Summary
- A new leak reveals how the Google Pixel 9 will handle satellite connectivity through Android 15.
- The Google Pixel 9 will use the brand new Exynos 5400 modem as well as the upgraded Tensor G4 chipset for this purpose.
- Google is also reportedly working on a 5G tablet called “Clementine”, equipped with the Tensor G4 SoC.
Google is still working on Android 15, and we’ve had a good look at what’s new thanks to developer previews and the first beta, which arrived a few days ago. Satellite connectivity is expected to be a major part of Android 15, with features like satellite text messaging reportedly in the works. A later report revealed that Android 15’s satellite connectivity implementation would also allow users to text their contacts in non-emergency situations. Now we’re learning of Google’s plans to support satellite connectivity at the hardware level, starting with the Pixel 9 series this fall.
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Kamila Wojciechowska, who has a good track record when it comes to Pixel leaks, writes (via Android Authority) that the Google Pixel 9 will introduce the new Exynos 5400 Modem, which is said to be “faster and more energy efficient” than the last generation Exynos 5300 modem, which was used in the Tensor G2 and G3 chips. The new modem should also have better stability, thanks to an upgraded software stack, according to the leak.
This modem is said to be part of the all-new Tensor G4 chipset, which will debut on the Pixel 9 series, with Wojciechowska saying that the Pixel Fold 2 would also use the same SoC, lending more credence to the idea as the next-generation foldable from Google would debut alongside the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro.
This exclusive report also mentions a 5G Pixel tablet in underdevelopment (clementine), which would use the same Tensor G4/Exynos Modem 5400 combo. However, Wojciechowska’s source could not provide a specific launch timetable for this Android tablet.
Satellite connectivity on the Google Pixel 9
Wojciechowska writes that in addition to the usual modem performance improvements, it now supports 3GPP version 17, officially bringing support for 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN). This would make the Pixel 9 series the first to support Google’s satellite connectivity implementation in Android 15. The satellite-only text service will initially be powered by T-Mobile, according to Wojciechowska, and other networks could join him later.
This leak also uncovered a new Satellite Gateway application, which will allow users to get in touch with emergency services using an integrated feature called “Emergency SOS”. Thanks to Wojciechowska’s extensive research, we know that the app will ask users a few predefined questions related to the emergency situation, ranging from What best describes your situation? has What type of vehicle or vessel? designed to get a reading of the situation. There is also the option to send a message to all listed emergency contacts.
At the same time, each question will also have its own selection of answers to speed up the process of contacting emergency services. Google also understands that satellite connectivity requires specific positioning, which will be explained to users using animation, as shown above. We don’t know much about the Pixel 9 at this point, but satellite texting support will likely be one of its biggest highlights. Early rumors also talk about a third Pixel 9 variant launching in the fall, although we’re not big fans of the idea.