Pixel 9a Lacks Key Hardware Upgrade of Other Pixel 9 Models

Key Takeaways

1. The Google Pixel 9a is a budget smartphone priced at $499, powered by the same Tensor G4 chip as other Pixel models.
2. The Pixel 9a uses the Exynos Modem 5300, which is older and has previously led to connectivity issues in the Pixel 7 series.
3. The Exynos Modem 5400, used in higher-end Pixel models, offers improved battery life, better cellular reception, and supports newer connectivity standards.
4. Google’s decision to use the older modem in the Pixel 9a may be to keep costs down and maintain the same launch price as the Pixel 8a.
5. There are concerns about the Pixel 9a’s performance regarding network connectivity, battery longevity, and thermal management due to its modem choice.

Google has just revealed the Pixel 9a, which is their new budget smartphone starting at $499. This phone runs on the same Tensor G4 chip as the other Pixel models, but it does have a significant drop in connectivity. Specifically, it features the Exynos Modem 5300, unlike the Modem 5400 that powers the other smartphones in the lineup.

Modem Concerns

It’s worth noting that this modem was also used in the Pixel 7 series, which struggled with weak cellular signals. The older modem is also tied to the poor battery performance and overheating issues found in the Pixel 7 devices. With the switch to the Exynos Modem 5400, Google improved many issues, and the other Pixel 9 models (512 GB Pixel 9 Pro currently listed at $919 on Amazon) seem to be performing better than their earlier versions.

Enhancements in Connectivity

Besides better battery life and cellular reception, the Exynos Modem 5400 comes with additional upgrades. It supports the latest 3GPP Release 17 standard, allowing for satellite connectivity, and it offers significantly higher peak download speeds than its predecessor.

Samsung asserts that the Exynos Modem 5400 provides enhanced stability and greater efficiency compared to the previous model. However, it’s uncertain how the newly launched Pixel 9a will perform in terms of network connectivity, battery longevity, and thermal management due to these changes.

Pricing Decisions

As for why Google might have chosen to stick with an older modem, it likely relates to maintaining the Pixel 9a’s launch price at the same level as the Pixel 8a. To give you a bit more context, the Exynos Modem 5400 uses Fan-out Panel Level Packaging (FOPLP), which is thinner and more efficient than the previous version but also comes with a higher price tag.

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