- An early Google Pixel 11 rumor has emerged
- There may be modem changes with the Tensor G6
- We could see a switch from Samsung to MediaTek
With the Google Pixel 10 series now out in the world, the countdown has started to the launch of the Pixel 11 in 2026, and a fresh rumor suggests that there will be a notable upgrade in terms of the phone's processor.
According to tipster Mystic Leaks (via 9to5Google), Google is testing a MediaTek M90 modem with the Tensor G6 processor, the CPU due to debut with the Pixel 11 – and a follow-up to the Tensor G5 in the Pixel 10.
That's significant because it would represent a switch away from Samsung modems on the Tensor chipsets – a switch that was in fact rumored for the 2025 handsets but never materialized. This year it might actually come to pass.
As far as what you might see in terms of improvements, better 5G and satellite connectivity speeds have been touted, as well as better power efficiency – so the Pixel 11 phones would in theory run cooler and faster than their predecessors.
Pixel 11 phones on the way
All of this is still rumor and speculation for the time being of course, and nothing is certain until Google makes it official. Pixel 11 leaks have been relatively thin on the ground so far, though these handsets are unlikely to arrive before next August.
At the moment, we're still expecting the standard Pixel 11 to be joined by the Pixel 11 Pro, the Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold – following the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold – though there's always the chance that Google might surprise us with something new.
We've seen the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and the iPhone Air both make their debuts this year, so it's not beyond the realms of possibility that Google might decide to introduce a super-thin and light phone as part of its own range.
It's going to be interesting to find out – and to see whether or not the long-standing partnership between Google and Samsung on the Tensor chipset, which has been in place since the very first Pixel, will be dismantled further in 2026.
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