Android 16 Beta Brings Battery Health Tracking to Pixel Phones – But With a Catch

Ever noticed your phone's battery life dwindling faster than usual? Android users have lacked a reliable built-in tool to diagnose this, until now. Google's quietly introducing a Battery Health section in the latest Android 16 betas, offering Pixel users a native way to monitor their battery's remaining capacity. While currently limited to select devices, this marks a significant shift in Google's approach to long-term phone ownership.

What does it do? Who has access? And why is this seemingly simple feature so important? Let's find out.

Checking Your Pixel's Battery Health

If you're using Android 16 Beta 3 on a compatible Pixel device (details below), follow these steps:

1. Open your Pixel's Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap on "Battery."
3. Tap "Battery Health."

This section displays:

• Your battery's health as a percentage (its remaining capacity compared to a new battery).
• Tips for extending battery life based on your usage patterns.
• Quick settings to enable Adaptive Charging or limit charging to 80%.

This is a feature iPhone users have enjoyed since iOS 11.3 (2018). Android users previously relied on third-party apps, offering only estimations. While seemingly small, this is a welcome addition to Android.

The Catch: Device Compatibility

Unfortunately, the Battery Health feature isn't universally available. In Android 16 Beta 3, it's fully functional only on the Pixel 9 series and the Pixel 8a. Other Pixel devices (Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 7, etc.) might show the Battery Health menu, but it only provides general battery care tips, lacking the crucial percentage indicator.

Why this limitation? Google hasn't officially explained, but it's likely temporary. The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro might use different battery controllers or firmware requiring further development. Beta releases are for testing, and phased rollouts are common. Broader support is expected once Android 16 is officially released.

Why Battery Health Tracking Matters

Imagine a phone with a 5,000 mAh battery. After a couple of years, an 80% health rating means you're effectively using only 4,000 mAh. This explains decreased battery life, increased heating, and reduced reliability.

Related: Smartphone Batteries Just Leveled Up—And You Didn’t Even Notice

The Battery Health tracker eliminates guesswork. You can make informed decisions: battery replacement, charging adjustments, or simply understanding performance changes. This includes:

• Limiting charging to 80%.
• Using Adaptive Charging.
• Avoiding fast charging when unnecessary, especially with a hot phone.

This transparency is crucial for extending phone lifespan.

More Than a Feature: A Signal of Change

The inclusion of Battery Health, even with its current limitations, signifies Google's recognition of longer phone ownership cycles. Pixel 8 and 9 devices promise seven years of Android updates. Long-term support requires durable hardware, starting with the battery. Providing users with a transparent monitoring tool is a smart, user-centric move, aligning with the growing emphasis on repairability and sustainability. It's a step towards reducing electronic waste.

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