Google has released Android 13 QPR1 beta 2 for the Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a (5G), Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel 6a. This is the beta version of the upcoming December Quarterly Feature Drop. The update, build number T1B2.220916.004, includes the October security update.
9to5Google discovered one new feature that comes with the beta. Go to Settings > Battery and you might see a new listing on the menu that says “Battery Health.” Similar to the feature found on the iPhone by the same name (which can be found on iOS by also going to Settings > Battery), Battery Health on the Pixel phones will show how healthy your battery is based on a percentage (100% is a brand new battery).
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Google notes that “Phone batteries, like all rechargeable batteries, are consumable components that become less effective as they age and is irreversible.” If the battery in your Pixel is in “poor health,” you will see a warning that tells you that the component “needs attention” and suggests that you contact Google support for a diagnosis. The percentage that Google shows you is an “estimated measurement of your battery capacity relative to when it is new. Lower capacity may result in fewer hours of usage between charges.”
What the new Pixel Battery Health feature will look like. Credit 9to5Google
Google also includes some tips on how to extend the life of the battery that powers your Pixel phone. These include:
- Enable Adaptive Charging: Adaptive Charging increases the lifespan of your battery which improves battery health.
- Update to the latest software: Make sure your Pixel device is using the latest version of Android OS whenever available.
- Find the best charging adapters: Pick out a charger that matches both the power requirement and the charging standard.
The feature could become available to users of the Pixel 4a and later when the December Quarterly Feature drop is released. That could take place on December 5th, the first Monday of the month. Google traditionally disseminates Pixel updates on the first Monday of a new month. It is also possible that the feature will be limited to the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro since it has not appeared yet on our Pixel 6 Pro updated to Android 13 QPR1 beta 2.
