Google may finally be putting an end to the trend of using outdated hardware in its budget friendly phones. According to recent reports from Mystic Leaks, the upcoming Pixel 11a is expected to return to form by featuring a flagship grade processor. This would mark a significant shift after the disappointing Pixel 10a, which skipped a generation by utilizing the older Tensor G4 chip while its premium siblings moved forward with the newer G5. Traditionally, the A series has been known for keeping the latest brain of the operation intact while cutting costs through simpler materials and camera sensors, and it looks like Google is ready to embrace that strategy once again.
The heart of this update will be the Tensor G6, which promises several critical quality of life improvements for users. While it is rumored to share some graphical architecture with the G5, it represents a major leap over the aging Mali graphics found in previous iterations. More importantly, Google appears to be ditching Samsung Exynos modems in favor of a MediaTek M90. For longtime Pixel owners, this is perhaps the most exciting detail, as it targets two of the brand’s most persistent headaches: erratic signal drops and excessive battery drain during mobile data usage.
Beyond the internal horsepower, the Pixel 11a is shaping up to be a refined version of its predecessor rather than a total redesign. It will likely maintain a 6.3 inch screen with a smooth variable refresh rate reaching up to 120Hz, though viewers can expect better visibility outdoors thanks to a boost in peak brightness hitting 3,350 nits. Interestingly, while the physical battery capacity might shrink slightly to 4,870mAh from 5,000mAh, experts believe that those combined efficiency gains from the new chipset and modem will actually result in longer overall endurance for the average user.