Comparing the Exynos 5400, Exynos 5300, and Snapdragon X75: A Closer Look at the Modems

The Exynos 5400 modem has finally arrived in the Google Pixel 9 series, promising better cellular performance than its predecessor, the Exynos 5300. But does it really deliver? Let's dive in and compare the three modems to find out. First, let's look at the manufacturing process. All three modems use 4nm technology, but there's a difference in how they're manufactured. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X75 uses TSMC's 4nm process, while Samsung's Exynos 5400 and Exynos 5300 rely on Samsung's 4nm EUV process. The EUV process allows for higher transistor density, which should lead to improved battery life and efficiency. But this is just one factor affecting performance – what about the others? The Exynos 5400 seems to have the upper hand in raw performance, with Samsung claiming up to 14.79Gbps download speeds. That's nearly 50% faster than the 10Gbps speeds offered by the Exynos 5300 and Snapdragon X75. But what about real-world performance? Many Pixel users have reported poor cellular reception in the past, so will the Exynos 5400 change that? Our testing suggests that it might – we didn't notice any unexpected dead zones or poor performance with the Pixel 9 Pro's Exynos 5400.

Now, let's talk about features. The Exynos 5400 brings satellite connectivity to the Pixel 9 series, allowing users to connect to emergency services via satellite in areas without mobile networks or Wi-Fi. The Snapdragon X75 also supports satellite connectivity, but no current Android devices use this modem with satellite features. The Snapdragon X75, on the other hand, has a range of AI features that give it an edge over Samsung's Exynos 5400. But what about power efficiency? The Snapdragon X75 features Qualcomm PowerSave Gen 4 and Qualcomm Smart Transmit Gen 4, which enhance power efficiency and connectivity in moving vehicles. The Exynos 5400 doesn't have these features, but its EUV process should still lead to improved battery life and efficiency.

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