Just as tech enthusiasts are gearing up for the highly anticipated generation of Google Pixel devices, the rumor mill has dropped a massive hint about what’s next. It is time to drop the nuke on Google’s mid-range roadmap now!
A massive leak courtesy of Mystic Leaks has fully unveiled the Pixel 11a (codename: Formosan) specs, an upcoming upgrade to the flagship Pixel 11 Face Unlock system, and an ultra-early look at the Pixel 12a.
The Pixel 11a (“Formosan”): Flagship Power for the Mid-Range
In past generations, Google’s A-series occasionally struggled to step out of its predecessor’s shadow, sometimes shipping with older chip architectures. However, the Pixel 11a is breaking that cycle completely by jumping straight onto Google’s next-generation Tensor G6 (“Malibu”) platform.
The Tensor G6 is shaping up to be a true game-changer for the lineup. According to early ecosystem reports, including a deep dive into the Google Pixel 11 launch event and Tensor G6 specs, this next-gen silicone is aiming for incredible architecture leaps. By standardizing this chip, Google ensures its budget tier will enjoy day-one access to the advanced AI-assisted processing, live transcription, and camera capabilities previously reserved for flagships.
Leaked Pixel 11a Specifications
| Component | Leaked Specification |
| SoC (System on Chip) | Tensor G6 (Malibu) |
| Security Coprocessor | Titan M3 (Epic) |
| GPU | PowerVR C-Series CXTP-48-1536 |
| Modem | MediaTek M90 |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Display | 6.3-inch (1080 x 2424), 60–120Hz variable refresh rate |
| Screen Brightness | Up to 2,250 nits (HDR) / 3,350 nits peak |
| Battery Capacity | 4,870 mAh (Minimum capacity) |
| Front Camera | Brand new sensor codenamed dokkaebi |
Key Takeaways from the Spec Sheet
The Modem Breakthrough: Perhaps the most vital upgrade is the shift to the MediaTek M90 modem across the entire Pixel 11 family. This completely drops the older Samsung Exynos modems used since the first Tensor era, which were notorious for connectivity drops and battery drain.
Blindingly Bright Display: At 3,350 nits peak brightness, the Pixel 11a will offer elite outdoor legibility that beats out many current flagships.
Battery Compromise? The listed 4,870 mAh minimum capacity is technically a slight change on paper. However, the extreme power efficiency expected from the Tensor G6 architecture should easily offset the physical drop.
Global SKU Variants & Aesthetics
The Pixel 11a will adapt to its regional markets under three primary identifiers:
GQ05X — Rest of World (ROW)
GP1BL — Japan (JPN)
G4XQ2 — North America (NA)
When it launches, it will arrive in four distinct colors: Obsidian (Black), Olive (Green), Frost (Purple), and Fog (Silver). This follow-up color refreshing matches Google’s evolving design language, which has seen unique experimentation in other premium iterations, like the vivid color palettes covered in the Pixel 11 Pro Fold Pine color leak.
And… “One More Thing” (Or Two!)
The leaks didn’t just stop at the mid-ranger. Google has dual-focused its hardware roadmap on upgrading biometric speed and locking down the far future.
1. Flagship Pixel 11 Upgrades Face Unlock
Before the Pixel 11a arrives, the mainline Pixel 11 family is poised to deliver a major quality-of-life update. The new Face Unlock framework is reportedly much faster, highly secure, and significantly more accurate in low-light environments.
While previous models relied strictly on 2D camera algorithms paired with machine learning, rumors point toward Google potentially incorporating IR-powered components or massive algorithm overhauls to bypass pitch-black limitations. This coincides perfectly with early retail movements tracking the next generation of flagships, such as those highlighted in the recent Google Pixel 11 series Amazon listing leak.
2. Hello, Pixel 12a!
It may be exceptionally early to discuss the future hardware cycle, but the leak confirms Google’s internal naming scheme for the following generation. The Pixel 12a is currently in initial concept phases under the animal-themed codename “marmoset”.
For ongoing coverage and the latest breakings, keep a close eye on the NokiaPowerUser Google Pixel Hub as more details emerge.
