Despite still waiting for the Pixel 9a (and the Pixel 10a feels like a distant dream), Pixel 11a rumours are swirling already. Pixel 11a might not have the same level of processing power as its flagship siblings, according to a recent leak.
Moreover, the leak indicates a shift in Google’s tablet strategy, with new Pixel Tablets being released every two years. As a result, the Pixel Tablet 3 would be available alongside the 11a in 2027.
The Pixel 11a and Pixel Tablet 3 are expected to use the same Tensor chip as the flagship Pixel line. Unfortunately, Google might fuse off defective parts of the TPU to salvage chips that would otherwise be thrown away. The Pixel 11a and Pixel Tablet 3 would be powered by these modified chips.
As part of Google’s on-device AI processing, the TPU plays a crucial role. It is responsible for features such as Magic Eraser and Live Translate. These models might be slower to process AI features or even lack functionalities if their chips lack TPU capabilities, resulting in slower AI performance.
It isn’t just three-year-old models that have hardware differences. There are reports that the Pixel 9a will have a downgraded modem compared to the Pixel 9 series. According to this new leak, Google may continue its trend of offering hardware differentiation between its flagship and budget lines.
It is still 2024, and these devices are three years away. As chip technology advances, Google’s plans may change.
The leak suggests the Pixel Tablet 3 will have an extra USB-C port with DisplayPort output, allowing users to connect multiple displays for a more desktop-like experience.
