Google considers unfettered Tensor chips for 2027 Pixel 11a and Pixel Tablet 3

Google has had a bit of a problem with its recent A-series devices. With specs (and price) so similar to the non-Pro flagship Pixel, the phone’s existence feels less justified, with Google even considering releasing a device every two years. I was there. Fortunately, that is now changing. The Pixel 9a may feature a completely different design and some cost-cutting measures like an older modem, showing that Google finally has ideas for this series.

The latest information found in leaked materials from Google’s gChips team confirms the company’s commitment to the series. Android permissions I saw a document stating that Google plans to release Pixel 11a and a new Pixel Tablet in 2027.

Documents we’ve seen indicate that Google’s intent with Tensor G6 is to power Tensor G6 into flagship Pixel devices. — It was called “Premium ’26” and “Base ’26” and a new foldable (“Fold ’26”), which was to be expected.

In addition, Google has listed “Entry Phone ’27,” which refers to the A series, indicating that it intends to continue releasing low-priced mobile phones in the future. that’s not really surprising — The series continues to receive positive reviews, and the device is generally recommended as an affordable Android smartphone.

Additionally, Google also lists “Tablet Pixel ’27,” clearly referring to the new Pixel Tablet. This is interesting since only one generation of Google-branded tablets has been confirmed so far, in 2023, with the next generation expected to arrive in 2025. This could mean that Google is adopting a bi-annual release cycle. The fact that Tensor G5 doesn’t have a second USB controller, which is a requirement for dock support, seems to support this theory. You won’t be able to use the G5 with a Pixel tablet unless Google intends to do away with the dock concept completely.

A-series Pixel and Pixel Tablet both use the same Tensor chip as flagship-tier Pixel smartphones — At least in theory. In fact, the current generation of both devices uses the exact same silicon die, but in an IPoP package rather than the better FOPLP. What this means is that at the cost of a slightly lower chip price, the chip will run at a higher temperature.

After the transition to TSMC, Google will no longer be able to do this as all chips will use InFO packaging technology. So what do they do? We don’t know exactly, but leaked documents give us a hint. Google is considering fusing defective parts of TPUs to save chips that would otherwise have to be thrown away. This move reduces AI performance for lower tier devices using these inferior Tensor chips and creates gaps in actual SoC capabilities between devices at different tiers.

To summarize, Google is actively working on devices expected to launch in 2027, including the Pixel 11a and possibly the Pixel Tablet 3. It’s not all that surprising that Google is keeping its entire lineup, but it’s still good to see confirmation. , given the company’s record of canceling projects seemingly on a whim. One thing to keep in mind is that a lot can change between now and 2027.

If Google were to use an inferior version of Tensor G6 on the Pixel 11a, there would be a more meaningful gap between the experience you get on the A series and the main series in terms of supported AI features and speed. There may be some differences. It is a feature of On the flip side, this gap could mean even more savings for budget-minded Pixel buyers.