Google's next foldable phone could bring one of its most useful upgrades in years. A new FCC listing for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold suggests the company may replace Samsung's Exynos modem with the MediaTek M90 modem. Google has not confirmed the change, although the documents and recent reports point in the same direction.
The modem inside a smartphone handles mobile network connections. It affects signal strength, internet speed, battery use, and call quality. A better modem can improve daily use without changing the phone's design or display.
Reports say Google's upcoming Tensor G6 chip may use the MediaTek M90 modem for the first time. If this happens, it will be the first Pixel flagship in several years to move away from Samsung's Exynos modem. Many Pixel users have previously reported battery drain and unstable mobile signals while using older modem technology. The new hardware could help solve those problems.
The MediaTek M90 modem supports download speeds of up to 12Gbps and offers dual active 5G SIM support. It also uses AI-based network management to improve power use while keeping the connection stable. This combination could help the phone stay cooler and use less battery during long periods of 5G use.
This change could improve the overall experience instead of adding only higher benchmark numbers. Better signal quality and lower battery use can make a bigger difference during daily tasks like video calls, streaming, gaming, and navigation. Foldable phones also need better heat control, making an efficient modem even more valuable.
The FCC listing also confirms that the Pixel 11 Pro Fold supports several modern wireless features. These include mmWave and sub-6 GHz 5G connectivity, satellite communication, NFC, Ultra Wideband, Bluetooth Low Energy, Thread, and wireless charging. The documents also show the phone completed testing while folded and unfolded, confirming that the device belongs to Google's next foldable model.
Satellite connectivity could help users send emergency messages in places without mobile coverage. Ultra Wideband support can improve smart tag tracking, digital car keys, and location features. Thread support also makes the phone work better with smart home devices that use the Matter platform.
Dual active 5G SIM support may also help people who use two mobile numbers at the same time. Travelers could switch between networks more easily while keeping both SIM cards active. Better battery efficiency would also help during long trips or heavy daily use.
Google is expected to introduce the Pixel 11 lineup during its Made by Google event on August 12. The series will likely include the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Google has not officially announced the modem upgrade, although the FCC listing gives a strong hint that the company is preparing a major improvement. If the MediaTek M90 modem arrives in the final device, the new foldable could offer faster 5G connectivity, longer battery life, and a much better everyday experience.
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