Is Google Making a Mistake with the Pixel 9a’s Rumored Modem?
One of the biggest upgrades that this year’s Pixel 9 series comes with is the inclusion of a newer and more efficient modem within the phone, which many attribute to improved power management and thermals. In addition to the Tensor G4, the Pixel 9 series has so far shown better overall efficiency versus earlier models.
With that in mind though, new rumors now speculate that Google might equip the not-yet-announced Pixel 9a with an older modem, leading to concerns about the handset’s general performance. A report specifies that while the Pixel 9a will come equipped with the Tensor G4 chipset, the phone will not come with the Exynos Modem 5400 found in its more premium siblings, but instead will feature the older Exynos Modem 5300.
READ: Wait, did the Pixel 9a already leak?
It should be noted that Google’s Tensor-powered Pixel phones have previously been notorious among users for spotty connectivity, which included issues with both cellular and Wifi signals. Many have blamed this on the Samsung-made modems in the phones, although the Pixel 9 series does manage to mostly address this. If this is indeed the case with the Pixel 9a, then we might see some disappointment especially for users after a more power efficient – albeit cheaper – Pixel smartphone.
On the other hand, it does make sense that Google would go this route, especially since the Pixel A series is known for featuring a slightly watered-down version of Google’s mainline flagship smartphones in terms of overall hardware specifications. While it might be too early to speculate on whether or not Google will go this route, users who are particular about the Pixel line’s modem performance might want to keep an eye on this in the coming months.
Source: Android Authority