What you need to know
- The Pixel 11 Pro Fold’s FCC filing points to a major modem shakeup, with Google expected to replace Samsung’s Exynos modem with MediaTek’s M90.
- Tensor G6 could complete Google’s breakup with Samsung, following Tensor G5’s move to TSMC for chip manufacturing.
- MediaTek’s M90 offers significant upgrades, including 5G speeds of up to 12Gbps, satellite connectivity, dual active 5G SIM support, and AI-powered energy efficiency.
Google’s long-term partnership with Samsung for Pixel modem hardware could be coming to an end, and a new regulatory filing indicates the change will come sooner rather than later.
A new filing with the FCC for the next Pixel 11 Pro fold seems to confirm that Google is ready to switch to a MediaTek modem and replace Samsung’s Exynos solution, as discovered Android Authority. The presentation corroborates previous reports that the Tensor G6 platform will be combined with the company’s M90 5G modeminstead of using Samsung’s modem technology.
Google has relied heavily on Samsung for chip design and modem components since the original Tensor chip debuted in the Pixel 6 series. Although the Tensor G5 has reportedly moved to TSMC for manufacturing, Google still uses a Samsung modem. That of a clean break seems to be G6 tensioners.
For Pixel users, the modem change may be more important than the reference numbers. Samsung modems have been among the most common complaints on recent Pixel phones, with users citing inconsistent cellular reception, higher battery consumption, and less reliable signal strength compared to other flagship devices. A newer modem could solve those problems in the long run.
On paper, MediaTek’s M90 modem has some promising upgrades. It supports download speeds of up to 12Gbps, satellite connectivity, dual active 5G SIM support, and AI-powered power management that promises to improve efficiency without compromising performance. With the Tensor G6’s rumored switch to TSMC’s 2nm manufacturing process, the Pixel 11 lineup could offer significant gains in battery life, thermal performance, and overall connectivity rather than just raw processing power.
If the leaks are true, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold could be the company’s first foldable phone to come with a MediaTek modem, and that points to a broader change for the entire Pixel 11 line.
Android Central’s opinion
I think this is one of the smartest hardware decisions Google could make. Pixel phones have always had great cameras and some really useful AI features, but modem performance has been a frustrating Achilles’ heel for years. If the switch to MediaTek eventually solves the connectivity and battery issues, most users probably won’t care which logo is on the modem: they’ll be happy with a Pixel that has a better signal and lasts longer.
