Google on how many battery charge cycles to expect from Pixel phones

In a support article about “Understanding how your Pixel battery works,” Google has detailed how many charge cycles you can expect to get out of your Pixel phone.

Starting with the Pixel 8a, Google added Settings app > About phone > Battery information with “Cycle count” information, along with “Manufacture date” and “Date of first use.” 

• Related: Google releasing new Pixel 4a update, some eligible for free battery replacement

In the new help article, Google explains the methodology as such: “Your Pixel battery’s cycle count is the number of times the battery has completed a full discharge and recharge of the battery, including partial discharges.” 

For example, if you used your Pixel from 100% charge to 50% charge and then recharged it to 100%, this would be calculated as 0.5 cycles.

Google has designed the Pixel battery to “keep at least 80% of its initial capacity up to a certain number of charge cycles”:

• Pixel 3 and later, including Fold: Should retain up to 80% capacity for about 800 charge cycles.
• Pixel 8a and later: Should retain up to 80% capacity for about 1000 charge cycles.

Update: Google has confirmed to us that the Pixel 8a and later should retain up to 80% capacity for about 1000 charge cycles.

For comparison, here’s what Apple says to expect from the iPhone, with similar language used: “Batteries of iPhone 14 models and earlier are designed to retain 80 percent of their original capacity at 500 complete charge cycles under ideal conditions. Batteries of iPhone 15 models are designed to retain 80 percent of their original capacity at 1000 complete charge cycles under ideal conditions.”

Google’s per device count assumes you charge as recommended. A “tip” in the article says to “Charge your Pixel phone in a cool place (about 25℃ or 78℉) with a compatible USB-C PD or PPS charger. Do not use it while it charges.”

Other provided tips to “maximize the lifespan of your Pixel battery” include: 

• Check and update your Android version.
• Charge your phone in a cool ambient (25℃ or 78℉) temperature and limit exposure to direct sunlight and external heat sources. Help keep your Pixel phone from feeling too warm or hot.
• Use Adaptive Charging.
• Turn off features that you don’t need to reduce everyday battery drain.
• If you plan to store your phone for more than 30 days, store with at least 50% charge.
• Avoid prolonged (8 or more hours) exposure to high (more than 35℃ or 95℉) ambient temperature.

Google recommends replacing batteries that reach the cycle charge count, or “if you notice a decrease in your phone’s runtime.”