MediaTek Unveils M90 5G Modem With AI, Satellite Connectivity, and Blazing Speeds

(Credit: MediaTek)

MediaTek's new M90 5G modem will debut at Mobile World Congress 2025 and AI is a key component of what makes this modem different from past models.

The M90 includes the MediaTek Modem AI (MMAI), which can analyze network conditions to detect user patterns, improve power management, reduce latency, and improve connectivity. MediaTek UltraSave tech also makes the M90 up to 18% more efficient than its predecessor.

The company says this modem can identify its location with 99.5% accuracy, which means the M90 can tell when you are indoors, outdoors, or traveling. This precision will be very helpful in finding lost devices and giving detailed directions.

MediaTek says the M90 integrates satellite tech for low-data tasks like messaging and high-data services like web browsing and video calls. Phones with this modem would be well-equipped to keep you connected when you are far from normal cellular coverage.

MediaTek's M90 is capable of theoretical downlinks up to 12Gbps and in live tests the company achieved speeds ranging from 5.5Gbps to 11.6Gbps. Uplink speeds should increase as well and the modem supports sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G.

This new modem gives manufacturers the ability to offer different performances tailored to the type of device, according to MediaTek. The first engineering samples of the M90 will arrive after the second quarter. MediaTek plans to reveal more at MWC, so stay tuned for our coverage.

About Our Expert

Iyaz Akhtar

Mobile Writer

My Experience

I've been into technology for as long as I can remember. As a PCMag mobile writer, I get to test the newest phones and tablets. Since you rely on our buying advice, I make sure you get everything a manufacturer claims, which means lots of testing. This is your phone we're talking about; it's like a part of you. I've covered technology as a career for around two decades (yikes, I had to think about that). You've seen my work at The Apple Blog, PCMag (from my first go around), This Week in Tech, and CNET. I also occasionally produce independent video projects, including This Old Nerd, a how-to series that shows practical ways to get the most from your tech.

The Technology I Use

I use a 2023 M3 MacBook Pro customized with lots of keyboard shortcuts thanks to Raycast. Pixelmator Pro is my go-to photo editing application because there is no subscription, and I'm trapped with Evernote because I've used it forever.

I'm between phones at the moment, but I use a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 now, and used a Z Fold 6 before that. Considering that I like to have multiple windows open at once, the large inner screen of folding phones can show a baseball game on the top while I keep a chat app and Reddit open beneath. I do miss being able to write on the Z Fold 7's screen, though, which has me eyeing a Galaxy S25 Ultra.

My home is semi-smart, with many Google Home products that I thoroughly enjoyed in the pre-Gemini days. Be warned: smart bulbs are a gateway drug into smart home life.

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