Google is removing another Samsung part from Pixel phones
When Google introduced the first major overhaul to Pixel phones in 2021, it used several Samsung components. However, after a few years, Google began to distance itself from the South Korean firm. It is rumoured that next year, Google will cease using another hardware component from Samsung for the Pixel 11 series.
Future Pixel phones will not use Samsung modems
Tipster Mystic Leaks has revealed on Telegram that the Pixel 11 series will use the Tensor G6 processor, which is codenamed Malibu. Its name might not be surprising at all, but it is surprising that Google will reportedly ditch Samsung’s Exynos 5G modem in favor of MediaTek’s M90 modem for the Pixel 11 series.
The M90 is a modem that supports both mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G networks in standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) modes. It can achieve peak download speeds of up to 12Gbps through carrier aggregation. Additionally, it supports 5G in dual-SIM dual-active (DSDA) mode and low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity for emergency calling and messaging.
The new modem appears slightly faster than the Exynos 5400 modem used in the Tensor G5 chip, which powers the Pixel 10 series. However, the Exynos modem can achieve up to 14.7Gbps download speeds when it uses both FR1 (mmWave) and FR2 (sub-6GHz) frequencies simultaneously in the new radio dual connectivity (NR-DC) modem. It can also connect to LEO satellites for emergency connectivity.
Since both modems are quite similar, the only reason Google might be switching to a MediaTek modem could be due to power efficiency differences. Exynos modems have been power-hungry in the past, but this may no longer be the case. Nevertheless, Google might be keeping its options open.
Tensor G6 rumored features
The Tensor G6 could be made by TSMC on its 2nm process node. It could use on Cortex C1 1Ultra CPU core, six Cortex C1-Pro CPU cores, and one Cortex C1-Nano CPU core. It could also feature a triple-core GPU from Imagination Technologies, LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage.
Google could still use Samsung’s OLED panels and ISOCELL camera sensors in the Pixel 11 series that will likely be launched in mid-2026 with Android 16 onboard.
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