Pixel 11 Could Drop Samsung Modems for MediaTek M90

New leaks suggest Google might leave Samsung’s 5G modems behind for the Pixel 11 and instead adopt MediaTek’s newest M90. If true, the change could mean faster downloads, improved dual-SIM support and better power efficiency for Google’s next flagship.

Why a modem swap would matter

Modems are invisible to most users, but they’re a quiet cornerstone of mobile experience — affecting connection speed, signal stability and battery life. The rumor, first reported by Mystic Leaks, claims Google could stop using Samsung’s Exynos 5400i 5G modem on the upcoming Tensor 6 platform and move to MediaTek’s M90 for the Pixel 11.

What the MediaTek M90 brings to the table

MediaTek unveiled the M90 at Mobile World Congress earlier this year. The company highlights several headline features that could benefit Pixel customers:

• Dual 5G SIM dual-active support with dual data capabilities — better handling of two active networks.
• Up to 12 Gbps theoretical downlink speeds for faster downloads and streaming.
• AI-driven optimizations aimed at balancing performance and battery efficiency.

Those specs would be a meaningful upgrade if real-world results match the marketing — especially for users who rely on dual-SIM functionality or live in areas with variable network coverage.

History repeats — or does it?

This isn’t the first time whispers of a MediaTek modem turning up in a Pixel have appeared. Late last year similar rumors pointed to a MediaTek part for the Pixel 10, but Google ultimately kept the Samsung modem used in the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10. Still, Google’s silicon strategy has been shifting: while it once leaned on Samsung for chip production, the company moved to a custom Tensor G5 design manufactured by TSMC.

Industry context: everyone’s mixing and matching

Google isn’t alone in reshuffling modem suppliers. Apple has been developing its own modems (C1 and improved C1X), while continuing to use Qualcomm chips in some iPhone models. Samsung itself has leaned on Qualcomm’s X80 modem for the Galaxy S25, though the Galaxy S26 is rumored to pivot back to an Exynos-based solution. The modem market is fluid, driven by performance, power, and supply-chain considerations.

What this means for Pixel buyers

Most buyers won’t obsess over which company made the modem, but they will notice faster downloads, more reliable connections and longer battery life if a new modem performs well. For Google, swapping to MediaTek's M90 could be a practical step toward delivering those improvements — assuming the integration with Tensor 6 is smooth and real-world gains match the specs.

Will Google actually make the switch for Pixel 11? That remains unconfirmed. But if the leak proves accurate, the move signals that modem choice is becoming an increasingly strategic play in the smartphone wars.