Google splits with Qualcomm, opts for MediaTek's 5G modem for Pixel 10 series

Google has decided to end its long-standing partnership with Qualcomm and instead use MediaTek's T900 modem in the Pixel 10 series. The decision marks a significant shift in Google's mobile strategy as the company looks to move away from its dependence on Qualcomm's Snapdragon platform.

According to a source close to Google (via Android Authority), the search giant considered all the options for 5G modems on the market, including Qualcomm's Snapdragon X75, which is currently used and proven in Apple's iPhone 16 series. However, Google has decided to go with MediaTek's T900 modem for its next-generation Pixel phones.

The T900 is part of MediaTek's "M85" modem family, which is expected to support the latest 3GPP Release 17 5G specification and possibly even newer standards. It's worth noting that the predecessor "M80" already supported Release 16, so the addition of Release 17 to the M85 makes it a significant upgrade — one that's well above the previous high-end specification. However, details about the T900 are still unclear.

According to experts, Google's move to use MediaTek's 5G modem instead of Qualcomm's is a bold and somewhat risky move. MediaTek's solution has very good theoretical specifications, but has not been proven in practice. In addition, Google does not provide the option to use Qualcomm's modem technology. This shows that the company is increasingly focused on establishing its own internal mobile ecosystem, independent of any third-party chipset suppliers.

The fact that Google's in-house Tensor chipset development and manufacturing has already begun to reduce its reliance on partners like Samsung, and the move to MediaTek modems suggests that will continue. But there's also the risk of an unproven solution like the T900, which could impact connectivity performance and compatibility for a product line as important to Google as the Pixel 10.

In related news, Google's new Tensor G5 processor will also come with some important camera upgrades. Specifically, the company said the chip will support 4K 60fps HDR video, while the current Tensor G4 only supports up to 4K 30fps HDR. Also mentioned in the documentation is that the Pixel 11 could offer 100x zoom.

Marvin Fry

Update 16 December 2024