Google's Pixel 10 Series May Adopt MediaTek's T900 Modem, Ditching Qualcomm and Samsung

Google's Pixel 10 Series May Adopt MediaTek's T900 Modem, Ditching Qualcomm and SamsungTech media outlet AndroidAuthority recently reported, citing internal Google sources, that the upcoming Google Pixel 10 series will abandon its previous reliance on Qualcomm and Samsung modem solutions in favor of MediaTek's yet-to-be-released T900 modem. This news has generated significant industry attention, marking a substantial shift in Google's mobile chip supply chain strategy

Google's Pixel 10 Series May Adopt MediaTek's T900 Modem, Ditching Qualcomm and Samsung

Tech media outlet AndroidAuthority recently reported, citing internal Google sources, that the upcoming Google Pixel 10 series will abandon its previous reliance on Qualcomm and Samsung modem solutions in favor of MediaTek's yet-to-be-released T900 modem. This news has generated significant industry attention, marking a substantial shift in Google's mobile chip supply chain strategy.

AndroidAuthority's article indicates that Google conducted a thorough evaluation of all available modem options, including Qualcomm's Snapdragon X75, before making its decision. The choice of MediaTek's T900 is surprising, as Google has historically relied on Qualcomm and Samsung modem technology. Specifically, the Tensor chip series, co-designed with Samsung, has consistently featured Exynos modems.

Specific parameters for the MediaTek T900 modem remain unannounced, but its predecessor, the T800, offers some insight. Released in November 2022, the T800 boasts download speeds up to 7.9Gbps and upload speeds up to 4.2Gbps. While the T900's exact performance is unknown, the T800's strong showing suggests the T900 will offer even faster speeds and lower power consumption. This is a significant advantage for the Google Pixel series, which prioritizes performance and battery life.

Google's decision likely stems from multiple factors. First, opting for the MediaTek T900 could help reduce the production cost of the Pixel 10 series. MediaTek is increasingly competitive in the modem market, often offering more advantageous pricing than Qualcomm and Samsung. Lowering costs is crucial for enhancing the Pixel series' market competitiveness, especially in the increasingly fierce high-end smartphone market.

Second, the choice might relate to supply chain stability. Global chip supply chains have faced significant challenges in recent years. Selecting multiple suppliers effectively diversifies risk, ensuring the Pixel 10 series' smooth production and supply. MediaTek, as a leading global chip manufacturer, possesses a mature supply chain capable of providing Google with stable chip supplies.

Third, the decision could reflect a strategic adjustment in Google's technological approach. MediaTek has made significant strides in 5G technology, with its modems reaching industry-leading levels in performance and power efficiency. Selecting the T900 might signal Google's intention to utilize more advanced 5G technology in the next generation of Pixel phones, enhancing user experience.

It's worth noting that IT Home previously reported that the Google Pixel 10 series is expected to feature Google's self-developed Tensor G5 chip (codenamed "laguna"), manufactured using TSMC's 3nm N3E process. This is the same node used by Apple for its A18/Pro and M4 chips in the iPhone 16 series, implying powerful computing capabilities and excellent energy efficiency for the Pixel 10 series.

The combination of the Tensor G5 chip and the MediaTek T900 modem could allow the Pixel 10 series to achieve an optimal balance of performance, power consumption, and cost. This would further solidify the Pixel series' position in the high-end smartphone market and deliver a superior user experience.

However, information on the MediaTek T900 modem remains limited, and Google has yet to officially comment. Therefore, the above analysis is based on current information, and the final situation may differ. We need further confirmation from Google and more details about the MediaTek T900 modem's performance and features.

Google's choice of MediaTek is undoubtedly a significant event in the mobile chip market, offering other phone manufacturers new options and benchmarks. In the future, we may see more manufacturers adopting MediaTek's modem solutions, further stimulating competition and innovation in the mobile chip market. The ultimate performance of the Pixel 10 series and the market reception of the MediaTek T900 modem will be worth watching.