A new report reveals the Google Pixel 7 series is behind the eight ball when it comes to 5G connectivity, unable to support the latest standard.

The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro models only support 5G Release 15, the initial standard launched in 2018 by 3GPP, the organisation tasked with developing the standards for 5G connectivity.

Despite the updated Release 16 standard being made available in 2020, the latest Pixel 7 models are still using the 3GPP Release 15.

The Samsung Exynos 5300 modem included in the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro can actually support Release 16, making this a problem likely to be remedied when the phone receives an Android 14 update.

5G Release 17 was actually launched last July, so the Pixel 7 phones are already two generations behind when it comes to connectivity – not a good look for a communications device.

Release 18 is expected to arrive next year. Qualcomm’s recently announced Snapdragon X75 includes support for both 17 and 18.