Android 12 is draining some Google Pixel batteries — what you need to know

Android 12 is draining some Google Pixel batteries — what y'all need to know

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Android 12 has rolled out to all Google Pixel phones equally of the launch of the Google Pixel 6. Unfortunately, it's reportedly having a negative effect on the battery life of some older Pixels, and Google's yet to come up out with a definitive solution.

Coverage from PiunikaWeb shows that even users with the relatively new Google Pixel 5 or Google Pixel 4a 5G phones take observed a big dive in their phones' longevity since installing the update. While some reduced functioning on older devices may be expected, the drops here are big enough that the blame can't exist laid but on aging hardware.

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Increased battery drain was a trouble establish in the beta versions of Android 12 too, and seems to take connected into the final release. This combines with the fact that Pixel phones have never been among the devices with the best phone battery life. In fact, before the Pixel half-dozen, Pixels had notably smaller batteries than any rival devices, which certainly doesn't assistance with a new power-hungry version of Android.

This problem could affect the brand-new Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6 Pro, besides. Our Pixel 6 battery life tests for both phones revealed disappointing results, way lower than about flagship phones with similarly sized batteries. Our analysis at the time was that this was the error of Google using an older, less efficient 5G modem (our battery tests are conducted using a cellular connection), just perhaps Android 12 is besides partially responsible.

As for fixes, there'southward nothing that seems to work consistently. Ane user reported that the Google Help Desk suggested they reset their telephone and then restore information from a backup. This isn't an ideal solution since it requires deleting everything from the telephone outset, which risks data loss even with a backup, for potentially no benefit. All the same in this user's case, it did seem to work.

Afterwards, Google representatives on the Made By Google Twitter profile suggested another user kickoff up his phone in safe mode, which helped with the lag the user was facing while using his Pixel 5, merely at that place was no mention of reduced battery drain. PiunikaWeb itself suggests making sure that the "Manage apps automatically" option in the Bombardment settings menu, although it points out that this could pb to disruptions to notifications.

A Google rep has as well told one user that the company will be investigating this result. Hopefully this means future updates volition help mitigate Android 12'southward appetite for bombardment, although an answer this vague doesn't requite us any idea of a timeline.

If you're still struggling with your Android 12-equipped Pixel'due south battery life, y'all could accept a look at our guide on how to check Android battery wellness to see if your phone's battery is doing well. Otherwise, you may simply have to wait for futurity Os updates from Google.

More: The world'due south first USB-C iPhone has hit eBay — and it's now at $51,000

Richard is a Tom'due south Guide staff writer based in London, roofing news, reviews and how-tos for phones, gaming, audio and whatever else people need advice on. Following on from his MA in Mag Journalism at the University of Sheffield, he's likewise written for WIRED U.K., The Annals and Artistic Bloq. When not at piece of work, he's likely thinking nearly how to brew the perfect cup of specialty java.