Highlights

• Google is reportedly using MediaTek’s unreleased T900 modem in the upcoming Pixel 10.
• The aim is to improve heat management and battery performance.
• The new T900 modem is based on MediaTek’s M85 generation.

Google is reportedly making a major change to its Pixel lineup by using a MediaTek modem in the upcoming Pixel 10. This move is aimed at improving issues with heat and battery performance, areas where Google’s previous modems have faced criticism.

According to Android Authority, Google considered using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 modem for the Pixel 10 but ultimately chose MediaTek’s unreleased T900 modem instead.

The T900 is based on MediaTek’s “M85” generation and will support the upcoming 3GPP Release 17 5G specification.

While its performance details are not yet available, Google’s decision suggests confidence in the T900’s capabilities.

The Android Authority report notes, “We know basically nothing about this new modem, except that it’s based on MediaTek’s M85 generation modem IP. For reference, M70 supported 3GPP Release 15 5G specification and M80 upgraded to Release 16, so it’s safe to assume M85 will support Release 17 or even newer.”

The first Google Tensor-powered Pixel 6 used a Samsung modem that struggled with overheating and poor signal reception.

Although Tensor G2 (Pixel 7), Tensor G3 (Pixel 8), and Tensor G4 (Pixel 9) showed improvements, Google’s modem performance still lagged behind competitors.

Internal documents revealed that overheating problems were the biggest reason users returned their Pixel phones.

While these issues have become less noticeable to the average user over time, Google seems determined to address them head-on with the Pixel 10.

Google is reportedly prioritising battery efficiency with this switch, as recent documents highlight its importance for the Pixel series.

Speculating on the T900 modem’s capabilities, the Android Authority report specifies, “We can’t really know how good the T900 will be, but I would cautiously assume that it will be at least okay. After all, Google is well aware that thermals and battery life are some of the largest issues with Tensor-based Pixels, in large part due to their modems, and I doubt they’d let the disaster that was the Pixel 6 happen again.”

While MediaTek’s modem might not match the performance of Qualcomm’s, the cost may have also played a role in Google’s decision to move away from both Qualcomm and Samsung modems.

FAQS

Q1. What modem will the Pixel 10 use?

Answer. The Pixel 10 will use MediaTek’s unreleased T900 modem, aimed at improving heat management and battery performance.

Q2. Why did Google choose MediaTek’s T900 modem for the Pixel 10?

Answer. Google chose MediaTek’s T900 modem to address issues with heat and battery performance faced by previous Pixel models using other modems.

Q3. What are the expected benefits of using the T900 modem in the Pixel 10?

Answer. The T900 modem is expected to provide better battery life and heat management, addressing major issues faced by previous Pixel models.

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