lucadelladora – Google is reportedly preparing to sever its remaining hardware ties with Samsung for the upcoming Pixel 11 series. According to new leaks, the company plans to fully shift away from Samsung’s Exynos modems and instead use MediaTek’s M90 modem in its next-generation Tensor G6 chip.
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The current Pixel 10’s Tensor G5 already marked a partial departure from Samsung, with Google moving chip manufacturing to TSMC. However, the modem component remained tied to Samsung’s Exynos platform. This compromise limited the full potential of the chipset, particularly in battery performance and thermal efficiency.
Now, tipster Mystic Leaks has shared that Google is developing the Tensor G6—internally codenamed “Malibu”—with plans to replace the Exynos modem entirely. The new MediaTek M90 modem could bring major gains in both speed and power efficiency.
MediaTek unveiled the M90 earlier this year as a flagship-tier modem. It supports peak downlink speeds of up to 12Gbps and includes support for satellite connectivity and dual 5G SIM dual-active features. It also boasts AI-enhanced power management, which reduces average power consumption by up to 18% compared to certain competitors.
If the leak is accurate, this shift would mark a key strategic milestone for Google’s hardware division. The company would finally own a fully custom-designed chipset ecosystem for the Pixel line—free of Samsung’s legacy components.
MediaTek M90 Modem Could Solve Battery and Connectivity Issues in Pixel Series
One of the most common complaints about Google’s Pixel phones has been battery life and inconsistent cellular performance. These issues often trace back to the modem, which is among the most power-hungry components in a smartphone.
The MediaTek M90 is designed to address exactly these concerns. It uses integrated AI models to optimize power consumption based on usage patterns and network conditions. This approach could help the Pixel 11 deliver stronger connectivity and longer battery life under typical usage.
Google’s previous modems—based on Samsung’s Exynos design—have been seen as a bottleneck in otherwise advanced hardware. The decision to move to MediaTek’s solution signals a more aggressive push to compete with flagship devices from Apple and Samsung.
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Beyond efficiency, the M90 also offers next-gen features. Support for satellite connectivity could enable emergency messaging in areas without cell coverage. Dual 5G SIM support would also appeal to global users who rely on multiple networks.
Despite high expectations, the Tensor G5 failed to deliver a game-changing experience in 2025’s Pixel models. Moving forward, Google appears focused on delivering a cohesive and competitive chipset in the Pixel 11. The shift to a MediaTek modem could be the missing piece in its long-term hardware strategy.
As development on the Tensor G6 progresses, users and analysts will be watching closely. If successful, the Pixel 11 could mark a turning point for Google’s smartphone lineup—combining custom silicon with real-world performance improvements.
