Google Pixel 11 Lands First 2nm Tensor G6, Beating iPhone 18 by 1 Month

Q: With its advanced AI chip, why does the base Pixel 11 lack the RAM to run Google's own advanced Gemini models effectively?

The most likely reason is cost and supply pressure, not a technical mismatch in Google’s chip design. Leaks indicate the base Pixel 11 may ship with 8GB of RAM because DRAM prices have risen amid a global memory shortage, as AI data centers absorb more supply. In that scenario, Google appears to be protecting margins on the entry model while reserving 12GB or more for Pro variants. That creates a clear split between compute and memory. The Tensor G6’s new Santafe TPU can accelerate on-device AI inference, but it does not replace system RAM. Advanced Gemini features still need enough memory to load models and keep Android, apps, and camera processes running at the same time. Reports tied to Gemini Intelligence say some features require 12GB of RAM, and larger on-device models can consume several gigabytes on their own. On an 8GB phone, much of the memory is already used by the OS and background services, leaving too little headroom. Google may also be making a product-positioning decision. The base Pixel 11 is already expected to absorb higher costs from TSMC’s 2nm process, the new MediaTek M90 modem, and a 256GB starting storage tier. Keeping RAM lower would help contain the base price, even if it limits the full local AI experience. There is still uncertainty: some newer leaks suggest the base Pixel 11 could end up with 12GB after all. If it launches with 8GB, the trade-off is likely deliberate and market-driven.

3 articles · Updated · 9to5Google · Jul 13

TSMC’s 2nm process is set to debut first in Google’s Pixel 11, giving the August 12 launch roughly a one-month lead over Apple’s next iPhone cycle.
Tensor G6 is expected to be an incremental upgrade rather than a major performance leap, with leaked changes centered on new CPU cores, an improved but older GPU design, plus modem and security updates.
Google appears to be using the advanced node to sharpen efficiency and connectivity, with earlier leaks pointing to a 7-core design and a switch to MediaTek’s M90 modem after past Pixel modem complaints.
Apple’s A20, along with next Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek Dimensity flagship chips, is also expected to move to TSMC 2nm, with some later versions using an enhanced process in late 2026 and early 2027.