Leaked Pixel 11a specifications: Tensor G6 chip and a breakthrough from MediaTek modem.
The Google Pixel 11a promises powerful performance with its Tensor G6 chip and MediaTek M90 modem, consistent with the flagship line, despite a slight reduction in battery capacity.
The Google Pixel 11 series is expected to officially launch on August 12th. However, following Google's tradition, leaks about the more affordable A-series version have started appearing much earlier. A new report from the Mystic Leaks group on Telegram has provided the first detailed look at the specifications of the Pixel 11a, a device internally codenamed "Formosan".
A leap forward in performance with the Tensor G6 processor.
The most notable point in this leak is that the Pixel 11a will be equipped with the Tensor G6 chip (codename Malibu) along with the Titan M3 security chip. This is considered a significant hardware upgrade. According to previous reports, the Pixel 10a series still uses the Tensor G4 chip instead of upgrading to the Tensor G5, so the Pixel 11a going straight to the Tensor G6 shows that Google wants to narrow the performance gap between the A series and the flagship series.
The Tensor G6 comes with a PowerVR C-Series graphics processing unit (GPU) (model number CXTP-48-1536). This component has been confirmed to be part of the Tensor G6 platform, promising improved image processing and gaming capabilities on Google's mid-range devices.
A strategic shift with the MediaTek M90 modem.
Another significant change lies in connectivity. The Pixel 11a is expected to use the MediaTek M90 modem, the same modem expected to be featured across the entire high-end Pixel 11 lineup. Maintaining modem consistency ensures the Pixel 11a has comparable signal reception and data speeds to the more expensive versions, addressing connectivity concerns from previous generations.
Ultra-bright display and hardware enhancements.
In terms of display capabilities, the Pixel 11a is expected to feature a 6.3-inch screen with a resolution of 1080 × 2424 pixels and a flexible refresh rate of 60–120 Hz. Notably, screen brightness has been significantly upgraded: reaching 2250 nits for HDR content and a peak brightness of up to 3350 nits, making outdoor use easier than ever.
However, there is a slight decrease in battery capacity. The Pixel 11a's minimum capacity is listed at 4,870 mAh, lower than the 5,000 mAh (5,100 mAh) of its predecessor. Below is a summary of the key specifications based on leaked information:
| Ingredient | Detailed specifications (Leaks) |
|---|---|
| Central Processing Unit (CPU) | Google Tensor G6 (Malibu) |
| Security chip | Titan M3 |
| Graphics (GPU) | PowerVR C-Series (CXTP-48-1536) |
| Modem | MediaTek M90 |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Screen | 6.3-inch, 120Hz, peak brightness 3,350 nits |
| Battery capacity | 4,870 mAh (minimum) |
Camera improvements and biometric security.
The source also revealed a completely new front-facing camera sensor codenamed "dokkaebi". Simultaneously, Google is said to have improved the Face Unlock feature across the entire Pixel 11 lineup. The new system is described as faster, more secure, and more effective in low-light conditions.
The Pixel 11a is expected to come in four color options: Obsidian (black), Olive (green), Frost (purple), and Fog (silver). Additionally, regional variants have been identified with model numbers GQ05X for international markets, GP1BL for Japan, and G4XQ2 for North America. Even an early model number for the next-generation Pixel 12a has surfaced, referred to as "marmoset".
