Pixel 9a to Get Tensor G4 SoC From Pixel 9 Series But With an Older Exynos 5300 Modem: Report

Pixel 9a may debut with some important differences compared to the Pixel 9 series.

Written by Nithya P Nair, Edited by Siddharth Suvarna | Updated: 4 September 2024 11:10 IST

Pixel 9a to Get Tensor G4 SoC From Pixel 9 Series But With an Older Exynos 5300 Modem: Report

Photo Credit: Google

Pixel 9a may debut with some important differences compared to the Pixel 9 series

Highlights

Pixel 9’s Tensor G4 uses FOPLP (Fan-Out Panel Level Packaging)
Pixel 9a is likely to keep Exynos Modem 5300 that was used on Pixel 8
IPoP is said to be thicker and hotter than FOPLP

Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold were unveiled last month at Google's Made By Google event. The latest Pixel series runs on the company's in-house Tensor G4 SoC alongside the Titan M2 security chip. As per a new report, Google is said to use the same Tensor G4 SoC on the upcoming Pixel 9a, but it could be paired with an older Exynos modem, the same found in the Pixel 8 lineup. The Pixel 9a is expected to debut between March and May next year as the most affordable option from the Pixel 9 family.

Pixel 9a to Run on Tensor G4 Chip

A report by Android Authority claims that the new Pixel 9a will run on a different version of the Tensor G4 SoC than the Pixel 9 series. The handset with the code name “tegu” will reportedly have the Exynos 5300 modem, that was used in the Pixel 8 lineup. The Pixel 9 series uses a new Exynos Modem 5400 that offers Satellite SOS support.

The silicon die of the Tensor G4 will reportedly remain unchanged from the Pixel 9 series to the Pixel 9a, but the packaging is said to be different. Similar to the Pixel 8a, the upcoming Pixel A series phone's chip will reportedly use IPoP (Integrated Package on Package). The regular Tensor G4 uses FOPLP (Fan-Out Panel Level Packaging). According to Samsung, the IPoP is thicker and hotter than FOPLP but is cheaper to manufacture.

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Cutting costs on the modem is likely to allow Google to sell the Pixel 9a at the same or lower price point compared to its predecessors.

A recent leak suggested that the Pixel 9a will debut with a completely different design than the older A series Pixels as well as the Pixel 9 series. It could feature a redesigned rear panel and debut between March and May next year.

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Google Pixel 9

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design
Display
Software
Performance
Battery Life
Camera
Value for Money

Good
Flagship build and design
Excellent display
Great cameras
Good battery life
AI features are fun

Bad
Processor is still not great
Heats up
No longer compact

Read detailed Google Pixel 9 review

Display 6.30-inch

Front Camera 10.5-megapixel

Rear Camera 50-megapixel + 48-megapixel

RAM 12GB

Storage 256GB

Battery Capacity 4700mAh

OS Android 14

Resolution 1080x2424 pixels

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Google Pixel 9 Pro

KEY SPECS
NEWS

Display 6.30-inch

Front Camera 42-megapixel

Rear Camera 50-megapixel + 48-megapixel + 48-megapixel

RAM 16GB

Storage 256GB

Battery Capacity 4700mAh

OS Android 14

Resolution 1280x2856 pixels

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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design
Display
Software
Performance
Battery Life
Camera
Value for Money

Good
Premium design
Bright display
Impressive AI features
Quality rear cameras
Long-term software commitment
Video Boost works brilliantly

Bad
Portrait mode needs work
Average battery life
45W charger not available in India

Read detailed Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review

Display 6.80-inch

Front Camera 42-megapixel

Rear Camera 50-megapixel + 48-megapixel + 48-megapixel

RAM 16GB

Storage 256GB, 512GB

Battery Capacity 5060mAh

OS Android 14

Resolution 1344x2992 pixels

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Further reading: Pixel 9a, Pixel 9a Specifications, Pixel 9 series, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 8, Google

Nithya P Nair

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Nithya P Nair is a journalist with more than five years of experience in digital journalism. She specialises in business and technology beats. A foodie at heart, Nithya loves exploring new places (read cuisines) and sneaking in Malayalam movie dialogues to spice up conversations. More