Rumours: Pixel 9a Will Likely Feature Tensor G4 Chip with Older Modem

Highlights

• The upcoming Pixel 9a is rumoured to feature Google’s Tensor G4 chip.
• The Tensor G4 will use integrated package-on-package (IPoP) technology.
• It is cost-effective but may result in a thicker and hotter device compared to the flagship Pixel 9 series.
• The Pixel 9a is expected to have the same AI capabilities as the flagship models.
• It can potentially get 12 GB RAM and the inclusion of Gemini Nano with Multimodality.

If recent rumours are to be believed, then the upcoming Pixel 9a will most likely feature Google’s Tensor G4 chip.

However, the mid-range smartphone will reportedly pair this advanced chip with an older modem.

Many tech enthusiasts have raised concerns about Google’s decision to go with the older modem, which indicates some of the connectivity issues that Pixel phones are known for will continue to plague the Pixel 9a as well.

In previous A-series models, Google has used the latest Tensor chips but opted for a more cost-effective packaging method.

As per Android Authority’s recent report, this trend of combining the latest chips with older configurations is likely to continue with the Pixel 9a.

The Tensor G4 will utilise Integrated package-on-package (IPoP) technology.

This method is affordable.

However, it usually makes the package thicker and it eventually runs hotter compared to the fan-out wafer-level packaging.

The flagship Pixel 9 series, on the other hand, offers better heat management and power efficiency.

As per the report, Pixel 9a is expected to have the same AI capabilities with some packaging differences.

It will also feature Gemini Nano with Multimodality.

At the moment, other key features of Pixel 9a are still unclear, including RAM and storage specifications.

However, looking at the predecessor and a few other new Pixel phones, we can assume an upgrade to 12 GB is on the cards.

If this happens, it should be a significant upgrade for any mid-range device.

Certain reports also suggest that Google might be pairing the Tensor G4 chip with Samsung’s Exynos 5300 modem in the Pixel 9a.

The company did something similar in the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro.

While this modem supports slower theoretical download speeds (10Gbps compared to the 14.79Gbps of the Exynos 5400 in the Pixel 9), the main difference is in satellite connectivity.

The Pixel 9a is unlikely to feature Satellite SOS, a premium service available for two years with the Pixel 9.

Pixel 9a
Source: some random post on Facebook pic.twitter.com/y8jwaQM6Z8

— ShrimpApplePro 🍤 ずっと真夜中でいいのに (@VNchocoTaco) August 26, 2024

In another leak, a social media leaker a few days ago claimed to have found pictures of the upcoming Pixel 9a.

It shows this device in pre-production form on a “random” Facebook private group.

Google Pixel 9a Specs