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The Google Pixel 10 comes with battery performance limits that can't be disabled Battery Health Assistance gradually decreases voltage and capacity after 200 cycles and up to 1000 cycles Online reactions suggest frustration The Pixel 10 has been official for one week, and yet it seems that Google’s latest flagship smartphone has already found itself caught up in controversy over a new battery health setting that can’t be switched off. As Android Central reports, the Google Pixel 10 series comes with an obligatory battery health feature called Battery Health Assistance, which limits the phone’s voltage and charging speed over time. The limits begin at 200 cycles and continue until 1,000 cycles. A report from Android Authority corroborates that the feature can’t be disabled. For those not familiar, ‘cycle’ simply refers to the process of emptying and recharging the battery. Assuming the phone is charged daily, this could mean battery limits kick in after less than a year of ownership, with performance getting worse over the next few years. However, here at TechRadar we’re confident that the Pixel 10’s battery limiting feature shouldn’t be a dealbreaker if you’re considering buying one – keep reading for our breakdown. The claim The Google Pixel 6a was recently pulled from Google's online refurbished store (Image credit: Future) Unlike some tech controversies, there’s not really an element of suggestion or conspiracy theorizing – as far as we can tell, this is a real feature that will affect battery life on the Google Pixel 10 series. The issue is more about how users react to this information. Naturally, a ‘feature’ that outright worsens your phone's performance isn’t guaranteed to be popular, and Pixel fans have reacted in kind. In one Reddit thread, user Toni_Segui wrote: “Regarding this imposition from Google, if they don't back down, for my part next year I'm going to Samsung or even Apple”. User gosangst was less diplomatic, commenting: “Google really hates its customers”. It seems that some online commenters are taking this battery limit feature as a reason to avoid the Google Pixel 10. We've contacted Google for comment, but haven't heard back yet. It’s also true that Google Pixel phones have a checkered history when it comes to batteries. Recently, Google pulled the Pixel 6a from its refurbished store following reports of some units catching fire (though there was no official reason given). Some users may be wary of trusting Google when it comes to battery tech. The reality The Google Pixel 10 is still a valid choice, despite its strict battery limits (Image credit: Blue Pixl Media) Most tech users know by now that batteries – even rechargeable ones – are ultimately consumable components, or at least that they degrade over time. Even the best Google Pixel phones have previously had issues with battery life and even battery safety, so it’s perhaps unsurprising that Google has taken such a hard line. The likely intention behind Battery Health
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Original reporting: Latest from TechRadar US in News,opinion