Google might already be working on the Pixel 11a model despite the Pixel 9a and Pixel 10a still being a while away from release. The codename for this upcoming budget Pixel phone has just been revealed. So here’s everything you need to know.

Google Pixel 11a codename hints at its active development

According to an AndroidHeadlines report, the Pixel 11a will also stick with the bear themed codenames as its predecessors. The device was reportedly spotted with the Formosan codename. To recall, the Pixel 11 might be internally referred to as Cubs, Pixel 11 Pro is Grizzly, and Pixel 11 Pro XL is Kodiak. The Pixel 11a would likely launch after the Pixel 11 series, so we can expect it to debut in 2027.

For those unaware, the Formosan here should refer to the Formosan Black Bear, which is a bear native to Taiwan. In one of our earlier reports, it was rumored that the Pixel 11a and Pixel Tablet 3 will not feature the same Tensor chipset as the flagship models, which has been the norm so far. Meaning, it would get an inferior Tensor SoC along with downgraded AI performance.

Unfortunately, the Pixel 11a is still quite far away from launch so finer details like its specs, design, and other aspects are still at large. So it is odd that details regarding the Pixel 11a has surfaced ahead of the unreleased Pixel 9a and even the Pixel 10a. This is all the information we have at the moment, so stick around for more.

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The post Google Pixel 11a in the works! Codename revealed appeared first on Gizmochina.

While we’re still waiting for Google to officially unveil the Pixel 9a (and the Pixel 10a feels like a distant dream), rumors are already swirling about devices even further down the line – specifically, the Pixel 11a.

According to a recent leak, the Pixel 11a, which is expected for released in 2027, might not boast the same level of processing power as its flagship siblings. 

The leak also hints at a shift in Google’s tablet strategy, with new Pixel Tablets launching every two years. This would position the Pixel Tablet 3 for a 2027 release alongside the 11a.

Tensor SoC with inferior TPU on Google’s affordable 2027 products

Reportedly, both the Pixel 11a and Pixel Tablet 3 will use the same Tensor chip as the flagship Pixel line. The catch, however, is that Google may fuse off defective parts of the TPU to salvage chips that would otherwise be discarded. These modified chips would then power the more budget-friendly Pixel 11a and Pixel Tablet 3.

The TPU is a crucial component of Google’s on-device AI processing. It powers features like Magic Eraser and Live Translate. Using chips with inferior TPU capabilities could impact AI performance in these models, possibly resulting in slower processing for AI features or even missing functionalities compared to flagship devices.

The hardware differences aren’t limited to models from three years ago. The Pixel 9a will reportedly have a downgraded modem compared to the Pixel 9 series. This new leak suggests Google might be continuing this trend of offering hardware differentiation between its flagship and budget lines. 

However, it’s still 2024, and these devices are three years away. Google’s plans could shift, and chip technology may advance significantly by then.

On a positive note, the leak suggests that the Pixel Tablet 3 may include an extra USB-C port with DisplayPort output, which would allow users to connect multiple displays for a more desktop-like setup.

(Source 1, 2)

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