Leak points to flagship-grade silicon and modem switch for upcoming Pixel 11a
Specs indicate a return to modern processing power and a shift away from Samsung Exynos modems, aiming to resolve battery and connectivity issues plaguing previous generations.
A leak attributed to Mystic Leaks indicates that the upcoming Google Pixel 11a will utilise the Tensor G6 processor, marking a significant departure from the previous generation’s hardware strategy. The Pixel 10a shipped with the Tensor G4, a move that disappointed users who expected the mid-range 'a' lineup to retain modern flagship silicon while cutting costs elsewhere. The reported inclusion of the Tensor G6 suggests a return to flagship-grade processing power for this segment.
A critical component of this hardware shift is the integration of a MediaTek M90 modem, replacing the Samsung Exynos modems found in earlier Tensor chips. This change is reportedly aimed at resolving persistent issues with battery drain and signal reliability that have characterised previous Tensor generations. The Tensor G6 is also rumoured to feature the PowerVR DXT-48-1536 GPU, offering an improvement over the Mali-G715 found in the Tensor G4.
Regarding power and display, the device is predicted to feature a 6.3-inch 1080 x 2424 panel with a variable 60-120Hz refresh rate. Peak brightness is expected to increase to 3,350 nits, up from the 3,000 nits on the Pixel 10a. The battery capacity is listed at 4,870mAh, which is slightly smaller than the 5,000mAh unit in the Pixel 10a, though efficiency gains from the new processor may maintain or improve overall battery life.
These specifications come as speculation regarding Google’s product roadmap continues. While the Tensor G5 processor powers the current Pixel 10 and 10 Pro, the mid-range tier has historically lagged in processing capabilities. The potential adoption of the G6 chip would align the Pixel 11a more closely with the performance benchmarks of the flagship series, albeit with other cost-saving measures likely applied to the chassis and peripherals.
It remains important to note that this information originates from an unverified leak and has not been confirmed by Google. Performance metrics and real-world battery life impacts are speculative and based on rumours rather than verified benchmarks. Specifications may change prior to the device's official release.
