Key Takeaways
1. New Battery Health Feature: Android 16 introduces a Battery Health menu to monitor battery deterioration, currently in beta.
2. Limited Availability: This feature is exclusive to newer Pixel models, specifically the Pixel 8a and Pixel 9 series.
3. Accessing the Feature: Users can find the Battery Health menu in the Settings under the Battery section, showing battery capacity compared to a new one.
4. Older Models Excluded: The feature is not available on older Pixel devices, which may disappoint users who could benefit from it.
5. Concerns Over Updates: The exclusion of older models raises questions about the seven years of promised updates and access to significant features.
Android 16 is introducing a feature that allows users to monitor the health of their device’s battery. Currently in beta, Google has stated that this feature will be limited to certain Pixel phone models, namely the Pixel 8a and the Pixel 9 series.
Battery Health Insights
The new Android Battery Health menu can be accessed in Android 16 Beta 3, providing users with information on how much their battery has deteriorated. A similar functionality has been a part of iPhones for several years, including models like the iPhone 6. Recently, Android Authority reported that this feature will only be available for the newer Pixel devices.
Accessing the Feature
Users can find the Battery Health menu under the Battery section in the Settings application. According to the screenshots that have been shared, the feature gives an estimated percentage of charge that the battery can hold compared to a brand-new battery.
The screenshots appear to have come from owners of the Pixel 8a and Pixel 9, which are currently listed on Amazon for $599. However, no images have been shared by users of older models like the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, leading to some questions. A response found in the Google Issue Tracker, noticed by Reddit user azmeen0, confirmed that the absence of this feature in older models is intentional, citing “product limitations.”
Impact on Older Devices
This news is disappointing for those who own older Pixel devices, as they would likely benefit the most from such a feature. As these batteries age, understanding their condition becomes increasingly useful. Moreover, it raises concerns about the promised seven years of updates, especially if last-generation devices are left out from receiving significant features like this one.
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