Looking ahead, it appears that Google is planning to use a different version of the Tensor G6 for Pixel Tablet 3 and Pixel 11a in 2027. That’s still a few years away, so things could change. However, this would solve a problem that Google has had with the a-series recently. And that is, it’s just as powerful as its flagship Pixel devices. There’s also been talk of Google potentially killing off the Pixel a-series, or doing a bi-annual release. That’s not happening, at least according to this leak from Android Authority.
The documents that were viewed show that Google is differentiating the two versions of the Tensor 6 as “Premium ’26” and “Base ’26”. Google also lists “Entry Phone ’27” referring to the a-series, and showing that it intends to continue releasing mid-range options. Google also lists “Tablet Pixel ’27” which is indicating a Pixel Tablet. So far we’ve only had one iteration of the Pixel Tablet, back in 2023. However, it appears that Google is looking to move over to a bi-annual tablet release.
How will Google nerf the Tensor G6?
Apparently, Google is planning to fuse off defective parts of the TPU to save chips, which would normally have been discarded. This would reduce the AI performance on their lower-tier Pixel devices and create an actual SoC feature gap between the different devices.
Now how much of a difference we will see in the real world remains to be seen. Keep in mind that Google is planning to move to TSMC for the Tensor G5, which will launch next summer on the Pixel 10.
The good news here is that, Google is going to continue the Pixel a-series, and also moving the Pixel Tablet to an every other year release schedule. Which makes loads of sense for a tablet, as tablets are not as popular as smartphones, and don’t need to be released every year. Even Apple works on an 18-month upgrade cycle for the iPad.
2024-10-31 15:12:09