Hello, Pixel fans! Even though the current phones are still shining bright, the rumor mill has officially started churning out exciting details about the upcoming Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro—and the biggest whisper yet concerns a core piece of technology: the 5G modem.
If these reports prove true, the next-generation Pixel will receive a long-awaited and significant upgrade, potentially fixing past complaints about cellular performance and battery drain.
Goodbye Samsung, Hello MediaTek M90
The biggest news is a rumored shift in suppliers. Historically, Google has relied on Samsung’s Exynos baseband chips for the modems within its Tensor processors. However, reports indicate that Google is now conducting “early internal testing” for the Pixel 11 lineup using a different component: the MediaTek M90 5G modem.
This change is notable because the switch was rumored for the Pixel 10 but never materialized. If Google goes through with this transition for the Pixel 11 Pro and its siblings, it would mark a significant step away from its previous modem partner and toward a solution that promises substantial improvements.
Why the MediaTek M90 is a Game-Changer
What exactly does MediaTek’s M90 modem bring to the table for the Google Pixel 11? A lot! This upgrade is expected to deliver improvements across three critical areas: speed, efficiency, and features.
1. Blazing Fast Speeds
The M90 is touted as a top-tier performer, capable of reaching up to a massive 12Gbps maximum downlink performance. For the average user, this translates to faster streaming, quicker downloads, and a more responsive internet experience overall.
2. Superior Power Efficiency
One of the most exciting aspects of the M90 is its efficiency. Thanks to MediaTek’s UltraSave technology, the new modem is reported to offer up to 18 percent reduced power consumption compared to older solutions. This is a crucial improvement, meaning the Pixel 11 should run cooler, drain less battery during heavy 5G use, and maintain better performance over long periods.
3. New Satellite Connectivity Feature
The M90 officially supports satellite connectivity. This means the Pixel 11 models could come with “out of the box” support to communicate and call for assistance even when there is zero traditional cellular coverage. This is a major safety and communication feature that brings the Pixel series in line with competitors already offering similar services.
The Tensor G6 Connection
This rumored modem change is not happening in a vacuum; it’s being tested alongside the processor expected to power the phone: the next-generation Tensor G6 chipset.
By integrating the MediaTek M90 with the Tensor G6, Google is laying the groundwork for the entire Pixel 11 family—from the base model to the high-end Pixel 11 Pro—to deliver the most robust and efficient connectivity performance yet seen in a Pixel device.
While we are still in the early stages of speculation, this key spec upgrade suggests Google is serious about tackling wireless performance head-on, setting the stage for the Google Pixel 11 to be a powerhouse of speed and efficiency.
