Google is reportedly testing its upcoming Pixel 10 smartphones with a new MediaTek modem, specifically the unannounced T900 model.
This marks a potential departure from the Samsung Exynos modems used in recent Pixel devices, which were tied to the Samsung-based Tensor chips.
The shift comes as Google prepares to launch its first fully custom-designed Tensor G5 chipset in 2025. Unlike previous Tensor chips, which were largely adapted from Samsung’s Exynos platform, the Tensor G5 will be entirely designed by Google and manufactured by TSMC.
With this new independence, Google appears ready to explore different modem suppliers, with MediaTek emerging as the frontrunner instead of Qualcomm.
While MediaTek’s T900 modem has yet to be officially announced, its inclusion in Google’s Pixel 10 prototypes hints at a strategic shift. The T900’s performance and capabilities remain a mystery, as there is no public information available.
However, MediaTek has a history of offering competitive pricing compared to rivals like Qualcomm, which could be one reason Google is testing its hardware.
The question remains whether the MediaTek T900 can match the performance and efficiency of Qualcomm’s latest modems, which are currently industry leaders. Modem quality plays a critical role in connectivity, battery efficiency, and overall user experience, especially for flagship devices like the Pixel series.
Google’s move toward MediaTek could signal a desire to reduce costs or differentiate its hardware further from competitors relying heavily on Qualcomm.
However, the company will need to prove that performance and reliability are not sacrificed in this shift. If the T900 can deliver comparable results, this partnership could disrupt the market and boost MediaTek’s presence in premium devices.
As we await the official unveiling of the MediaTek T900, more details about Google’s Pixel 10 lineup will likely surface in the coming months. For now, the potential shift to MediaTek signals Google’s ongoing efforts to diversify its hardware ecosystem and enhance control over its flagship smartphones.