Latest Answers - Page 17

ShopSavvy Answers are well-researched expert answers to common questions about popular products

Is the Google Pixel 8 waterproof and what's its IP rating?

Published: October 29th, 2025

The short answer? The Pixel 8 can handle getting wet, but don't go taking it scuba diving. It has an IP68 rating, which is pretty much the best you can get for phones these days.

What IP68 Actually Means in Real Life

You can totally:

Use it in the rain (even heavy downpours)
Drop it in a bathtub or pool and fish it out quickly
Take it to the beach without worrying about sand
Use it with wet hands after washing dishes

Don't even think about:

Taking underwater photos (seriously, don't)
Using it in the shower regularly
Dropping it in salt water or hot tubs
Leaving it submerged "just to test it"

The Fine Print Nobody Tells You

Here's the thing about water resistance – it degrades over time. That IP68 rating is for a brand-new phone. After a few months of drops, temperature changes, and normal wear, the seals aren't as tight as they used to be.

Also, your warranty won't cover water damage even though the phone has an IP68 rating. Kind of ridiculous, but that's how it works.

My Real-World Experience

I've had my Pixel 8 get absolutely soaked in rainstorms, splashed at the pool, and even accidentally dropped in a sink full of soapy water. It's been totally fine every time.

But here's what I've learned: always dry it off thoroughly before plugging anything in. Water in the charging port is no joke, and it can mess up your charging cable or even the phone.

Smart Usage Tips

Keep it away from salt water (ocean, some pools) – that stuff will corrode the metal parts over time
Don't charge it if it's wet – wait until everything's completely dry
If you drop it in water, turn it off immediately and dry it thoroughly
Consider a waterproof phone case for beach or pool activities

Looking for water protection accessories? Browse waterproof phone pouches for extra peace of mind during water activities.

Bottom line: The Pixel 8's water resistance is legit and will save you from most water accidents. Just don't get cocky and start treating it like a submarine.

How fast does the Google Pixel 8 charge and what charging methods does it support?

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: October 29th, 2025

The Pixel 8's charging speed is... fine. It's not going to blow you away, but it gets the job done. If you're used to phones that charge from 0 to 100% in 30 minutes, you might be slightly disappointed.

Wired Charging: The Reality

With the right 30W charger, you'll get about 50% charge in 30 minutes, which is pretty decent for daily use. Full charge takes about an hour and 20 minutes – not terrible, but not amazing either.

Here's the catch: Google doesn't include a charger in the box. So if you don't already have a fast USB-C charger lying around, you'll need to buy one separately. Kind of annoying, honestly.

Pro tip: Any 30W USB-C charger with PD support will work great. Check out these highly-rated USB-C fast chargers – you don't have to buy Google's official one.

Wireless Charging: Actually Pretty Good

The wireless charging is where the Pixel 8 shines a bit more. If you have a Pixel Stand, you'll get 18W wireless charging, which is surprisingly fast for wireless. I can top up my phone pretty quickly on my desk while working.

Regular Qi chargers work too, but they're slower at 12W. Browse wireless charging pads for convenient overnight charging or desktop use.

The Cool Reverse Charging Trick

One feature I actually use regularly: Battery Share. You can charge your wireless earbuds or even help out a friend with a dead phone by placing their device on the back of your Pixel 8. It's not fast, but it's super handy in a pinch.

Daily Reality Check

For most people, the Pixel 8's charging speed is perfectly adequate. You can easily top up during coffee breaks, and overnight charging will always get you to 100%.

If you're a heavy user who drains the battery fast, you might find yourself wanting faster charging speeds. Consider a portable power bank for all-day power on the go.

Bottom line: The charging won't win any speed contests, but it's convenient and works with lots of accessories you might already have.

Does the Google Pixel 8 overheat during gaming or intensive use?

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: October 29th, 2025

Yes, the Pixel 8 can get warm, especially if you're pushing it hard. But before you panic – it's not going to melt in your hands or catch fire. Google has built in plenty of safeguards.

When You'll Notice It Getting Warm

Gaming is the big culprit. Fire up a graphics-heavy game like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile for more than 20-30 minutes, and you'll definitely feel the phone warming up. It's not uncomfortable, but it's noticeable.

Video recording also makes it toasty, especially if you're shooting in 4K. I've noticed it gets warm pretty quickly when recording my kid's soccer games.

Charging while using the phone is another guaranteed way to feel some heat. Try gaming while fast-charging, and you'll definitely notice the temperature rise.

The Good News About Thermal Throttling

Here's where Google actually did something smart: the Pixel 8 slows itself down before things get problematic. When it starts getting too warm, the processor automatically reduces its speed to cool down.

Is this annoying when you're in the middle of a gaming session? Sure. But it's way better than the phone overheating and shutting down completely.

Real-World Experience

I'll be straight with you – if you're a hardcore mobile gamer or you live somewhere really hot, the Pixel 8 might frustrate you. The phone will throttle performance when it gets warm, which means lower frame rates and laggy gameplay.

But for normal use? You'll probably never notice. Scrolling Instagram, taking photos, watching Netflix – none of that stuff will make it overheat.

Tips to Keep It Cool

Take breaks during gaming sessions
Don't game while charging (seriously, just don't)
Keep it out of direct sunlight
Consider a phone cooling fan or heat-dissipating case if you're a heavy user

Looking for mobile gaming accessories? Browse gaming controllers for phones or portable phone stands for better gaming ergonomics.

Bottom line: The Pixel 8 gets warm under stress, but it handles heat better than older Pixels. Unless you're a mobile gaming enthusiast, it's really not something to worry about.

How good is the Google Pixel 8 battery life for daily use?

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: October 29th, 2025

Let's be honest about the Pixel 8's battery life – it's good, but not amazing. If you're coming from an older phone, you'll probably be satisfied. If you're expecting iPhone 15 Pro Max-level endurance, you might be disappointed.

What You'll Actually Experience

I've been using the Pixel 8 for months, and here's the real deal:

On a typical day, you'll get about 8-10 hours of screen time with mixed usage. That means scrolling social media during your commute, taking some photos, streaming music, and maybe watching a YouTube video or two. The phone will easily make it from morning coffee to bedtime.

If you're a heavy user – gaming, lots of video calls, constant GPS navigation – expect around 6-8 hours of screen time. You might need a quick charge in the afternoon if you're really pushing it.

Light users who mainly text, call, and check email will see 10+ hours of screen time without breaking a sweat.

The Smart Stuff That Actually Works

The Pixel 8 has this Adaptive Battery feature that sounds like marketing fluff but actually makes a difference. After a week or two, it learns which apps you use most and stops wasting power on the ones you ignore. It's pretty clever.

The screen also automatically adjusts its refresh rate – 120Hz when you're scrolling (smooth!), 60Hz when you're reading (battery-saving!). You won't notice the switch, but your battery will thank you.

Reality Check

Here's the thing: the Pixel 8 isn't going to blow your mind with incredible battery life. It's reliable and gets the job done, but it's not going to last two days like some of the bigger Android phones out there.

Pro tip: The screen gets ridiculously bright, which is great for outdoor use but terrible for battery life. Keep auto-brightness on or manually dial it down when you don't need the full blast.

Looking for a reliable charging solution? Check out the Google 30W USB-C Charger for optimal charging speeds, or browse portable power banks for on-the-go charging.

Bottom line? The Pixel 8's battery life is perfectly adequate for most people. It's not a weak point, but it's not a standout feature either.

How do I set up the Echo Dot 5th generation and connect it to Wi-Fi?

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: October 29th, 2025

Getting Your Echo Dot 5th Generation Up and Running

Setting up your new Echo Dot 5th generation is surprisingly simple – you'll be chatting with Alexa in just a few minutes. Here's everything you need to know to get started.

What You'll Need Before We Start

Gather these essentials before beginning:

The Amazon Alexa app on your smartphone (free download)
An Amazon account (create one free if needed)
Your Wi-Fi network password
Your Echo Dot connected to the included power adapter

Simple Setup Process

Initial Connection

When you plug in your Echo Dot, you'll see an orange light ring within 30-60 seconds. This indicates the device is in setup mode and ready for configuration.

App-Guided Setup

Open the Alexa app and sign into your Amazon account. Navigate to 'Devices' at the bottom, tap the '+' icon, select 'Add Device,' then choose 'Amazon Echo' and 'Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Pop and more.' The app will automatically detect your device.

Wi-Fi Connection

Ensure your phone is connected to your home Wi-Fi network (not mobile data). Select your network from the list and enter your password. The Echo Dot supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks for optimal flexibility.

Pro Setup Tips

If you have other Amazon devices, the Echo Dot may automatically connect using Amazon's simple setup feature. For the most reliable connection, keep your device within 10 feet of your router during initial setup.

Quick Troubleshooting

If setup stalls, try these proven solutions:

Restart your router and Echo Dot (unplug for 60 seconds)
Update the Alexa app to the latest version
Verify your Wi-Fi password accuracy
Move closer to your router temporarily

A solid blue light confirms successful connection. Your Echo Dot is now ready to control your smart home, play music, answer questions, and much more.

Ready to explore more Echo Dot features? Check out our complete guide to maximizing your smart speaker experience, including advanced voice commands and smart home integration tips.