Tag: Pixel 8a

  • Google’s Battery Health Feature Now for Pixel 8a and Newer Models

    Google’s Battery Health Feature Now for Pixel 8a and Newer Models

    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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  • Google Pixel 10a Rumors: Bad News for Future Mid-Range Star

    Google Pixel 10a Rumors: Bad News for Future Mid-Range Star

    Google has not yet launched the Pixel 9a. Instead, it is still promoting the Pixel 8a as a more affordable choice compared to the premium Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Pixel 9a is anticipated to be unveiled later this year, likely a few months ahead of the anniversary of its predecessor.

    Future Pixel Developments

    Despite the delay of the Pixel 9a, Android Authority has already begun discussing Google’s mid-range smartphone plans for 2026. Notably, this same website has provided codenames for nearly all Pixel devices that are set to launch this year and the next, which we have covered in a separate article.

    Chipset Insights

    Regarding the Pixel 10a, Android Authority suggests that Google might utilize the same chipset intended for this year’s Pixel 9a. According to earlier leaks, the Pixel 9a is likely to have a less expensive version of the Tensor G4 chip that powers the Pixel 9 series. It is believed that Google has implemented Integrated Package on Package (IPoP) technology to cut down production costs, similar to the Tensor G3 found in the Pixel 8a, which currently retails for $399 on Amazon.

    Performance Expectations

    The use of IPoP may lead the Pixel 9a to perform slower, produce more heat, and be less efficient compared to its flagship models. This could also apply to the Pixel 10a, potentially to an even greater degree when compared to devices powered by the Tensor G5. In essence, Google’s mid-range smartphones may leap two generations ahead, much like the advancements seen in its foldable devices between the Pixel Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

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  • Google Pixel 8a Design Revealed in Leaked Dummy Unit Photos

    Google Pixel 8a Design Revealed in Leaked Dummy Unit Photos

    New Leaked Photos Show Google Pixel 8a Smartphone

    Unveiling the successor to Google’s Pixel 7a, leaked images of the Pixel 8a have emerged, offering a sneak peek into the device’s updated design.

    Design Alterations

    The Pixel 8a appears to showcase a more curved design when compared to its forerunner, the Pixel 7a. Early models hint at a slimmer and elongated build, measuring 153.44 x 72.74 x 8.94mm.

    View from the Front and Back

    An examination of the dummy unit’s front indicates that the Pixel 8a will maintain a punch-hole selfie camera while sporting noticeable bezels. Flipping to the back, the camera module, a hallmark of Pixel smartphones, boasts two sensors and a flash unit.

    Recognizable Controls

    The right side of the device exhibits the same familiar power button and volume controls as those observed on previous iterations of Pixel handsets.

    Unveiling Date

    The anticipated release of Google’s Pixel 8a is anticipated to align with the launch timeline set by its A-series predecessors, likely hitting the market in the initial half of 2024. While an exact date for its unveiling remains unconfirmed, further specifics are projected to be unveiled as time progresses.

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