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Stylized view of a Pixel phone and a 'G6' chip, discussing the Pixel 11 Modem.
UPDATED Selective GLB

Google Pixel 11 to Test MediaTek M90 Modem in Tensor G6 Platform

Google tests MediaTek modem for Tensor G6, Pixel 11

Google is reportedly exploring the use of a MediaTek modem for its upcoming Tensor G6 and Pixel 11 devices.

  • Testing MediaTek M90 modem
  • Expected for Pixel 11 and Tensor G6
  • M90 supports 12Gbps peak downlink
  • Claims improved power efficiency
  • Codenamed Malibu
  • Possible 2nm manufacturing process

Google is conducting early internal trials of MediaTek’s M90 5G modem for the upcoming Pixel 11 smartphone. Leaked evidence suggests the company is exploring new connectivity options alongside ongoing Tensor G6 development.

Evidence of Internal MediaTek Modem Testing and Leak Details

Leaked command line data from Mystic Leaks indicates:

  • A baseband version labeled “a900a”
  • A bootloader codename “spacecraft”
  • Continuation of Google’s space-themed naming convention

These details remain unverified by Google or MediaTek and are presented as preliminary reports.

MediaTek M90 5G Modem Technical Capability Highlights

MediaTek unveiled the M90 modem at Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2025 (March 3–6). Key specifications include:[1]

  • Peak downlink speeds of 12 Gbps[2]
  • Dual-5G-SIM dual-active support with simultaneous data use[2]
  • Satellite connectivity integration for emergency messaging[2]
  • AI-driven power-optimization models for efficiency[2]
  • Manufacturer-claimed 18 percent reduction in average power consumption[2]

Independent benchmarks for real-world power savings are not yet available and should be treated as unconfirmed.

Comparison with Qualcomm Snapdragon X70 Modem Performance

To provide context, Google could have considered Qualcomm’s flagship modem:

  • Snapdragon X70 peak downlink: up to 6.5 Gbps
  • Dual-SIM dual-active support with 5G-5G and 5G-4G dual-active
  • AI-Enhanced signal boost and envelope-tracking for power savings
  • Integrated RF front-end for sub-6 GHz and mmWave networks

MediaTek’s M90 offers nearly double the peak downlink capacity compared to X70, but lacks third-party validation of power consumption claims.

Current Pixel Modem Performance and Thermal Improvements

Google’s recent flagship modems demonstrate solid performance:

  • Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 use Samsung’s Exynos 5400i modem on a 4 nm process[3]
  • Pixel 10 was announced August 20, 2025, and released October 9, 2025[4][5]
  • User reports and technical reviews confirm minimal overheating[6]

These improvements arose from iterative refinements in collaboration with Samsung before Google’s diversification efforts.

Evolution of Google’s Chipset and Modem Partnerships

Google’s hardware strategy has evolved:

  1. Reliance on Samsung Exynos modems for early Pixel devices
  2. Transition of Tensor G5 production to TSMC’s 3 nm process in Pixel 10[7]
  3. Evaluation of MediaTek M90 modem for Pixel 11
  4. Ongoing uncertainty around Tensor G6 production on TSMC’s N3P or 2 nm nodes

This diversification aims to optimize power efficiency, performance, and supply-chain resilience.

Tensor G6 Manufacturing Process Uncertainty

Leaked gChips division documents and subsequent reports conflict on the G6 process:

  • October 2024 leak: use of TSMC’s N3P process with a 1+6 core design
  • June 2025 report: potential upgrade to TSMC’s 2 nm process

No official confirmation has been issued by Google or TSMC. The final choice will significantly influence performance and power characteristics.

Strategic Implications for Future Pixel Connectivity

Adopting MediaTek’s modem could yield benefits:

  • Lower modem power draw, extending battery life
  • Enhanced satellite connectivity for emergency use
  • Supply-chain diversification beyond Samsung components

However, internal testing does not guarantee production use, as seen when similar plans for Pixel 10 were abandoned.

Anticipated Timeline for Pixel 11 Announcement and Release

Based on Google’s product cadence:

  • Likely announcement: August 2026
  • Probable retail availability: October 2026

MediaTek’s engineering samples expected in late 2025 align with these milestones, but actual adoption will depend on testing outcomes and certification.

Note on Data Gaps
Real-world power efficiency benchmarks for the M90 modem are not publicly available. Until third-party testing emerges, power-consumption claims should be viewed as provisional.
FCC filings for Pixel 11 prototypes have not yet appeared; any future certification data will provide clearer confirmation of modem usage.

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Luca Fischer

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Luca Fischer is a senior technology journalist with more than twelve years of professional experience specializing in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and consumer electronics. He earned his M.S. in Computer Science from Columbia University in 2011, where he developed a strong foundation in data science and network security before transitioning into tech media. Throughout his career, Luca has been recognized for his clear, analytical approach to explaining complex technologies. His in-depth articles explore how AI innovations, privacy frameworks, and next-generation devices impact both industry and society. Luca’s work has appeared across leading digital publications, where he delivers detailed reviews, investigative reports, and feature analyses on major players such as Google, Microsoft, Nvidia, AMD, Intel, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity AI. Beyond writing, he mentors young journalists entering the AI-tech field and advocates for transparent, ethical technology communication. His goal is to make the future of technology understandable and responsible for everyone.

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Editorial Timeline

Revisions
— by Nodin Laramie
  1. - Cannot independently verify Telegram leak source
  2. - Baseband version "a900a" unconfirmed
  3. - Spacecraft bootloader codename unconfirmed
  4. - Maintained as "reportedly" and "according to leaked information"
  5. - October 2024 leaks suggested N3P process
  6. - June 2025 reports suggested 2-nanometer process
  7. - Conflict properly presented as ongoing uncertainty
  8. - No official confirmation from Google or TSMC
  9. - MediaTek's 18 percent reduction claim
  10. - Cannot independently verify against controlled testing
  11. - Moved current testing and evidence to top section
  12. - Prioritized what is new over background context
  13. - Placed timeline speculation at end rather than middle
  14. - Removed marketing language and hype phrases
  15. - Eliminated subjective modifiers
  16. - Replaced vague terms with specific technical terminology
  17. - Changed "announced" to "unveiled" where appropriate for variety without sacrificing clarity
  18. - Limited paragraphs to 2-3 sentences maximum
  19. - Each paragraph addresses single concept
  20. - Improved scannability for both human and AI readers
  21. - Removed ampersands in favor of "and"
  22. - Used descriptive rather than clever headings
  23. - Organized by topic importance rather than chronological order
— by Howayda Sayed
Initial publication.

Correction Record

Accountability
— by Nodin Laramie
  1. - Corrected MWC 2025 dates to March 3–6, 2025
  2. - Clarified Pixel 10 announcement (August 20, 2025) and release (October 9, 2025) dates
  3. - Verified Tensor G5 manufacture via TSMC’s 3 nm process
  4. - Confirmed Exynos 5400i modem’s 4 nm node and improved thermal performance
  5. - Added comparison list with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X70 to contextualize MediaTek’s advantages
  6. - Highlighted lack of independent power-efficiency benchmarks for M90 modem with an alert note
  7. - Maintained proper attribution for unverified leaks (Mystic Leaks) and conflicting Tensor G6 process-node reports
  8. - Improved structure with clear, descriptive headings exceeding five words
  9. - Introduced bulleted lists to break down specifications and recommendations
  10. - Added a data-gap alert to inform readers where independent validation is pending
— by Howayda Sayed
  1. Label baseband “a900a” and bootloader “spacecraft” as leaked indicators pending official confirmation or teardown validation.
  2. Note that Exynos 5400(i) reduced but did not fully eliminate thermal throttling; reference recent third-party benchmarks for context.
  3. Remove speculative statements about M90 sample availability dates unless formally announced by MediaTek.
  4. Clarify the distinction between early 3 nm plans and later 2 nm rumors; mark process-node details as tentative until confirmed by TSMC or Google.
  5. Emphasize Google’s silence on the leaks to maintain transparency and adhere to Google News policies.
  6. Incorporate benchmark comparisons between Exynos 5400(i), MediaTek M90, and Qualcomm X70 once independent test data is released.