For many smartphone users, the Pixel 8 may seem like the ultimate device to buy this holiday season, especially for those who are looking for a balance between power and affordability. However, it appears that Google’s latest flagship phone is facing a familiar issue that has plagued its predecessors – excessive battery drain.
The battery life of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro is perfectly fine when used on Wi-Fi. However, when users switch to a 4G LTE or 5G connection, the battery life takes a significant hit. Instead of the expected 7 to 8 hours of screen time, many users are reporting that their devices barely last 4 to 5 hours on continuous mobile data usage. This is especially frustrating considering the high-end nature of these smartphones and their relatively high price points.
In addition to the battery drain problem, some users are also experiencing device overheating and mobile connectivity issues. While it’s difficult to solely blame these issues on the phone itself, considering the volatility of US carriers, it is worth mentioning that these problems might be related to the phones’ modems.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much that users can do to solve these issues at the moment. Some users have reported better battery endurance by forcing their Pixel 8 or 8 Pro to stay on a 4G LTE signal and avoiding 5G connections. However, not everyone wants to settle for LTE speeds in 2023, especially with the recent advancements made by T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T.
At this point, all users can do is wait and hope that Google addresses these battery drain issues in a future software update. However, considering the possibility that the issue might be hardware-related, a software fix may not be an easy task.
If you have recently purchased a Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro and are experiencing unusual battery drain on a 4G LTE or 5G network, it may be worth checking if you can still return the phone for a refund. This could be the only guaranteed solution to the problem.
Overall, while the Pixel 8 may still be a great phone with its other features and capabilities, it’s important to be aware of the battery drain issue that some users are facing.
