Google has released updated data that makes it clear how many charges its Pixel phones can store. A Pixel 8a or later should hold up to 80% of its battery capacity for roughly 1000 charge cycles, according to the Search giant (a cycle is a full battery charge from empty). The power efficiency of the latest Google smartphones is demonstrated by the fact that devices released between the Pixel 3 and Pixel 8 Pro should retain up to 80% of their capacity for about 800 charge cycles. The lithium-ion batteries that power smartphones have a limited lifespan, much like any other devices.
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A similar stance was recently adopted by Apple, which claimed that the iPhone 14 and earlier generations should maintain up to 80% of its battery capacity for 500 charge cycles. By contrast, the iPhone 15 and 16 have a maximum capacity of 80% for up to 1000 cycles of charging.
By opening the Settings app and choosing Battery Information, Google users with Pixel 8a and later models can now keep an eye on their phone's battery life. The battery's manufacturing date, date of first use, and number of full charges are displayed here for users to observe. This should help consumers determine whether the phone's battery is the original one that came with it and how many charges are remaining in it. For those who purchase used smartphones, this is a tremendous help because the battery's condition is the most unknown aspect of the transaction.
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Google advises using the adaptive charging feature, avoiding extended exposure to the sun or extreme temperatures (over 35°C), and not using the smartphone while charging in order to slow down battery degeneration. Google's initiative to increase battery health transparency is in line with a similar industry trend. Apple came under fire in late 2023 for its parts pairing policy, which was seen as anti-repair.
Only parts made by Apple were permitted to be used for iPhone repairs and replacements under this policy. According to a repair specialist I spoke with, Apple was deleting battery health data from iPhones whose batteries had been replaced without permission. This meant that rather than using less expensive independent repair shops, Apple made iPhone users receive replacements at the Apple Store.
Since then, Apple has reversed component pairing and stated that iPhone 16 and later models will not be affected. This implies that Apple batteries can be effectively calibrated and transferred to the 16 model without compromising functionality.
