Pixel 11: google ditching samsung for mediatek modem – battery boost incoming?
Google is quietly prepping for the Pixel 11 launch on August 12, but a detail slipped out in an FCC filing that could significantly impact user experience: a shift away from Samsung modems and towards MediaTek. This move, confirmed through regulatory paperwork, promises a potential battery life improvement and hints at a broader strategy for Google’s in-house Tensor chips.
A quiet shift with big implications
For years, Pixel phones have relied on Samsung Exynos modems. The change, first rumored last fall, marks the first time a Pixel device won’t feature this component. The discovery, made by Android Authority, centers on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold’s SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) test report, revealing references to the MediaTek TA-SAR v2 algorithm. While the specific modem model isn't explicitly named, the most likely candidate is the MediaTek M90, announced earlier this year.
The M90 boasts impressive specifications, including “dual 5G SIM dual-active support with dual data capabilities” and downlink speeds reaching up to 12Gbps. But the real advantage lies in its AI-powered optimization, designed to improve both performance and, crucially, power efficiency. This is where the potential for better battery life emerges.
Google's decision to utilize TSMC’s 2nm process node for the Tensor G6 further strengthens this narrative. The chip itself is slated to feature seven cores, a departure from the six or eight cores typically found in competing processors. Combined, these advancements could offset the need for larger battery cells while still delivering a noticeable improvement in endurance – a persistent point of contention for Pixel users, as my colleague Mariyan detailed in his in-depth review of the Pixel 10 Pro.
Victor's review of the Pixel 10 echoed this sentiment, noting improvements over the base Pixel 9 but also highlighting unexpected struggles under heavy load. Any positive change in this area would be welcomed by the Pixel community.
Beyond the modem: the allure of pixel glow
While Google is unlikely to devote much time to discussing the modem’s intricacies during the Pixel 11 launch, a more visible feature—Pixel Glow—is expected to take center stage. This new system of LED lights on the phone’s back will illuminate in response to notifications, offering a customizable visual cue for apps and contacts. Users can assign eight different colors to these lights, creating unique patterns for Gemini interactions, low battery warnings, and charging indicators.
Ultimately, the shift to MediaTek represents a pragmatic move for Google, prioritizing efficiency and performance within the Tensor G6 architecture. While the modem itself may remain a background detail for most consumers, its impact on battery life could prove to be a significant upgrade. The Pixel 11 promises more than just incremental improvements; it suggests a renewed focus on core user experiences—and that, in a crowded smartphone market, is a story worth watching.