Pixel 9a may use Pixel 9’s new Tensor chipset, but uses older modem

The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold were unveiled last month during Google’s Made By Google event. The latest Pixel series are powered by the company’s in-house Tensor G4 SoC, paired with the Titan M2 security chip. According to a new report, Google will reportedly use the same Tensor G4 SoC on the upcoming Pixel 9a, but it could be paired with an older Exynos modem, the same one found on the Pixel 8 lineup. The Pixel 9a is expected to debut between March and May next year as the most affordable option in the Pixel 9 family.

Pixel 9a is powered by Tensor G4 chip

A report from Android Authority claims that the new Pixel 9a will be powered by a different version of the Tensor G4 SoC than the Pixel 9 series. The handset, codenamed “tegu,” will reportedly feature the Exynos 5300 modem, which was used on the Pixel 8 series. The Pixel 9 series will use a new Exynos Modem 5400 which brings support for Satellite SOS.

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

By lowering the cost of the modem, Google will likely be able to offer the Pixel 9a for the same or lower price than its predecessors.

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