Pixel 11 codenames leak as 10a rumored to break Tensor pattern

Codenames for the Pixel 11 have already emerged, with Google opting for a bear theme in 2026. Meanwhile, Google might apparently use Tensor G4 on…

Codenames for the Pixel 11 have already emerged, with Google opting for a bear theme in 2026. Meanwhile, Google might apparently use Tensor G4 on the Pixel 10a as a possible cost-cutting measure.

According to “documents” viewed by Android Authority, the codenames, including the alphanumeric shorthand, for phones that Google is releasing in 2026 are as follows:

Starting with the Pixel 6, Google stopped using different types of fish as codenames. 

(It seemed for a moment that Google was going in alphabetical order with its yearly codename theme selections.)

Google once again opting for an entry/base phone, two Pro models, and a high-end foldable is not particularly surprising. That started with the Pixel 9, and is expected to continue with the Pixel 10 and now Pixel 11.

What’s of note in today’s report is that Google is apparently “considering whether to even bring the completely custom Tensor G5 to the midrange [Pixel 10a] or whether to stick with the Samsung-designed Tensor G4 for one more year.”

The Tensor G4 debuted with the Pixel 9 series in 2024 and is expected in the 2025 Pixel 9a. AA did not learn why Google is considering this change, but price is the speculated reason, with the first custom Tensor G5 a physically large chip. That will presumably improve with future generations, but it remains to be seen what the impact on the Pixel 10’s price will be.

It will be interesting to see whether the Tensor G4 will be cheaper to produce by 2026 and thus result in a lower price for the mid-ranger. The price of the A-Series has been ticking upwards since launch. That said, these phones are still far away and have not been finalized yet.

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