The Google Pixel 9a is set to introduce an innovative battery management feature designed to extend the longevity of its lithium-ion battery. The company has announced that its software will actively manage the battery’s performance and maximum voltage to preserve its health over time, utilizing a function called Battery Health Assistance. This feature will automatically adjust the charging speed depending on the battery’s capacity, according to Google’s statements.
Battery Health Assistance on the Pixel 9a
According to a report by 9to5Google, information on Google’s overview page for the Pixel 9a reveals that the device’s software will manage battery health as the phone ages. The tech giant elaborates on its support page that lithium-ion batteries are consumable components which gradually lose capacity, leading to faster discharge times than originally indicated.
To combat the effects of aging on battery life, the Battery Health Assistance on the Pixel 9a will implement gradual adjustments to the battery’s maximum voltage, beginning after 200 charge cycles and extending up to 1,000 cycles. Google asserts that this process will stabilize both battery performance and its aging rate.
Users may notice a slight reduction in the runtime of their devices as the battery ages. The software will modify the charging speed in accordance with the updated capacity, leading to potential variations in charging performance. However, Google has clarified that the Battery Health Assistance settings are predetermined and cannot be modified by users.
This initiative is not Google’s first venture into battery management features. In January, the company rolled out a “Battery Performance Programme” for the Pixel 4a via an over-the-air update. This previous program aimed to decrease the available battery capacity and its charging efficiency, resulting in shorter usage periods between charges, primarily to mitigate overheating risks.
