Pixel 10 lineup Will Not Use A Samsung 5G Modem, With Google Reportedly Shifting To A MediaTek Solution As It Likely Aims To Prioritize Efficiency

Google is reportedly planning an internal specifications revamp of the Pixel 10 series, starting with ditching Samsung and partnering with TSMC to mass produce the Tensor G5 SoC on the 3nm ‘N3E’ process. Additionally, the latest report mentions that the Mountain View firm plans to use MediaTek modems instead of the Korean giant’s, which is likely to improve the power efficiency of next year’s flagship series.

Negligible information is mentioned about the MediaTek modem that will be used in the Pixel 10 models, but the report states that it should support the 3GPP Release 17 5G standard

Up until the Pixel 9 family, Google has relied on Samsung’s foundry and its 5G modems, which are used in these models, but Android Authority reports that these aspects will change with the Pixel 10 launch. As for which modem will be used, the unreleased T900 is expected to be used, which is an interesting revelation because we reported earlier that Xiaomi’s in-house 3nm chipset, which is said to be announced next year, will also take advantage of the same baseband chip. Sadly, not much is known about this modem, but it may be based on MediaTek’s ‘M85’ IP.

A major perk is that the T900 should support the latest Release 17 5G standard, meaning that it should be compatible with a bevy of networks and consume less power compared to the previous-generation versions. Google could sever its alliance with Samsung because it is well aware of the overheating issues that have plagued its Pixel series, and it wishes to make amends by introducing more efficient silicon. Given that Samsung’s first-generation 3nm GAA process is suffering from yield problems, and the only logical alternative is TSMC for the Tensor G5 and Tensor G6, followed by MediaTek for the baseband chips.

This is the first time that we have heard of Google moving to MediaTek’s 5G modems for the Pixel 10 range, and while Android Authority’s Kamila Wojciechowska has a solid track record regarding the company’s future plans, we will always remind readers to treat this information with a pinch of salt and we will back with more updates.

News Source: Android Authority