn’t show up as a headline marketing feature. As with any pre-launch report, these details are based on regulatory filings and industry sourcing rather than official confirmation, so final specifications could still shift before the August 12 launch.
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