Rumors are swirling that Google’s Pixel 11 may take a bold new direction in connectivity by ditching Samsung’s Exynos modem in favor of the MediaTek M90. If true, this move could deliver big wins for performance and efficiency.
The Rumor: Moving Away from Samsung
Leaks point to Google testing the MediaTek M90 5G modem for its upcoming Tensor G6 chipset. Until now, Pixels have relied on Samsung’s Exynos 5400 series modem for 5G. While capable, the Exynos modem has often been criticized for power consumption and heat under load.
Google already shifted SoC production from Samsung to TSMC for the Tensor G5. Now, moving modem supply to MediaTek could further loosen its reliance on Samsung.
What is the MediaTek M90 Modem?
The M90 is MediaTek’s next-gen 5G modem built on 3GPP Release 17 standards. It promises:
- Peak downlink speeds of ~12 Gbps (vs Exynos 5400’s ~11.2 Gbps)
- AI-based power optimizations, reducing power draw by ~18%
- Dual 5G SIM dual-active support
- Satellite fallback connectivity for no-signal zones
- Better heat management under sustained 5G usage
M90 vs Exynos 5400: Quick Comparison
- Speed: M90 edges out with faster theoretical downlink speed.
- Battery life: MediaTek claims significant efficiency gains.
- Features: Dual SIM dual-active + satellite support put M90 ahead.
- Integration: Exynos has been tested with Pixel before; M90 is new ground.
Why Google Might Switch
- Efficiency Gains – Pixel phones have struggled with battery life under 5G. The M90 could fix that.
- Cutting Samsung Ties – With TSMC making Tensor chips, swapping the modem reduces Samsung’s role even more.
- Future-Proofing – Satellite support and dual-SIM flexibility are features that align with Google’s long-term Pixel strategy.
What This Means for Pixel 11 Users
If the Pixel 11 does launch with MediaTek’s M90, expect:
- Longer battery life under 5G
- Improved network reliability
- Advanced dual SIM features
- Possibly satellite messaging in emergencies
Google has yet to confirm anything, but all signs suggest the Pixel 11 could mark a major step up in modem performance. For a series often critiqued for battery and connectivity issues, this could be the fix fans have been waiting for.
