Google Pixel 9 series finally brings a good modem to the lineup

Google launched the Pixel 9 series with multiple upgrades and new features. However, there is one improvement that could be especially critical, and the company didn’t give much prominence during the launch. According to recent findings, the Pixel 9 series comes with a new modem.

Google Pixel 9 series has a new and more efficient modem

The Pixel 8 series used virtually the same modem as the Pixel 7 series, which offered slightly improved performance compared to the disastrous modem of the Pixel 6 series. However, the improvement was still insufficient, so the main connectivity and efficiency problems were still present. But that might have finally changed in Google’s latest flagship phones. As spotted by Android Authority, the Pixel 9 series boasts the new Exynos 5400 modem.

The Exynos 5400 is the same modem as the Galaxy S24 series. This is great news, as Samsung has finally solved most of the problems related to signal reception and efficiency in Exynos hardware for its latest mobile flagships. Therefore, the Pixel 9 series should offer a noticeably better experience than previous models. Theoretically, the new-gen Pixels should not only have better signal reception but also lower battery consumption.

In addition to the new modem, the 4 nm Exynos 2400 chip is already noticeably more efficient than previous iterations. The new Tensor G4 of the Pixel 9 series uses the same improved manufacturing process as the latest Exynos flagship SoC. So, after years of waiting, Pixel fans might finally get the stable experience they deserved from the start. That said, it’s the real-world performance that matters, and we’ll know more about that in the coming days.

What was happening with the Pixel phones modems?

Since Samsung and Google have been working side by side (Pixel 6 series), they have achieved multiple milestones that have benefited both companies. However, the Pixel phones also inherited some of the major problems of the latest Galaxy phones. Google developed its own Tensor chips using Exynos designs as a base, including Samsung’s modems. That, along with efficiency issues stemming from Samsung’s factories, negatively impacted the battery life and thermal control of the Pixels.

Meanwhile, the performance of Exynos modems was far behind that of Qualcomm’s. So, Pixel devices also did not offer the most robust signal reception. Reddit and social platforms are filled with reports from Pixel device users complaining about excessive battery drain related to mobile network use. If you’re not aware, poor signal reception on your phone causes increased battery drain and heat. This happens because the phone’s hardware is working extra to get an optimal level of coverage.

The Pixel 10 series chip is expected to use an all-new design. Even the manufacturing process will be different, as Google will be moving to TSMC’s factories to produce the Tensor G5. It will be interesting to see what Google is capable of doing with its first mobile chipset developed from scratch.