Robert Triggs / Android Authority
We haven’t had many complaints about Google’s latest Pixel smartphones, however one constant ache the rump has been catatonic charging speeds. One hundred agonizing minutes to fill the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro actually takes the shine off final yr’s fashions. Thankfully, Google has remedied the state of affairs for the new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. At least considerably.
Using Google’s official 30W charger, we clocked the Pixel 8 from empty to full in 77 minutes and the 8 Pro to full in 79 minutes, versus 100 and 101 minutes final technology respectively. That’s nonetheless snail-paced in contrast to the quickest in the business, however shaving over 20 minutes off the charge time nonetheless deserves a pat on the again. Importantly, the Pixel 8, specifically, hits the key 50% and 75% milestones a couple of minutes quicker, so that you’re again in your ft if you want it most. See for your self under.
The Pixel 8 prices to full in about 77 minutes, whereas our Pixel 8 Pro hits full in 79 minutes. Both are notably quicker to charge than the Pixel 7 sequence.
Part of the cause behind quicker charging with the Pixel 8 sequence is their increased peak energy ranges. The Pixel 8 now helps up to 27W of energy, whereas the Pixel 8 Pro peaks at 30W, in accordance to Google. We didn’t file ranges fairly that prime at the cellphone’s USB-C port (Google may very well be reporting energy from the plug), however the quantity of energy is actually increased than final yr by 2W or so in the Pro and up to 5W in the common Pixel 8.
But that’s simply a part of the image; the Pixel 8 sequence additionally prices extra effectively too, notably the smaller mannequin. Peak energy ranges are sustained for 15 to 20 minutes, relying on temperature, whereas the Pixel 7 noticed a just about flat energy degree for the bulk of its cycle. High energy ranges early in the charge cycle allow the telephones to hit a few third of their capability faster than earlier than, and there don’t seem to be any aggressive temperature spikes.
You’ll desire a 30W USB PPS charger this yr to charge the Pixel 8 as rapidly as attainable.
Google says that the Pixel 8 requires 27W and the 8 Pro 30W from a appropriate USB Power Delivery PPS plug. We examined the telephones and recorded peak energy of 24.5W and 26.5W, respectively.
The bulk of the charging cycle nonetheless happens at round 19W for the common Pixel 8, however this energy degree can be sustained a bit longer on the new fashions. Pixel 8 charging charges begin declining as soon as the cell hits about 80%, whereas energy charges start to fall at about 72% on the Pixel 7, which explains why the older mannequin takes an age to end charging. It’s the same state of affairs with the Pro, however the handset isn’t nearly as good at sustaining energy in the center of the cycle, which varies between 22W and 18W.
The trade-off for quicker charging is barely increased temperatures. While the Pixel 7 Pro peaked at 36.5°, we clocked the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro hovering persistently at 38°c, which coincides with a discount in charging energy as soon as this temperature is reached. With that in thoughts, the Pixel 8 sequence will seemingly charge quickest when cool and might take longer when used or when charging after demanding periods. Still, Google ensures a ample buffer under 40°C, so we’ve no considerations about overly excessive battery temperatures or longevity right here.
In a nutshell, not solely do the new fashions charge at barely increased energy ranges early in the charging cycle, however additionally they look forward to longer earlier than decreasing energy to end powering up the battery safely. The internet result’s a good enchancment in general Pixel 8 battery charge instances. Nice job, Google. Unlike earlier years, this implies you’ll need to pick a charger able to supplying 30W to maximize the telephones’ charging speeds. To prevent time, we’ve plucked out a number of the greatest Pixel 8 chargers proper right here.