The Pixel 11’s new modem is here, but Dual-SIM support comes with a catch
The Pixel 11 phones come with dual-SIM support listed in the specs. But there's a huge catch, and Reddit forums have been all over it in the past couple of days.
The Pixel 11 phones come with dual-SIM support listed in the specs. But there's a huge catch, and Reddit forums have been all over it in the past couple of days. Now Google has officially cleared the confusion, issuing a clarification to our colleagues at Android Authority.
Pixel 11 series does not support Dual-Sim Dual-Active (DSDA)
DSDA use cases. | Image by Qualcomm
Early rumors claimed all devices in the Pixel 11 lineup support DSDA. The feature allows you to hold an active call on one SIM while using high-speed data on another.
However, Google reportedly told Android Authority that the Pixel 11 series doesn't support DSDA and is limited to standard DSDS Dual-SIM Dual Standby, where both SIM cards are only active on standby mode, and if you're using one, the other is automatically deactivated.
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New modem inside the Pixel 11 series
The Pixel 11 series comes equipped with the MediaTek MTK-t900 modem. | Image by MediaTek
Before Google got back to our colleagues with a definitive answer, they decided to poke around the Pixel 11 Pro XL and ran software diagnostics and network tests. What these tests revealed is a new modem for the series, a departure from the usual Samsung Exynos modems Google has been using in the past Pixel generations.
The first clue was actually pretty obvious on the Android version screen. The a900a-MP_260716 firmware string points toward a MediaTek modem, or more specifically, the MTK-t900 model.
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Our colleagues have confirmed this by entering debug mode and basically asking the phone what modem it was using. The returned string left no doubts, "[MTK-t900-Release…-Android_RIL] confirms the hardware change to MediaTek modems in the new Pixel 11 phones.
Read more about the Pixel 11 series here
The Pixel 11 seriously let me down, but early Pixel 12 leaks hint at a blockbuster comeback
Google might finally fix the Pixel’s biggest weakness with a huge battery upgrade
The MTK-t900 modem supports Dual-Sim Dual-Active (DSDA). What gives?
Lines of code confirming the MediaTek MTK-t900 modem inside the Pixel 11 Pro XL. | Image by Android Authority
The interesting part is that this modem actually supports Dual-Sim Dual-Active (DSDA), but apparently Google configured the Pixel 11 series hardware and software not to support this feature.
One of the reasons Google had decided to go down this route is battery life. The Dual-Sim Dual-Active (DSDA) feature requires a lot more power to keep both SIMs active, and when it comes to the Pixel 11, this could've resulted in an abysmal battery life.
There's also more SAR radiation from the two active tanscievers and the new Pixel could've landed outside the SAR emission regulations.
Is this a big deal for the Pixel 11 series?
Yes and no. On one hand, people who use two lines and often carry out voice calls frequently on both SIMs may end up with missed calls. Furthermore, if you need data connection while talking, and your data plan is on the other SIM, you're cooked.
But on the other hand, these use cases rarely reflect how the majority of people use their phones, and most people would take the extra battery life anyway.
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Mariyan, a tech enthusiast with a background in Nuclear Physics and Journalism, brings a unique perspective to PhoneArena. His childhood curiosity for gadgets evolved into a professional passion for technology, leading him to the role of Editor-in-Chief at PCWorld Bulgaria before joining PhoneArena. Mariyan's interests range from mainstream Android and iPhone debates to fringe technologies like graphene batteries and nanotechnology. Off-duty, he enjoys playing his electric guitar, practicing Japanese, and revisiting his love for video games and Haruki Murakami's works.
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