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Google gave its Pixel lineup a reboot with the launch of the Google Pixel 6 in 2021. Together with a brand new design and upgraded cameras, the cellphone shipped with the corporate’s Tensor G1 SoC. It is a custom-made model of Samsung’s Exynos chip. Google optimized the Tensor for AI and machine studying duties. Nevertheless, the chip had flaws, as its sub-par Exynos modem struggled to offer steady community connectivity. It took three years, but it surely appears Google has resolved the Tensor’s connectivity woes with the Tensor G4 contained in the Google Pixel 9.
Smartphones are designed with calling and connectivity duties in thoughts, so that you’d count on Google to make use of the brand new Exynos modem contained in the Tensor G4 on its mid-range Pixel 9a. An early leak signifies which may not be the case. If something, this exhibits Google’s misplaced priorities.
A smartphone is a ‘cellphone’ first
That ought to be capable to make calls
Having used the Google Pixel 7 Professional and Pixel 8 Professional extensively, I skilled the problematic Exynos modem contained in the telephones. It is one of many causes I do not suggest the Pixel, regardless of the superb person expertise. What is the level of a cellphone if it does not present constant cellular community connectivity?
Telephones do not often have points connecting to a cellular community. Nevertheless, Pixels utilizing a Tensor G3 or older chip endure from this drawback. In areas with spotty protection, Google’s telephones can not latch onto 5G networks as seamlessly as flagship Android telephones utilizing Qualcomm’s Snapdragon modem. They don’t seem to be good on the 4G/5G handoff, displaying a dreaded “!” within the standing bar beside the sign power icon in difficult instances.
Studies from Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel 8 customers about connectivity woes recommend this can be a main drawback. Your mileage will fluctuate primarily based on the place you reside and the community protection. Nonetheless, saying Pixel telephones do not have connectivity points can be improper.
Preliminary Pixel 9 opinions and studies recommend the cellphone doesn’t endure from the identical points. That is possible resulting from Google switching to a more moderen Samsung Exynos 5400 modem with the Tensor G4. A steady modem is vital to a smartphone’s connectivity expertise. Whereas it took Google nearly 4 years, it seems to have cracked the code.
The corporate ought to persist with the identical components with its upcoming Pixel telephones. However that seemingly will not be the case. A Pixel 9a rumor suggests the cellphone will pair the Tensor G4 with an older Exynos modem as a cost-saving measure. It’ll supposedly be the identical Exynos 5300 modem that Google makes use of on the Pixel 8.
A poor modem impacts how you utilize your cellphone
And its battery life
A poor modem can straight or not directly management how you utilize your cellphone. I received uninterested in my Pixel 8 Professional struggling to latch onto networks or providing gradual cellular information speeds. I began carrying a separate cellphone for hotspot use when road-tripping to distant locations.
I additionally seen my Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Professional stuttering and skipping tracks within the health club when paired with the Pixel. This was by no means a problem on the Galaxy S23 Extremely or now with the Xiaomi 14 Extremely. Each use a Snapdragon modem.
One other aspect impact of an inefficient modem is poor battery life. Regardless of packing 5,000mAh+ cells, Google’s flagship Pixel telephones, ranging from the Pixel 6, have supplied sub-par battery life. That is additionally why Pixel telephones ship inconsistent battery life, as your expertise can fluctuate primarily based on the community power in your house or workplace.
The Pixel 9 collection bucks this pattern, simply lasting a day of heavy use. A key motive behind that is the newer, extra environment friendly Exynos 5400 modem that sips much less energy when idle. In any other case, Pixel telephones are notorious for his or her excessive standby idle drain.
My Pixel 8 Professional loses round 7 to 9% of its battery in a single day when on cellular information. The battery additionally drains quicker once I use the cellphone closely on 4G or 5G, and there’s noticeable heating. Resulting from this, I keep away from utilizing cellular information closely on the Pixel when out and about.
It is all concerning the backside line
As a result of $$$
The Google Pixel 8a prices $500, making it $300 cheaper than the Pixel 9. Google will possible persist with the identical value level with the Pixel 9a. This implies it should make a number of compromises and minimize down on specs to succeed in that value level. For that reason, the mid-range Pixel A telephones sport a 90Hz OLED panel. Whereas this compromise is sensible, utilizing a modem identified for having connectivity points can be a horrible alternative.
Google guarantees seven years of software program updates for the Pixel 8a. The Pixel 9a will possible get related assist, so it ought to get updates till mid-2032. That is seven lengthy years. Whereas a sub-par modem won’t be a dealbreaker now, it may pose points in a number of years, with issues starting from gradual cellular information speeds to fixed name drops.
We count on extra from you, Google
Please do higher
If Google cares concerning the person expertise, it ought to use the Exynos 5400 modem on the Pixel 9a. To scale back its manufacturing price, it might probably take away satellite tv for pc connectivity and cut back different areas of the cellphone. It ought to do every thing potential to keep away from utilizing an inferior modem identified for its connectivity issues.
To scale back prices, Google purportedly plans to make use of inferior packaging know-how on the Pixel 8a’s Tensor G4 chip. So, nothing is stopping the corporate from doing one thing related with the Exynos modem or taking successful to its revenue margins and utilizing the Exynos 5400 as is.
Nevertheless, a fats backside line and conserving shareholders are possible Google’s greater targets, even when it comes on the expense of one other Pixel cellphone delivery with an inferior modem. If that occurs, I’ll vote with my pockets and search for different choices. Some nice funds Android telephones pack higher specs and supply extra worth for cash than the Pixel.