Google Confirms New Modem in Pixel 9 Series, Explains Absence of Qi2 Charging

Highlight

• Google has addressed connectivity and battery issues.
• Introducing the Exynos Modem 5400 in the Pixel 9 series, offering better performance and efficiency.
• The new modem provides faster peak downlink speeds and improved connectivity, including satellite support.
• No Qi2 Charging: The Pixel 9 series does not support Qi2 wireless charging.
• Google reveals the easy availability of the Qi1 protocol and the lack of tangible benefits from Qi2.

Google has finally addressed one of the major issues with Google’s Tensor-powered Pixel phones and made a big leap with a brand-new modem in the Pixel 9 series.

The issue started as early as with the Pixel 6 series phones, which were notorious for their unreliable connectivity and poor battery life.

While later models improved on reception, it is the Pixel 9 series where we finally getting a concrete advancement.

Using the Device Info HW app, Android Authority has confirmed that the standard Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold are all powered by the new Exynos Modem 5400.

The above screenshot from the standard Pixel 9 shows the baseband section listing a “g5400c” part number, which matches the Exynos Modem 5400.

For comparison, the Pixel 7 Pro used a “g5300q” part number, indicating the older Exynos Modem 5300.

This isn’t the first time we have read reports on the Pixel 9 series using the Exynos Modem 5400.

This information was first leaked back in April.

However, it’s exciting to see this part confirmed in a real-world Pixel phone.

Google’s switch to the new modem follows its appearance in Exynos-powered Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus models earlier in January.

The Exynos Modem 5400 is a significant upgrade from the Exynos Modem 5300, offering Release 17 connectivity that enables satellite support for the Pixel 9 series.

Manufacturer Samsung also claims that this new modem is more efficient, which should lead to better battery life in the new Pixel phones.

In terms of performance, Samsung says the Exynos Modem 5400 delivers faster peak downlink speeds (14.79Gbps compared to 10Gbps) and improved speeds using the FR1 frequency band.

Altogether, this suggests that the Pixel 9 series should provide faster and more efficient cellular connectivity than previous models.

No Qi2 Charging for Pixel 9 Phones, Here’s Why

To make sure our readers understand why this question of having Qi2 charging arises, we have to look back a bit.

The Qi2 technology was announced in early 2023.

It is highly likely the same was shared with phone manufacturers before that the official announcement and we are currently in the second quarter of 2024.

Now that is a considerable amount of time for any phone manufacturer to adapt a new technology, test it and integrate it into their latest devices.

Still, to the whole tech community’s surprise, many latest smartphones have missed this opportunity when it comes to adopting Qi2 wireless charging.

From last year’s Pixel 8 and Samsung Galaxy S24 series to flagship phones from OnePlus, OPPO, Vivo, Realme, Nothing and the latest Samsung Galaxy Z foldable, none offered Qi2 wireless charging.

And now the new Google Pixel 9 series has joined suits and has been announced without Qi2 wireless charging.

 However, with Pixel 9, we finally have a response from manufacturers.

In a recent Android Authority story, it is revealed that Google has responded to their question on why it chose not to adopt Qi2 charging.

The independent online publication mentions, “We asked Google about the decision to skip Qi2, and the answer, paraphrased, was that the older Qi protocol was more readily available on the market and that there are no tangible benefits to switching to Qi2.”

To be clear, the Pixel 9 series, including the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL, all charge wirelessly over the older Qi protocol.

This indicates these phones will get a maximum 10W wireless charging speed and no magnets.

FAQs

Q1. What are the key features of the Pixel 9 series?

Answer. The Pixel 9 series includes the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Key features include the new Tensor G4 chip, improved camera systems with advanced AI capabilities, and the Exynos Modem 5400 for better connectivity and battery life.

Q2. When will the Pixel 9 series be available for purchase?

Answer. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL will be available starting August 22, 2024.

The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be available from September 4, 2024.

Q3. What is the price range for the Pixel 9 series?

Answer. The starting price for the Pixel 9 series varies by model.

The Pixel 9 starts at  ₹79,999, the Pixel 9 Pro at ₹1,09,999, the Pixel 9 Pro XL at ₹1,24,999, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold at ₹1,72,999.

Q4. Does the Pixel 9 series support Qi2 wireless charging?

Answer. No, the Pixel 9 series does not support Qi2 wireless charging. Google chose to stick with the older Qi protocol, citing its availability and lack of tangible benefits from Qi2.

Q5. What other products were announced at the Made By Google event?

Answer. In addition to the Pixel 9 series, Google announced the Pixel Watch 3, Pixel Buds Pro 2, and new features for Gemini AI.

Also Read: Google’s Tensor G5 Chip Could be A New Era for Pixel Phones with Exynos-Free Design

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