Battery Share or reverse wi-fi charging has been one of many extra useful options in Pixel smartphones for years. Because the characteristic was launched, it has not acquired any main upgrades. It additionally seems that Google is tweaking the Battery Share characteristic within the new Pixel 9 collection, eradicating the flexibility to cost equipment whereas the handset itself is charging.
Like Samsung’s flagship gadgets, Pixel smartphones have lengthy boasted reverse wi-fi charging that works primarily when topping up Qi-enabled equipment, which works even when the Pixel smartphone is plugged in. Sadly, Google confirmed on its help web page that it disabled this reverse wi-fi charging methodology within the Pixel 9.
What does this imply for the Pixel 9 (evaluation) and Pixel 9 Professional (evaluation)? Whereas they nonetheless have reverse wi-fi charging or Battery Share to cost different gadgets, this characteristic shall be disabled as soon as you start charging the Pixel 9 or Pixel 9 Professional by way of wired USB.
Apparently, the corporate highlighted that twin charging will nonetheless be supported on older Pixel smartphones like Pixel 8 to Pixel 5, aside from the mid-range Pixel A collection. As for the Pixel foldable, reverse wi-fi charging is unavailable even on the Pixel 9 Professional Fold.
Why Google made Pixel 9’s reverse wi-fi charging much less versatile
Google did not disclose the small print behind the change. Nonetheless, it’s protected to imagine this is because of the brand new battery measures within the Pixel 9 that have been designed to guard and lengthen the lifespan of the battery within the Pixel 9 by limiting the charging load and warmth throughout charging.
This was additionally supported by final week’s discovering that the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Professional have a extra aggressive charging velocity throttle. This was extra notable when the handset started to warmth up or when the battery stage hit a sure share. Nonetheless, Google has not shared any technical particulars on how this operates, and that is probably the identical safeguards as to why they crippled Battery Share within the Pixel 9.
Regardless of the adjustments in Battery Share, the Pixel 9, notably the Pixel 9 Professional XL, options improved wired and wi-fi charging velocity in comparison with the Pixel 8. So, that is not completely an outright downgrade in the event you have been to ask us.
Do you employ reverse wi-fi charging whereas your smartphone is plugged into the mains? What charging solutions do you suggest? Share these within the feedback.