Google tests MediaTek M90 modem for Pixel 11: why it matters

Google appears ready to tackle one of its phones’ most persistent weak spots: connectivity. According to insider Mystic Leaks, the company is already testing MediaTek’s M90 modem for the upcoming Pixel 11 lineup. That would mark a meaningful shift; with the Pixel 10, Google once again leaned on the less efficient Samsung Exynos 5400 despite early talk of a possible MediaTek pivot.

If the information holds, the Pixel 11 could see a clear jump in network capabilities. The MediaTek M90 supports download speeds up to 12 Gbps, cuts power consumption by up to 18% thanks to UltraSave, and even includes built-in satellite support, letting users reach out for help beyond cellular coverage. It’s the sort of practical upgrade that tends to matter far more than benchmarks.

By contrast, the Exynos 5400 in the Pixel 10 is built on Samsung’s older 4 nm process. It did help rein in the overheating issues of earlier models, yet it still trails MediaTek and TSMC-based solutions on efficiency—an area where every watt counts.

If Google does move to the M90, the Pixel 11 could become the company’s first generation where connection speed, battery life, and network stability truly sit at a premium level. Now the question is whether Google takes the leap or sticks with the familiar—the choice will hint at how boldly it plans to compete.