Google’s Next Pixel Devices Might Have Real Dual SIM Support

Google is expected to launch new Lite versions of the Pixel 3 sometime soon. But later in the year, the company will likely launch the new Pixel 4 line sometime around October. Although it is still very early for Pixel 4 leaks, there’s already some information about Google’s next-gen Pixel handsets.

XDA Developers recently noticed a new commit to AOSP’s source code, revealing some interesting details about the Pixel 4. A Googler noted that the 2019 Pixel 4 will have dual SIM functionality in Android Q.

Windows Intelligence In Your Inbox

Sign up for our new free newsletter to get three time-saving tips each Friday — and get free copies of Paul Thurrott's Windows 11 and Windows 10 Field Guides (normally $9.99) as a special welcome gift!

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

The dual SIM support is interesting for a couple of reasons. First, the Pixel 2 and 3 devices already have dual SIM support — in fact, they support DSSS or Dual SIM, Single Standby which allows users to provision two different SIMs but only use one. And with the Pixel 4, Google could be introducing DSDS or Dual SIM, Dual Standby, which allows users to receive calls and texts on both the SIMs, as long as one of them isn’t already in use. There is also DSDA or Dual SIM, Dual Active, which requires two different radios and allows the SIMs to be used simultaneously — but the smartphone industry mostly uses DSDS for dual SIM support on handsets.

It’s not clear if Google is planning to use DSDA or DSDS for the Pixel 4, though the former is probably more likely. Interestingly, the same commit stated that the dual SIM capability can be enabled on Pixel 3 devices, even though it’s only for dogfooding. So technically speaking, Google may be able to introduce real Dual SIM, Dual Active support for the Pixel 3 with a software update if the company wanted to.

With Apple providing dual SIM support on the latest iPhones in some regions and most Android phones offering the same, it’s no surprise to see Google introducing actual dual SIM support on the upcoming Pixel  4. It will be interesting to see if the dual SIM support will be available in all regions, though.

Tagged with

Share post

Please check our Community Guidelines before commenting

Conversation 4 comments

  • cheetahdriver

    Premium Member
    10 February, 2019 - 6:34 pm

    <p>My 2XL got an update last night to "9", whatever that is.</p>

    • wright_is

      Premium Member
      11 February, 2019 - 3:54 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#403978">In reply to cheetahdriver:</a></em></blockquote><p>Pie.</p>

  • da1Bear

    11 February, 2019 - 8:38 pm

    <p>I've really wondered why so many phones that are dual sim outside the US are single sim here. While it's not for everyone, it's a very useful feature, and one of the reasons I like my One Plus 6 so much. And if you'd have to carry 2 phones otherwise, it's a great way to justify a more premium phone.</p>

  • harrymyhre

    Premium Member
    11 February, 2019 - 11:01 pm

    <p>This is way too confusing. I'm fine with one phone number / plan. I can see dual sim for business users but not for your average consumer. </p>

Windows Intelligence In Your Inbox

Sign up for our new free newsletter to get three time-saving tips each Friday

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Thurrott © 2024 Thurrott LLC