Google may drop Samsung modems for MediaTek in Pixel 11 series

Google is reportedly considering dropping Samsung’s modem technology entirely for its upcoming Tensor G6 chip, potentially switching to MediaTek’s new M90 modem for the Pixel 11 series. This shift could address longstanding connectivity and battery drain issues that have plagued Google’s Pixel phones, marking a complete break from Samsung hardware after years of partnership complaints.

What you should know: Google has already moved Tensor G5 chip production from Samsung to TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) for the Pixel 10 series but retained Samsung’s Exynos modem technology.

• According to leaker Mystic Leaks, Google is now evaluating MediaTek’s M90 modem, which was introduced at MWC 2025.
• The MediaTek M90 promises AI and 5G features with “differentiated performance with more design flexibility,” plus improved power efficiency and speeds up to 12Gbps downlink.
• The Tensor G6 is also rumored to be built on TSMC’s new 2nm process, which would make it one of the first flagship chips to feature this advanced manufacturing node.

Why this matters: Samsung’s modems have been a persistent source of user complaints across Google’s Pixel lineup, with widespread reports of connectivity issues and battery drain problems.

• The TSMC-manufactured Tensor G5 already showed “noticeably better” performance than Samsung’s Tensor G4 in testing, suggesting similar improvements could come from switching modems.
• Ironically, Samsung uses Qualcomm’s X80 modem in its own Galaxy S25 flagship series rather than its own Exynos technology, though reports indicate Samsung may switch to its Exynos 2600 series next year.

Key features of the MediaTek M90: The new modem could deliver significant upgrades for Pixel users through several advanced capabilities.

• Satellite-based connectivity for enhanced coverage in remote areas.
• Faster data speeds and improved power efficiency compared to current Samsung modems.
• No phones currently use the M90 modem, making real-world performance comparisons impossible at this stage.

The big picture: Google’s potential complete separation from Samsung hardware represents a strategic shift toward greater control over its mobile chip ecosystem.

• Google’s Tensor chips have been efficient but consistently lag behind Apple’s A-series processors and Qualcomm Snapdragon chips used in Samsung’s Galaxy lineup.
• Moving to a 2nm process with TSMC could help Google close the performance gap with competitors while addressing user experience issues.

Grains of salt: Similar rumors about Google abandoning Samsung’s modem technology for the Pixel 10 series ultimately proved false.

• The company retained Samsung’s Exynos modem despite earlier speculation about a switch to alternative suppliers.
• Until official confirmation, this rumor should be viewed with appropriate skepticism given the previous inaccurate predictions.