Pixel 9a makes a start: Google reduces the charging voltage over time

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With the Pixel 9a, Google is introducing a new function called “battery life optimization” to increase the service life of the devices. To do this, the maximum voltage of the battery is reduced over time.

Smartphones can be used for longer and longer thanks to extended update guarantees, among other things. For example, Google and Samsung, as well as Honor, promise Android versions and patches for seven years for some devices. To ensure that consumables such as batteries can also keep up, Google has installed the “battery life optimization” function on its Pixel devices.

“Battery optimization” cannot be deactivated on the Pixel 9a

According to Google, the first device to receive the new battery-saving function is the budget model Pixel 9a, which will be released on April 14. The battery-saving function – also known as “Battery Health Assistance” – cannot be deactivated by the user on the new smartphone.

Google explains in a support document that the function is intended to help maintain battery health even as the device ages. The manufacturer also writes that the maximum voltage of the battery will be adjusted in stages after 200 charging cycles. This adjustment is to be continued gradually up to 1,000 charging cycles to stabilize battery performance and ageing.

The function also helps to adjust the charging speed of the smartphone based on the adjusted capacity. According to Google, adjusting the voltage leads to a “slight reduction in battery life as the battery ages”.

The charging capacity also changes slightly, although the manufacturer does not provide any further specific details. This software adjustment is not completely new: Google had already released an update for the Pixel 4a, which was released in 2020, in January 2025 to protect against the risk of overheating. However, the capacity of the Pixel battery was almost halved, which, according to research by software developer Hector Martin, is apparently related to a faulty battery charge.

Google is not the first company to bring such a battery-saving function to smartphones. Apple introduced a similar power management system for the iPhone a while ago.

Older Pixel models also get battery saver function – but optional

The Pixel 9a will also not be the only device to be equipped with the battery optimization software. As Google told 9to5 Google, the feature will also land on some older Pixel devices via an update.

In contrast to the 9a, however, owners of an older Pixel model can switch the function on or off if they wish.

Google advises replacing the battery after a certain runtime

In its support document, Google also makes recommendations for replacing the battery. For Pixel models 3 to 8 Pro and the Pixel Fold, the battery should be replaced when the remaining capacity is less than 80 percent or 800 charging cycles have been reached. For newer models from the Pixel 8a onwards, a new battery is recommended when it is less than 80 percent or 1,000 cycles.

According to the manufacturer, a new battery improves the performance of the smartphone at low and high ambient temperatures. In addition, the battery life is extended and the service life of the smartphone can also be increased.

(mho)