Google Plans Lower-End Tensor G6 Chip for Pixel 11a and Pixel Tablet 3, Potentially Limiting AI Capabilities

Pixel 11a, Pixel Tablet 3 to Feature Less Capable Tensor G6 Chip: Report

Google might equip the Pixel 11a, Pixel Tablet 3 with a weaker chip Google Pixel 11a could arrive in 2027 as a midrange phone in the company's Pixel A-series, and the handset will reportedly be equipped with the Tensor G6 chip that is expected to debut in 2026 with the Pixel 11 series. This processor is also expected to power the Pixel Tablet 3, which is also expected to launch in 2027. A new report claims that the Pixel 11a and Pixel Tablet 3 will feature a less capable version of the Tensor G6 chip, in order to keep costs low. Citing leaked documents from Google's G-Chips division, Android Authority reports that Google plans to launch four devices as part of the Pixel 11 series -- "Base '26", "Premium' 26", "Fold '26" and an "Entry Phone '27". These could refer to the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and Pixel 11a, respectively. The numbers listed above also suggest that the Pixel 11a could be launched in mid 2027, in line with Google's current practice of introducing a new midrange handset six months after its latest Pixel phones are unveiled. The report states that while all four handsets in the Pixel 11 series will be equipped with a Tensor G6 chip, the Pixel 11a and the Pixel Tablet 3 -- referred to as "Tablet Pixel '27" -- will be equipped with a less powerful version of the chip. While Google's current Pixel A-series phones feature Tensor chips with different packaging in order to keep costs low, the publication claims that this will not be possible once the company's chips are produced by TSMC next year. Instead, Google will reportedly "fuse off defective parts of the TPU" that will allow it to use those chips on the Pixel 11a and Pixel Tablet 3. As a result, these devices are unlikely to be as capable of handling AI tasks as the company's more expensive products. The publication also claims that the Tensor G6 chip on the Pixel Tablet 3 will be equipped with a second USB Type-C port controller. The company is expected to enable support for more expansion options for its tablet, allowing power users to use the tablet for additional functionality. Google's first-generation Pixel Tablet is equipped with a standard USB 2.0 Type-C port, but it also offers USB 2.0 connectivity via the pogo interface used to dock the tablet. According to the report, the Pixel Tablet 3 will include support for a new USB 3.2 port that will also support DisplayPort output, which could also come in handy for advanced users.

Google Developing Lower-End Tensor G6 Chip For Budget Pixel 11a, Restricting Premium AI Features To Flagship Pixel Devices

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 for 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 planned to introduce a lower-end variant of the Tensor G6 chip for Pixel 11a and Pixel Tablet 3. 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, the feature set will b 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.