Google considers hobbled Tensor chips for 2027 Pixel 11a and Pixel Pill 3

Google has had a little bit of an issue with latest A-series gadgets. With very comparable specs (and costs) to the non-Professional flagship Pixels, the telephones’ existence felt poorly justified, a lot in order that Google even thought of solely releasing the gadgets each two years. Thankfully, that’s now altering; the Pixel 9a may need a utterly totally different design and can make use of some cost-cutting measures like an older modem, displaying Google lastly has an concept for the collection.

The most recent information we’ve present in leaked supplies from Google’s gChips crew confirms the corporate’s dedication to the collection. Android Authority has considered paperwork stating that Google intends to launch a Pixel 11a, in addition to a brand new Pixel Pill, in 2027.

The paperwork we considered point out that Google’s intention with the Tensor G6 is to place it in flagship Pixel gadgets — described as “Premium ‘26” and “Base ‘26” in addition to a brand new foldable (“Fold ‘26”), which was to be anticipated.

In addition to that, Google lists “Entry Cellphone ‘27”, referring to the A-series, displaying it intends to proceed releasing funds telephones. That’s not notably shocking — the collection continues receiving glowing critiques, and the gadgets are typically really useful because the go-to funds Android telephones.

As well as, Google additionally lists “Pill Pixel ‘27”, clearly referring to a brand new Pixel Pill. That is fascinating as a result of we’ve solely seen one technology of the Google-branded pill to this point, again in 2023, and count on one other in 2025. This might imply Google is adopting a bi-yearly launch cycle. Seemingly confirming this concept is the truth that Tensor G5 doesn’t have a second USB controller, which is a requirement to help a dock. Except Google intends to drop the dock idea totally it couldn’t use the G5 in a Pixel Pill.

A-series Pixels and the Pixel Pill each use the identical Tensor chips because the flagship-tier Pixel telephones — no less than in concept. In follow, whereas the present generations of each of the gadgets use precisely the identical silicon dies, they’re mounted in IPoP packages as an alternative of the higher FOPLP. What this implies is that the chips run hotter in change for being barely cheaper.

After the transfer to TSMC, Google will be unable to do that anymore, as all of the chips will use InFO packaging know-how. So what’s going to they do? We aren’t precisely certain, however the leaked paperwork gave us a touch. Google is contemplating fusing off faulty components of the TPU to save lots of chips that may usually must be discarded. This transfer would scale back the AI efficiency of the lower-tier gadgets utilizing these inferior Tensor chips, creating an precise SoC characteristic hole between the totally different tiers of gadgets.

In abstract, Google is actively engaged on gadgets due 2027, together with the Pixel 11a and what it’s more likely to be the Pixel Pill 3. Whereas it’s not that shocking that Google is retaining its whole line-up alive, it’s nonetheless good to see a affirmation, given the corporate’s file for killing tasks seemingly on a whim. The caveat is loads may change between now and 2027.

If Google does find yourself utilizing inferior variations of the Tensor G6 within the Pixel 11a, there is likely to be a extra significant distinction between the expertise you get on the A-series and the principle collection, both when it comes to supported AI options or how briskly these options shall be. On the flip facet, this hole may lead to some extra financial savings for budget-minded Pixel buyers.