While Google’s mobile chipset journey brought AI power with its Tensor chips, it was unfortunately consistently criticized for its Samsung-made modems. These modems, which caused overheating and rapid battery drain, marred the user experience of Pixel phones. However, it appears this could radically change with the Pixel 11.

Will the Google Pixel 11 End Its Battery and Connection Issues?

According to a seemingly reliable leak shared by Mystic Leaks on Telegram, Google’s next flagship chip, the Tensor G6, will no longer rely on Samsung hardware. Instead, the company is reportedly testing the MediaTek M90 modem, introduced earlier this year.

This decision could mark a major first for Google:

• A Break with Samsung: A definitive abandonment of the 5G overheating and battery drain issues caused by Exynos modems in the Pixel series.
• A Partnership with MediaTek: The first use of MediaTek components in a Google flagship device.

MediaTek’s M90 modem comes with ambitious features to meet these expectations:

• High Speed: Peak download speeds of up to 12 Gbps.
  Enhanced Efficiency: Increased power efficiency offers the potential for a critical battery life improvement.
  Future Support: Built-in support for dual 5G SIM cards and satellite connectivity.

Industry analysts see this move by Google as a “pragmatic” solution. Rather than rebuilding the Tensor architecture from scratch, it aims to alleviate the largest burden on the existing Tensor architecture by using an off-the-shelf, efficient modem.

Even the Tensor G5’s transition to TSMC’s 3nm process was insufficient to close the performance gap with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon series. Addressing this efficiency gap with the MediaTek M90 could lead to a much more significant improvement in users’ daily experience.

The Pixel 11, expected to be released in late 2026, is expected to offer better endurance and connection stability thanks to this new modem. Google had already increased the battery capacity from the Pixel 9 to the Pixel 10 (from 4,700 mAh to 4,970 mAh). A potential further battery capacity increase, combined with the power efficiency of the MediaTek M90, could boost the Pixel series’ runtime to record levels.

However, some users are cautious; the modest gains from TSMC’s move in the Tensor G5 are keeping expectations low. Whether the MediaTek M90 will make this significant difference will remain a major concern until Google launches the Pixel 11.