Pixel 10 reportedly using MediaTek modem as Google strives for better battery & heat

Ben Schoon | Dec 15 2024 - 8:05 am PT

One of the sore points of early Tensor efforts for Google Pixel came from the Samsung modem used in the first few generations. It’s gotten much better over time, but both heat and signal underperform compare to other options. According to a new report, Google is switching things up for the Pixel 10 with a new modem from MediaTek.

The Pixel 6, Google’s first device powered by Tensor, utilized a Samsung modem which ran into countless issues with overheating and poor reception. Google made improvements in Tensor G2 in the following year’s Pixel 7, and it continued to get better in Tensor G3 in the Pixel 8, and in Tensor G4 in Pixel 9. At this point, the difference goes largely unnoticed by the average user, but it’s impossible to deny that Google’s modem performance is behind others. Google has even (internally) admitted to that, saying that Tensor overheating problems have been the single biggest reason for people returning Pixel phones.

With the switch away from Samsung for production of the Pixel 10’s chipset, Google has also been expected to switch to a new modem, with a few options on the table. A new report from Android Authority reveals that Google was considering a modem from Qualcomm – the Snapdragon X75 in particular – but has settled on a modem from MediaTek to go in the Pixel 10 series next year.

Specifically, Google would be using the MediaTek T900, an unreleased modem based on MediaTek’s “M85” generation, which is expected to using the 3GPP Release 17 5G spec, which also has yet to be released/detailed.

There’s absolutely no word thus far on how this modem will perform, but if Google has opted for this, it’s safe to assume the company feels it’s a better choice than the existing Samsung modems. Battery life is a key factor for Google, as some recent documents revealed, so MediaTek’s modem may be seen by Google as offering better efficiency. It may or may not match the performance of Qualcomm’s modems, but it’s likely that cost was a factor in Google opting for MediaTek over Qualcomm in this regard.