Let's be honest about the Google Pixel 8's battery life β it's decent, but nothing spectacular. If you're coming from an older phone, you'll probably be satisfied. If you're upgrading from a battery champion like the iPhone 15 Pro Max, you might feel a bit let down.
What to Actually Expect
The 4,575mAh battery gives you about 6 hours of screen time with normal use. That means checking Instagram, taking photos, texting, and browsing will get you through a typical workday. Most people make it from morning coffee to bedtime without scrambling for a charger.
But here's the thing β if you're a heavy user who loves mobile gaming, streams Netflix during lunch breaks, or constantly uses GPS navigation, you'll probably need a top-up by late afternoon. The Google Pixel 8 just isn't built for marathon sessions.
Real-World Performance
I've found that social media scrolling, taking lots of photos (which this phone excels at), and staying connected throughout the day works perfectly fine. The phone easily handles a busy workday with calls, emails, and moderate app usage.
However, when I fire up demanding games or record 4K videos, I can literally watch the battery percentage drop. The Tensor G3 chip does great work with AI features and camera processing, but it's not the most power-efficient when pushed hard.
Making It Last Longer
The good news? A few simple tweaks can extend your battery life significantly. Turn on Adaptive Battery β it learns your habits and optimizes accordingly. Use Dark Mode (it actually helps with OLED screens), and don't be afraid to use Battery Saver mode when you're running low.
For even better battery management, consider investing in a portable power bank or wireless charging pad for convenient top-ups throughout the day.
Honestly, most people will find the Pixel 8's battery perfectly adequate for daily life, even if it's not the longest-lasting phone you can buy in 2024.