Google Pixel 11 and Tensor G6: All the Leaks and What They Tell Us About August 12

How it compares to Apple's A20
Both the Tensor G6 and Apple's A20 chip are expected to use TSMC's 2nm N2 node . Here's the catch: reports suggest Google is using the standard N2 process, while Apple may opt for the pricier N2P variant, which could offer a 5–10% performance or efficiency uplift . The Tensor G6's advantage is not in a process node lead over the A20, but in its custom ARM CPU cluster and dedicated Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) for on-device AI .

CPU: A leaner 7-core layout
The Tensor G6 reportedly moves from the Tensor G5's 8-core design to a 1+4+2 configuration with 7 cores .

• Prime core: 1x ARM C1-Ultra clocked at 4.11 GHz
• Performance cores: 4x ARM C1-Pro at 3.38 GHz
• Efficiency cores: 2x ARM C1-S (exact clock speeds not widely published)

GPU: A surprising choice
Instead of ARM Mali, the Tensor G6 is tipped to include an Imagination PowerVR C-Series CXTP-48-1536 GPU, designed for strong ray-tracing and AI compute . This is an unusual but potentially powerful move for graphics-intensive tasks.

Other SoC features

• Titan M3 security chip
• Dedicated Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) for on-device Gemini AI

The Big Modem Switch: MediaTek M90

One of the most consistent leaks is that Google is finally dropping Samsung Exynos modems after six years . The Tensor G6 will reportedly pair with a MediaTek M90 (MT6986D) modem .

This claim is supported by an FCC filing for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold that references MediaTek algorithms . The M90 is expected to improve cellular power efficiency and connectivity stability .

Pixel 11 Lineup: Four Models

The 2026 lineup is expected to include four models :

• Pixel 11 (base)
• Pixel 11 Pro
• Pixel 11 Pro XL
• Pixel 11 Pro Fold

All four are expected to run on the Tensor G6 with the MediaTek M90 modem .

Key Hardware Upgrades

RAM and storage

• 16GB RAM is widely reported across the Pro models, with the base Pixel 11 potentially starting at 12GB .
• The entry-level storage moves to 256GB, dropping the 128GB tier .

Display

• 120Hz OLED panels across the lineup. Pro models are expected to use new Samsung OLED panels for higher peak brightness .
• One leak suggests the base model could hit 2,200 nits peak brightness .

Pixel Glow: The notification LED returns
"Pixel Glow" is the most talked-about design feature in years . According to an Android 17 Beta 4 APK teardown from April 2026, Google is building an ambient notification system using RGB LEDs embedded in the rear camera bar .

The feature activates when the phone is face-down, using "subtle light and color" for calls, messages, and priority alerts . Users may be able to assign specific colors to different contacts or app types . It would replace the rear thermometer sensor .

Other notable changes

• A new 50MP primary camera sensor is expected on Pro models .
• The base Pixel 11 price is expected to start around $900 .

Caveats to Keep in Mind

The August 12 event date is the only officially confirmed detail. All specs, chips, modems, RAM, display, Pixel Glow, and pricing come from third-party leaks, FCC filings, and APK teardowns. None of these have been confirmed by Google.

There are also some inconsistencies in early leaks. For example, earlier reports from late 2025 suggested a 1+6+1 core layout for the CPU , while later and more consistent leaks in 2026 point to the 1+4+2 configuration described above . We've used the more recent and more widely-sourced figures here.

Additionally, the exact RAM split for each model (12GB vs. 16GB) varies by leak and has not been pinned down by a single authoritative source.

Bottom Line

The Pixel 11 series is shaping up to be Google's most significant hardware overhaul in years, driven by the shift to TSMC's 2nm process, a long-awaited modem change, and a genuinely new hardware feature in Pixel Glow. But until August 12, treat every spec as a strong rumor, not a fact.