The question of smartphone battery life often comes up, and Google has decided to answer it more clearly for its Pixel models. Rather than speaking in years, the web giant relies on a specific unit: charge cycles. For those wondering what that means, a cycle is one full recharge after an equivalent discharge. For example, if you use your phone from 100% to 50% and then charge it to full, that’s half a cycle.
Cycles, not years
According to Google, Pixel 3 and later models (including Pixel Fold) retain up to 80% of their original capacity after approximately 800 cycles. Good news for users of Pixel 8a and newer models: they last up to 1,000 cycles before reaching this threshold. For comparison, the latest iPhones offer similar performance with 1,000 cycles, while older models are limited to 500 cycles.
For those who want to check where their battery is, Google offers a specific function in the settings, but it is only available from Pixel 8a. A nice step forward, even if limited to the most recent devices.
For those who want to avoid taking too much of a toll on their battery health, Google shares some practical tips. First, it is recommended to keep your phone cool, with an ideal room temperature around 25°C. Avoid direct sunlight and very hot locations, as temperatures above 35°C can seriously damage the battery.
Then, it is better not to use your phone when it is charging, and to favor USB-C compatible chargers. Google also advises enabling adaptive charging, a feature that slows the battery filling overnight to avoid overcharging.
Finally, if you plan to leave your phone aside for several weeks, make sure to store it with a half-full battery. This small gesture can avoid a lot of inconvenience the next time you use it.
Despite all precautions, the battery will end up losing its splendor after reaching the 800 or 1,000 cycles announced. If you notice a noticeable drop in battery life or your phone isn’t holding up as well as it used to, it might be time to think about a replacement.
Google reminds that changing the battery can improve the overall performance of the phone, especially in extreme heat or cold conditions. The brand’s support can guide you to an approved repairer for safe intervention.
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