Earlier than the Google Pixel 9 sequence was formally revealed, I used to be already waiting for the Pixel 10. That’s as a result of the Pixel 10 is predicted to achieve a serious efficiency enhance for the reason that Tensor G5 chip is predicted to be fabricated utilizing TSMC’s 3nm course of. To my shock, Google managed to ship a fairly compelling product within the Pixel 9. Regardless, the Pixel 10 continues to be one thing to be enthusiastic about — even with this new wild card.
There’s part of your smartphone that’s completely essential to how you utilize it to attach with others, entry your favourite apps and websites, and extra. It’s additionally one you most likely don’t take into consideration typically: the modem. In response to Android Authority, Google is reportedly exploring a swap from Samsung modems to a MediaTek modem on the Pixel 10, and it may have important implications.
Excessive-speed, dependable 5G modems are laborious to return by, and just a few corporations on this planet could make them. Qualcomm dominated the area for years and nonetheless dominates to an extent. Nevertheless, as a consequence of value and different causes, smartphone producers have been making an attempt to maneuver away from Qualcomm modems.
That leaves Samsung and MediaTek as the one different corporations with the capabilities of manufacturing a contemporary 5G modem. That’s, except it needed to make its personal. Apple is an instance of how troublesome it’s to take that path to constructing a brand new modem. It obtained a head begin by buying Intel’s cell modem enterprise in 2019, and 5 years later, it’s nonetheless making an attempt to construct one dependable and aggressive sufficient to greatest the Qualcomm ones it makes use of within the iPhone 16 sequence.
That’s why it isn’t all that shocking that Google most likely received’t make a modem in-house. Growing a customized system-on-a-chip, like Google’s Tensor sequence, is a unique factor completely. Modems could make or break the smartphone expertise, and each swap carries the danger of potential catastrophe.
For years, Google has used Samsung modems in Pixel telephones. The transfer correlated with the shift to Google’s in-house Tensor processor, which is fabricated by Samsung. The thought is straightforward — it’s straightforward to make use of an Exynos modem with an Exynos chip. The most recent Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Professional, Pixel 9 Professional XL, and Pixel 9 Professional Fold all use Exynos modems to this present day, probably for that purpose.
Nevertheless, all indicators level to the subsequent Tensor G5 chip being fabricated by an organization apart from Samsung. Actually, it’s practically a lock that the Tensor G5 will probably be produced utilizing TSMC’s superior 3nm course of node. Again in July, Google reportedly gave the inexperienced gentle to fabricate the Tensor G5 on TSMC’s 3nm course of. If straightforward integration and value have been causes for Google utilizing Samsung modems, they wouldn’t be relevant to future Pixels now that Google is shifting away from utilizing Samsung Foundry for Tensor chipmaking.
Meaning Google is poised to make a swap, and its alternative will probably be an fascinating one. In spite of everything, solely a handful of manufacturers use exterior modems. Qualcomm integrates its modems with its systems-on-a-chip, so any cellphone utilizing a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor will even characteristic a Qualcomm modem. So, Google may buy an exterior modem from both Samsung, Qualcomm, or MediaTek to pair with its Tensor G5 chip.
Google reportedly settled on MediaTek, particularly on utilizing an unannounced MediaTek T900 modem within the Pixel 10 sequence. Per the report, it thought-about a number of choices, together with Qualcomm’s X75 modem, in its upcoming telephones. It’s unclear what led Google to resolve on MediaTek modems, however effectivity and value are presumably two massive components. The tight integration between Samsung’s 5G modems and Google’s Tensor processors will be partially attributed to the superb effectivity and battery life provided by Pixel telephones.
It’s inconceivable to say how the MediaTek T900 modem will carry out in comparison with the highest choices from Samsung and Qualcomm, contemplating it’s not even obtainable but. Moreover, since MediaTek, Samsung, and Qualcomm all combine their in-house modems with their SoCs, there isn’t loads of knowledge overlaying how they’d carry out as exterior modems.
With that caveat in thoughts, there’s nonetheless an adage that I feel applies on this case: if it ain’t broke, don’t match it. Google has discovered a fantastic steadiness between 5G efficiency and effectivity with its present Samsung Exynos modems, and disrupting that carries an enormous danger. In fact, it was most likely inevitable since Google would disrupt the simple integration of Samsung-produced chips and modems when it moved to TSMC on the Tensor G5.
In that case, why not shoot for the most effective and use Qualcomm modems? The Qualcomm X75 continues to be clearly the business normal for 5G modem expertise, and it’s discovered contained in the iPhone 16 sequence. Crucially, the X75 achieved the world file for the quickest 5G downlink. It’s a completely incredible modem that’s dependable, and it beats something that MediaTek, Samsung, and Apple at the moment have the power to make.
I will reiterate that whereas the explanations behind the MediaTek transfer will most likely by no means be recognized, it’s probably that value is a driving issue. In that case, I’m disillusioned. Pixel telephones are usually not precisely low-cost anymore, and going for the most effective 5G modem obtainable would’ve given Google much more credibility as a producer of among the greatest Android telephones.
As a substitute, it seems that Google went a budget route. Solely time will inform whether or not that was the precise or mistaken resolution. The modem is part of your cellphone you hope you don’t have to consider. If this transfer works out in Google’s favor, nobody will discuss concerning the new modem on the Pixel 10.
Nevertheless, it’s a transfer Google can’t afford to get mistaken. It may utterly undermine the true progress it’ll make with Tensor G5 on the Pixel 10.