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All I want from the Google Pixel 9 is reliable battery life
Good battery life is among the most important properties of a mobile device, yet Google hasn't been able to keep up
Smartphone features have become out of control over the last few years. From foldable displays to advanced camera operation, the average device is equipped with enough functionality to keep even the most seasoned users busy for quite a while. However, there is one feature that trumps them all. A feature that is so important, you literally cannot use your smartphone without it — the battery life.
Will 2024's Android flagships actually last seven years?
As Android heavy-hitters promise longer software support, how gracefully can we expect our hardware to age?
The days of groundbreaking changes to slab smartphones are largely behind us, with modern flagships only seeing iterative upgrades each year. And while we've seen some important efficiency gains recently, systems-on-a-chip and other critical hardware don't jump in performance year-on-year.
Android 15 could add an iPhone-level battery health menu
Signs of a cycle counter, manufacture date, and more were found in Android 14 QPR2
Nothing is more frustrating than waking up after a long night’s rest, getting ready to go into the office, and grabbing your phone only to see that it hasn’t charged at all. It’s equally annoying when you do charge your phone fully, only to find that it’s already in battery-saving mode by lunchtime. No phone would exist without its battery, but often, batteries are the first part of your phone to degrade and need replacement. Android 14, made it possible to see some aspects of your phone’s battery health with new APIs that previous versions did not have. Recent beta builds of the OS showcase the fruits of that API’s labor, indicating that more advanced and accurate tracking may come shipped with Android 15.
How to improve the battery life on your Google Pixel Fold
Get the best out of your Google Pixel Fold battery
The Google Pixel Fold marks Google's first entry into the world of foldables. With a unique hinge, class-leading camera, and wider external screen, there is a lot to like about Pixel Fold. However, in our Pixel Fold review, we found the 4821mAh battery cell to be just enough to get through a typical day.
Charging at warp speed: Introducing the Ugreen Powerroam 2200 portable power station
This post is sponsored by Ugreen.
Finding reliable and efficient power sources is paramount in a world where our dependence on electronic devices is ever-increasing. Ugreen, a global leader in charging accessories, has answered the call with the release of its groundbreaking PowerRoam 2200 Portable Power Station.
New EU regulation could mean the return of easily replaceable smartphone batteries
EU Parliament has voted to ban the need for special tools to access phone batteries
Batteries in phones used to be very easy to get at — back in the day, you just had to give your rear panel a slight tug to get at the battery, which then popped right out. This changed over time, bringing us sleeker handsets at the cost of battery accessibility, sealing things up tight with lots of glue and just generally discouraging any attempt at DIY repairs. But now EU Parliament is doing something about that, passing regulation that promises to make batteries once again easy to access and service.
The modern world abounds with technological marvels, and each year we are gifted with the best Android phones and tablets companies have to offer. From the ubiquitous remote control to the ostentatious hoverboard, there's no end to the wonders wrought by science. But inside every bit of portable electronics is a humble battery, powering the devices that smooth over the speed bumps of our quotidian lives.
Android 12's long-awaited battery widget is finally here with a new look
As part of today's Feature Drop
It's a big day for software updates, as Android 12L, March's security patch, and a new Feature Drop for Pixels are hitting phones right now. And while the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are facing yet another delay, here's the good news: you don't have to wait to get some of the best new features on your device right now. A long-in-the-works battery widget is spreading to users right now.
Chargeasap Flash Pro Plus review: Everything you need and more
A portable battery for power users with money to burn
If you have more than a few gadgets, and you do—let’s be honest, you’re going to want a portable battery. It isn’t the sexiest tech purchase you make, but it’s nice to know that you’ll be all set if you need to charge your phone, tablet, or watch on the go. Of course, buying a portable battery can be a bit overwhelming. There are seemingly endless options, at a variety of sizes and price points. If you’re in the camp that needs an incredibly large cell with fast-charge capability, the Chargeasap Flash Pro Plus might be for you. But at $300, you have to really need all that power.
Xiaomi's new battery technology could increase capacity by 10%
These new longer-lasting smarter batteries will land next year
Xiaomi took to Weibo yesterday to announce a "breakthrough" in its battery technology. And unlike most of the hyperbolic news we usually hear about battery science, these gains sound realistic. The company even says production will start as soon as next year.
Buy a giant battery during Jackery's giant anniversary sale
15% off on all of Jackery's batteries and solar chargers
We've left behind the summer months, but that doesn't mean many of us aren't still heading out for long camping weekends, fishing trips, hunting, or just about anything else that takes us away from the humming comfort of the power grid. If your array of gadgets can't be trusted to survive the long trips out without some assistance, check out Jackery's anniversary sale to save 15% on your next huge battery.
Samsung's Galaxy S22 might feature a much smaller battery than its predecessor
Will a power efficient display be enough to make up for it?
Time and time again, we've seen evidence that consumers care deeply about how long their device can last on a single charge. That's never stopped smartphone manufacturers from prioritizing speed, displays, and a thin chassis above all else. Samsung's entire Galaxy S21 series sports some pretty solid battery life, but that might not be the case for its upcoming Galaxy S22 lineup.
Chrome OS 93 is heading to your Chromebook today, and it's all about the details
Tweaks that strengthen, mature, and enhance the overall Chrome experience
Today Google is launching Chrome OS 93 to Chromebooks, just a week after it released Chrome 93 to mobile and desktop platforms. Chromebooks have seen wild success over the last couple of years thanks to Chrome OS being reliable, secure, and easy to use, and Chrome OS 93 adds polish here and there to help you enjoy your Chromebook even more. Here are all the important features and tweaks coming with this update.
Exclusive: Photos of Pixel 5a 5G components leak as repair shops prep for launch
Almost everything but a screen
The Pixel 5a 5G is coming. Google's said as much for months now, we've already seen some of the supplemental pieces falling into place, and as leaked spec info arrives, we keep hearing that a launch should be imminent. But for all that's happened, there's been precious little in the way of hard evidence, nor confirmation of launch plans. That's why we're so excited about our latest find, as a source shares images of Pixel 5a components that are currently being sent out to phone repair stores ahead of an August 17 announcement.
Check out a grab bag of deals on Anker's most popular gadgets
Woot's 'Prime Day Favorites' offers batteries, chargers, headphones, and security cameras
Hey Amazon, y'all doin' alright? Over the last few months you've kicked off almost every single budget mobile accessory brand for alleged review manipulation, and now Anker is the cheese which stands alone. For example: it's the only one that's getting its very own "Prime Day Favorites" highlighted section on Amazon's subsidiary and sister site, Woot.com.
Phone Hub for Chrome OS won't destroy your phone's battery in a future update
Phone Hub is great, but not when it ruins your Android phone's battery life
Phone Hub was a big deal when Google launched it with Chrome OS 89 a few months back. The feature finally brought the cross-device synergy that Android and Chromebook fans have been waiting for, with the ability to respond to your phone's messages, view its status, and more. The launch didn't go smoothly at all, however, with many reporting bugs like severe Android battery drain that outweighs any reason to use it. That may soon change, though, as Google is finally working on a fix to prevent it from killing your phone's battery.
Review: Aukey's portable generator and solar panel saved me during a power outage
The PowerTitan 300 is a big battery, and the PowerHelio Y100 is a big solar panel, and together they solve big problems
It's a slightly different sort of work day as I sit down to write this review. My power is out, the house is dark, and I'm outside on the deck with my laptop, phone as a hotspot, blogging and Slacking and what have you. But I'm fine, and excluding the distraction of a breeze and the nicer view, I'm still able to get my job done. In fact, the only reason I can is because of the subject of this review: The Aukey PowerTitan 300 and PowerHelio Y100.I know this sounds like the premise for some marketing copy or sponsored content, but it's not. I'm just a blogger who took way too long to get around to reviewing this big battery I got sent in the middle of January. Of course, it was winter, and testing a solar panel in the snow sounded like an awful time to me, so I marked my calendar for an outdoor trip this summer and forgot about the hardware in my closet until the power was scheduled to be out for an entire workday. "That's right," I thought, "I have something for that."
Android 12 might not bury screen-on time stats after all
Hopefully they will be just as useful as they were in Android 11 and older
Read update
While there are many things to love about Android 12, we were bummed to find out that the screen-on time stat disappeared in Beta 1, and it hasn't returned in Beta 2 either. We were almost ready to accept that Google decided to scrap this useful statistical insight into our phones' battery lives, but thankfully, it looks like screen-on time is set to return in a future Android 12 update.
Summer is just right around the corner, and with people restless to ditch quarantine life, many are planning time with friends and family outdoors. Finding power can be tricky when you're not home — that's where Jackery's Explorer 500 battery pack comes in. It's normally priced $600, but today, you can pick this one up for just 0 on Amazon.The Jackery Explorer 500 is less mighty than the model we've reviewed a couple of months ago, but it still packs a punch. Its 518Wh battery capacity is good for powering your phone, laptop, and even a mini fridge for several hours. Its compact size and firm handle makes it easy to carry around — perfect for RV camping and road trips. For those intrepid outdoor adventurers who want to embrace the outdoor life for a longer time, the Explorer 500 is compatible with the company's SolarSaga 100W solar panel (sold separately), which can fully charge it in nine and a half hours under direct sunlight.Jackery's battery pack has a slew of ports to keep your devices powered. It features one AC outlet (100V/500W; peak at 1000W), three USB-A ports, two DC ports, and one car port. The company notes that devices rated over 500W (like a kettle or coffee maker, for example) aren't supported. Reviews praised the all-around utility of the Jackery Explorer 500 and loved its combination of features it offers. It's $100 off on Amazon right now, and you can get a steeper $80 discount by clicking on the coupon button — dropping the cost down to $420 (Editor's note: Nice). It's a great companion for any camping adventurer — and one you should pull the trigger on.Buy: Amazon
Android 12 Beta 2 introduces extra granular battery stats
You can view your battery stats in two-hour intervals on some Pixel phones
Whenever Google releases a new Android version, you can count on redesigned notifications and settings, and the same is true for Android 12. The latest iteration of the pre-release software, Beta 2, further tweaks both of these aspects of the OS, but there's one detail we want to dive in here: The battery stats in the system settings, which now let you view which apps used up most of your battery in any given two-hour interval in the past day.