Google has rolled out a Google Pixel 5G update for its Pixel smartphone lineup in India, enabling 5G connectivity on the Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, and Pixel 7 Pro through the QPR2 Beta 2 release of Android 13.
Which Phones Get the Google Pixel 5G Update?
The 5G update is available for three Pixel handsets sold in India: the Pixel 6a, the Pixel 7, and the Pixel 7 Pro. Users who install the QPR2 Beta 2 build of Android 13 will immediately gain access to 5G connectivity on both Jio and Airtel networks.
Once the beta is installed, 5G activation is automatic — no additional configuration is required. Google has confirmed that the stable final update will follow the beta, though an exact rollout date has not been announced.
5G Band Support: Pixel 6a vs Pixel 7 Series
The number of supported 5G bands differs across models. The Pixel 6a supports 19 5G bands, while the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro each support 22 5G bands, giving the flagship pair broader carrier and frequency coverage across India's growing 5G network.
| Model | 5G Bands | Networks (India) |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel 6a | 19 | Jio, Airtel |
| Pixel 7 | 22 | Jio, Airtel |
| Pixel 7 Pro | 22 | Jio, Airtel |
Google Pixel 7 Series: India Pricing and Launch
Google returned to the Indian smartphone market with the Pixel series after approximately six years, officially launching the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro at an event on 6 October 2022. The Pixel 7 starts at Rs 59,999 and the Pixel 7 Pro starts at Rs 84,999 in India.
The arrival of 5G support significantly strengthens the value proposition of both devices, bringing them in line with what competing flagship Android phones already offered on Jio and Airtel's 5G bands.
How to Get the 5G Update on Your Pixel
- Ensure your device is a Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, or Pixel 7 Pro.
- Enroll in the Android Beta Program for your device on Google's official site.
- Download and install the QPR2 Beta 2 update from Settings > System > System update.
- Restart your phone and confirm 5G is shown in your status bar when in a covered area.
Keep in mind that beta software may contain bugs. If you prefer to wait, the stable version of the update will be released at a later date and will deliver the same 5G functionality without requiring beta enrollment. It is worth noting that the QPR2 Beta 2 update is available to any eligible Pixel owner via the Android Beta Program, and the process takes only a few minutes.
What This Means for Pixel Owners in India
India's 5G rollout by Jio and Airtel has been accelerating rapidly, and Pixel users were previously left out of the faster network despite their hardware being capable. This update closes that gap. With 19 to 22 5G bands supported, Pixel owners in major Indian cities should see noticeably faster download and upload speeds on compatible plans.
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