The Pixel 9a and the Pixel 9 Pro XL differ in their 5G network support primarily due to the type of 5G bands they support and the specific features included in each model.
- Pixel 9a: This model supports sub-6GHz and C-Band 5G networks, which are common types of 5G frequencies used in many regions. However, it does not include mmWave support, which is typically used for the fastest possible 5G speeds in areas where it is available[1][4].
- Pixel 9 Pro XL: Like the Pixel 9a, the Pixel 9 Pro XL supports sub-6GHz and C-Band 5G. However, some users have reported issues with consistently connecting to 5G networks, often staying on LTE instead. This could be due to various factors such as network coverage, carrier provisioning, or device-specific issues[2][5][8].
In terms of additional features, the Pixel 9 Pro XL does not specifically mention mmWave support in the available information, but it does include an Ultra-Wideband chip for enhanced spatial orientation, which is not mentioned for the Pixel 9a[3].
Overall, while both phones support similar types of 5G networks, the Pixel 9 Pro XL may face more challenges in maintaining a stable 5G connection due to user reports of connectivity issues. The Pixel 9, which is not the Pro XL but is part of the same series, does support mmWave for faster speeds, but this is not explicitly confirmed for the Pro XL models[1][3].
Citations:
[1] https://www.pcmag.com/comparisons/google-pixel-9a-vs-pixel-9-whats-the-difference
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/1guyj43/pixel_9_pro_xl_rarely_connects_to_5g/
[3] https://www.pcmag.com/news/google-pixel-9-vs-9-pro-vs-9-pro-xl-whats-the-difference
[4] https://store.google.com/my/product/pixel_9a
[5] https://community.48.ie/t5/Internet/No-5G-on-Google-Pixel-9-Pro-XL/m-p/64577
[6] https://store.google.com/magazine/compare_pixel
[7] https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/1h520we/pixel_9_pro_suddenly_has_no_5g_connection/
[8] https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/1f3nw1p/my_pixel_9_pro_xl_will_only_do_lte_no_5g/
[9] https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/google-pixel-9a-vs-pixel-9-vs-pixel-9-pro-vs-pixel-9-pro-xl-comparing-differences/
[10] https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/1i6j0x8/tru_5g_not_working_on_pixel_9/
[11] https://store.google.com/product/pixel_9_pro_specs
[12] https://www.pcmag.com/news/i-took-the-499-google-pixel-9a-for-a-spin-heres-what-i-like-most