Google Developing Lower-End Tensor G6 Chip For Budget Pixel 11a, Restricting Premium AI Features To Flagship Pixel Devices

Google launched the Pixel 9 lineup early this year, but Android 15 saw fit to keep up with its typical release cycle. The company is making significant changes for its entire mobile flagship line, including the Pixel A series of devices and the Pixel Tablet. Currently, the company powers its budget smartphones with the same chip as the flagship models, but it appears that future budget phones will house limited features thanks to a lower-end variant of the chip. It is now reported that Google planned to introduce a lower-end variant of the Tensor G6 chip for Pixel 11a and Pixel Tablet 3.

Google working on a hobbled version of the Tensor G6 chip for the Pixel 11a and Pixel Tablet

While the company’s decision to switch to a hobbled version of the Tensor G6 chip is wise, it would come with a few caveats. For instance, with comparatively limited processing power and other elements, budget devices could lack a few key AI features. On the contrary, Apple appears to be equipping its devices with the latest internals and higher RAM count to bolster Apple Intelligence features, which at least gives the Cupertino giant a significant plus in the budget section.

Google’s decision to switch its Tensor plans for budget phones makes sense, as the same number and quality of features cannibalize the demand for the higher-end models. However, the company could have opted for a different approach that created a wider gap between the device’s basic features. Nonetheless, the company could have a few tricks up its sleeves to bridge the differences.

AndroidAuthority…