Google Pixel 9a reportedly won't get this major Pixel 9 series upgrade

Google’s budget-friendly Pixel A series has always been a fan favorite, offering a taste of premium features at a more accessible price point. But the upcoming Pixel 9a might be taking a different approach this time around.

According to a report from Android Authority, the Pixel 9a is set to rock the latest Tensor G4 chip, just like its pricier Pixel 9 siblings. That’s great news for performance junkies on a budget. But here’s where things get interesting: the 9a is sticking with last year’s modem. 

While the Pixel 9 series will be flaunting the shiny new Exynos Modem 5400, the 9a is keeping it old school with the Exynos Modem 5300 from the Pixel 8 lineup. Now, you might be thinking, “So what? It’s just a modem.” But this little chip actually packs a punch when it comes to your phone’s everyday use.

The newer 5400 modem brings some cool tricks to the table. We’re talking Satellite SOS for those off-the-grid emergencies, support for the latest 5G standards, and most importantly, it runs cooler and more efficiently. That means better battery life and less chance of your phone turning into a hand warmer during intense usage. In fact, some early Pixel 9 buyers have even taken to X to report that the modem is one of the reasons why they feel the Pixel 9 series is a big improvement.

So, why is Google making this move? It’s all about finding that sweet spot between features and price. By keeping the older (but still perfectly capable) modem, Google can likely shave a few bucks off the production cost. This could mean a more budget-friendly price tag for the 9a, or room in the budget for other upgrades we don’t know about yet.

However, I’m sure long-time Pixel owners would much appreciate the upgraded modem over any other minor changes. Of course, this is all based on early info, and Google loves to keep us guessing. We’ll have to wait for the official reveal to see exactly how the Pixel 9a stacks up against its premium cousins.