Google launched the Pixel 9 lineup early this year, but Android 15 saw fit to keep up with its typical release cycle. The company is making significant changes to its entire mobile flagship line, including the Pixel A series of devices and the Pixel Tablet. Currently, the company powers its budget smartphones with the same chip as the flagship models, but it appears that future budget phones will house limited features thanks to a lower-end variant of the chip. It is now reported that Google plans to introduce a lower-end variant of the Tensor G6 chip for Pixel 11a and Pixel Tablet 3.
Google working on a hobbled version of the Tensor G6 chip for the Pixel 11a and Pixel Tablet
While the company's decision to switch to a hobbled version of the Tensor G6 chip is wise, it would come with a few caveats. For instance, with comparatively limited processing power and other elements, budget devices could lack a few key AI features. On the contrary, Apple appears to be equipping its devices with the latest internals and higher RAM count to bolster Apple Intelligence features, which at least gives the Cupertino giant a significant plus in the budget section.
Google's decision to switch its Tensor plans for budget phones makes sense, as the same number and quality of features cannibalize the demand for the higher-end models. However, the company could have opted for a different approach that created a wider gap between the device's basic features. Nonetheless, the company could have a few tricks up its sleeves to bridge the differences.
AndroidAuthority reported that the company is also moving to a bi-yearly release cycle for the Pixel Tablet. Based on the information, the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and the Pixel Fold would come with a Tensor G6 chip, which will be based on TSMC's 2nm architecture, a worthy upgrade over Samsung's potential iteration of the chips. Besides this, the Pixel 11a will have a toned-down version of the G6 chip.
The company decided to segregate the Tensor chips after TSMC stepped into the game. The Tensor G6 chips will use InFo packaging technology. This means that Google could potentially fuse off the defective parts of the TPU to save a chip, which would otherwise have to be discarded. While it is cost-effective for the company, it could also lower the AI performance on budget devices. This not only creates a physical difference between the Tensor G6 and whatever the company will be calling its budget chips, but the feature set will be different as well.
The budget or lower-performance variant of the Tensor G6 will be available on the Pixel 11a in 2027 and possibly on the Pixel Tablet, but the company could always choose a different approach. The iPhone SE 4 is expected to rock the same A18 chip as the iPhone 16 lineup, which is a great feat considering Apple Intelligence would run the same on the company's budget and flagship devices. We will share more details on the company's plans, so stick around.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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