Google Pixel 9 comes with new modem and satellite connectivity

Most people don’t consider modems when considering buying a new phone, but why should you? Unfortunately, many Pixel users are having to learn more and more about this. Masu. Connectivity issues have been one of the series’ biggest problems in recent years. Thankfully, things are getting better with each generation, and the next Pixel 9 series will get even better.

Thanks to the folks at Google. Android permissions We learned about some of the modem upgrades coming to the Pixel 9 series. This brings important upgrades such as satellite connectivity.

Modems have been a known source of problems for Pixels since Google switched to semi-custom Tensor chips in 2021. Since the chip was developed in collaboration with Samsung’s S.LSI division, Google opted to use an Exynos modem to simplify development, unlike in the past. Pixels used Qualcomm’s solution.

Unfortunately, the stability of the software running on new modems was poor, especially at first. For example, in my personal experience with the Pixel 6, I encountered cases where the modem crashed and other subsystems, such as sensors, went offline. I’m not the only one experiencing connectivity issues with my Pixel 6.

Fortunately, as the new platform matured, it became less of an issue, especially after Tensor G2 switched to a new modem, the Exynos Modem 5300 (also used in the Pixel 8 series). Now the modem problem is not as much as it used to be. However, please note that it is not yet perfect. For example, Pixel 7 and 8 users have been reporting issues since the March 2024 update. In our recent survey, nearly 60% of respondents reported encountering these issues.

First arriving in the Pixel 9 series, Tensor G4 features an all-new modem, the Samsung Modem 5400. This isn’t the Qualcomm modem that some people like, but it’s still an upgrade over the previous generation. Our sources weren’t able to reveal the exact specs, but as always, you can expect it to be faster and more power efficient than its predecessor. Additionally, the software stack has been upgraded again, which should improve stability. Finally, there is support for 3GPP Rel. This supports 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN), or satellite-based communications.

This modem will be included in all cellular-enabled Tensor G4 devices, including the Pixel 9 series and next-generation Pixel Fold. Our source also told us that Google is in the early stages of developing his 5G tablet (codenamed “clementine”), which is equipped with the same modem. However, it is currently unclear when and if this device will be introduced to the market.

As we previously reported, Google has made significant progress in integrating support for satellite-based messaging in Android 15. Thanks to his NTN support on the Exynos Modem 5400, the Pixel 9 series will be the first product to support Android’s native satellite implementation.

Initially, this feature will be provided by T-Mobile (built in collaboration with SpaceX), but other providers may be added in the future. Satellite links allow you to send text messages, but not calls. In addition, a special “Satellite Gateway” app allows you to easily communicate with emergency services through a feature called “Emergency SOS”.

We’ve already seen previous metrics on how this works, but now we can preview it in more detail. First, some basic questions will be asked to narrow down the situation. You can also choose whether to notify your emergency contacts. You can then send a message to emergency services to get the help you need. Many of the questions also have predefined answers that you can select to speed up the process. We have listed some questions in the table below to give you a general idea of ​​how it works.

Due to the nature of satellite connectivity, mobile solutions that use satellite connectivity typically require very specific adjustments to connect. Google has designed the following animations to help you with this process.

Satellite connectivity functionality will also be available on the next-gen Pixel Fold, as indicated by the following message in the app:

It’s still not Qualcomm, but it’s a welcome upgrade anyway.

The modem upgrade seen here may not have been the drastic upgrade we were hoping for, but it’s expected to result in fewer problems, which is clearly a good thing. In particular, Tensor G4 is just an updated Tensor G3. This was only created because Google’s completely custom chip missed the 2024 deadline.