The Google Pixel 9a seems like one of many higher mid-range telephones of the 12 months. It’s powered by a Tensor G4 chip which is usually an identical to the Pixel 9 collection, however makes use of an older modem as a substitute of the Pixel 9’s new Exynos Modem 5400.
We coated this information a number of days in the past and requested readers whether or not they cared about this alteration. Over 4,400 votes have been tallied, and right here’s what you advised us.
Do you care that the Pixel 9a has an outdated modem?
It seems that just about 40% of surveyed readers (39.75%) stated they do care that the Pixel 9a has an older modem, however that they’ll watch for evaluations and testing first. In the meantime, 36.61% of respondents stated this was a dealbreaker for them. In different phrases, simply over 75% of polled readers are involved by the Pixel 9a’s selection of modem within the first place.
The Pixel 9a’s Exynos Modem 5300 was additionally discovered within the Pixel 6 collection, Pixel 7 vary, and Pixel 8 household, together with all of the A-series telephones. Sadly, mobile connectivity might range wildly amongst these telephones. Some Pixel 6 collection homeowners (together with a few Android Authority members) reported severe mobile points. These issues included poor reception in locations the place different telephones labored effective, prolonged delays in switching between mobile and Wi-Fi connections, overheating and poor battery life on mobile connections, and extra. Telephones just like the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 collection delivered vital enhancements on this regard, however we will actually perceive why persons are nervous.
Reader Akash Yadav detailed his ordeal with the Pixel 8 Professional:
It’s a main downgrade. I’ve a Pixel 8 Professional (sic), whereas it features usually in metropolis apart from the excessive battery drain in 5G. However on freeway it usually loses connectivity and goes offline on similar service when telephones with Qualcomm and Mediatek modems are capable of get alerts simply. Additionally when it loses connectivity, it is extremely hardly ever will get it again. It’s essential to restart it, put it on offline mode repeatedly and typically even that doesn’t assist. I’ve so many instances misplaced dwell map instructions as a consequence of this, which why I’ve moved my major SIM to a less expensive Iqoo 13 and maintain Pixel with me to click on images.
Fellow reader Dominykas Samsonas famous that Google just lately fastened connectivity points he had together with his Pixel:
I’ve the (Exynos Modem) 5300 in my Pixel 8 Professional that I had since launch and I can say that center of final 12 months Google with software program updates actually fastened loads points with it (sic). Since Google had years of labor completed on the 5300 I don’t see this as a deal breaker for the midrange telephone.
In the meantime, just below 25% of respondents stated they don’t care in regards to the Pixel 9a’s older modem. We’re guessing these folks didn’t have points with earlier Pixels.
A few commenters revealed that they have been utilizing their older Tensor-powered Pixel telephones simply effective, together with Ryan Campbell:
I’ve had the Pixel 6a for about 2.5 years now. I’ve by no means had any points with connectivity (relying on the service), overheating, or battery drain. I finish most days with round 30-40% of my battery left after a 15-16 hour day. My spouse has the 7a, and he or she’s all the time had good reception as properly. I’m unsure I’m too involved with the modem if the efficiency shall be just like that of my 6a.
In different phrases, it feels like some readers may very well be completely pleased with the Pixel 9a’s mobile efficiency, particularly in the event that they didn’t have points with the older telephones to start out with. Nevertheless it’s abundantly clear that the majority polled readers have some issues on the very least.
