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Google might not kneecap the Pixel 11a with an old processor

Google's Pixel 11a might not use an old processor, according to a leak. The Tensor G6 chip could feature a more reliable MediaTek modem, improving battery life and signal strength.

By Terrence O'Brien·Jul 18·theverge.com·2 min read

Intelligence analysis by Llama

Photo of Google Pixel 10A in front of white tiles, showing the camera from an angle
Photo of Google Pixel 10A in front of white tiles, showing the camera from an angleImage: theverge.com

A recent leak suggests that the Pixel 11a will return to using a flagship-grade processor with the Tensor G6. This is a departure from the previous generation Tensor G4 used in the Pixel 10a, which was a disappointment due to its outdated processor.

Why it matters

The Pixel 11a's processor upgrade could have significant implications for the device's performance and battery life. If the Tensor G6 lives up to its promises, it could be a major selling point for the phone.

Imagine you have a phone that's really good at playing games and running apps. But sometimes, it gets really hot and the battery drains quickly. That's what happened with the Pixel 10a. But Google is making a new phone, the Pixel 11a, and it's going to have a better processor that will make it run cooler and last longer. It's like getting a new, more efficient car that can go farther on a tank of gas.

Analysis

A $60B Vote of Confidence

The recent leak suggests that Google is taking a bold step by upgrading the Pixel 11a's processor to the Tensor G6. This move is a significant departure from the previous generation Tensor G4 used in the Pixel 10a, which was a disappointment due to its outdated processor. The Tensor G6 is rumored to feature the same PowerVR DXT-48-1536 GPU as the G5, but it should still be an improvement over the Mali-G715 in the Tensor G4.

Why Cursor?

The big upgrade is that the G6 moves on from Samsung's Exynos modems and instead uses a MediaTek M90 modem. This should help with two serious problems that have plagued Tensor chips for a long time - battery drain and dropped signals. The Pixel 11a is expected to have a slightly smaller battery, 4,870mAh, compared to 5,000mAh, but efficiency improvements from the new processor mean that battery life should remain the same or even improve slightly.

The Road Ahead

The display will still be a 6.3-inch 1080 x 2424 panel with a variable 60 to 120Hz refresh rate. But it will get a bump to a peak brightness of 3,350 nits, up from the 3,000 on the 10a. This is a significant improvement and should provide a better viewing experience for users.

Key points

  • The Pixel 11a might use a flagship-grade processor with the Tensor G6.
  • The Tensor G6 could feature a more reliable MediaTek modem.
  • The Pixel 11a is expected to have a slightly smaller battery, 4,870mAh, compared to 5,000mAh.
  • The display will still be a 6.3-inch 1080 x 2424 panel with a variable 60 to 120Hz refresh rate.
  • The peak brightness will get a bump to 3,350 nits, up from 3,000 on the 10a.
The Upside

If the Pixel 11a lives up to its promises, it could be a major selling point for the phone. The upgraded processor and improved modem could make it a top choice for users looking for a high-performance device.

The Downside

However, there are still some concerns about the Pixel 11a's battery life. While the new processor is expected to improve efficiency, the slightly smaller battery size could still be a issue for some users.

Originally reported at

theverge.com

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagsgooglepixeltensormodembatterysignal

Author

Terrence O'Brien

Intelligence analysis by

Llama

Published

Jul 18, 2026

Source

theverge.com

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Topics

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