Google’s Pixel 10 phones are rumored to be making the jump to MediaTek for the modems inside the upcoming Tensor chip. This would be a big change for Google as it’s been using Samsung modems in its Pixel phones since the first Tensor chip was used inside the Pixel 6.
While Google’s Pixel phones are generally pretty good, most have had one continuous issue – overheating. The Samsung modems used in those older Tensor chips were prone to overheating and caused issues for users. Although this isn’t much of an issue these days by comparison. Nevertheless, it seems Google is intent on leveling up its chipset further, and changing the modem is one way it supposedly plans to do that.
Google is going with MediaTek over Qualcomm for the Pixel 10 modem
Google has been using Samsung for several years at this point so it wouldn’t be that strange if it continued down this path. That being said, there have been past rumors that the company was looking at other options. Mainly because it was looking to use a new company to manufacture the Tensor chipset. Some rumors had suggested that Google would look to TSMC. According to Android Authority, Google is actually going with MediaTek.
The report also notes that Google may have been considering Qualcomm, but settled on MediaTek, potentially due to the difference in cost.
The modem will be based on MediaTek’s “M85” modem IP
There’s not much known about this new modem except that it’s based on the M85 generation modem IP, the report says. That leaves us with little information on how well the modem will operate. Not to mention if it’ll be able to provide better performance than the modems in Google’s previous Tensor chipsets.
As 9To5Google notes, one reason Google likely went with MediaTek is because of cost. Qualcomm is more expensive and MediaTek is a more affordable solution. MediaTek has been putting out some relatively good chipsets though. So there’s a decent enough chance this modem could be decent as well. In addition to the new modem choice, the Pixel 10 has leaked in a few other capacities. Back in September, the codenames for all the Pixel 10 devices leaked.
