The Pixel 8 phones charger faster than the Pixel 7 phones

Both the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro come with slightly higher peak charging support than their respective predecessors. However, there is more to the charging side than just the higher peak charging speed on paper. The Google Pixel 8 series devices also maintain the charging rate better as the battery approaches 100% compared to the Pixel 7 series devices.

The Pixel 7 series devices reduce the charging speeds to as low as 2.3 watts when approaching 100%. Both the predecessors took nearly 30 minutes to charge the last 10% of the battery, as seen in Android Authority‘s testing. It’s worth noting that these tests were conducted at an ambient temperature of approximately 25°C, which is relatively low. Additionally, all ‘Adaptive charging’ settings were turned off during the tests.

Phones intentionally reduce the charging speed, as it helps lower the temperature and ensure battery longevity. Google has suggested the same rationale while explaining the decrease in charging speeds.

The Pixel 8 series charges much sooner than its predecessor

Both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro save you more than 20 minutes of charging compared to their predecessors. Most of the difference comes due to the fact that it holds the charging rate to a higher level as it approaches the higher charging stage. 

In AA’s tests, both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro gradually gained more charge as they have a bit higher charging support. But after 50%, the Pixel 8 series gains a significant lead over its predecessor as it doesn’t throttle as much anymore.

But as a part of the circumstances, the Pixel 8 series devices also run a bit hotter than the Pixel 7 series. For example, the Pixel 8 Pro was 4° C high in temperature as the Pixel 7 Pro dialed back its charging speed for that purpose and the successor didn’t until it hit 80%.

Is anything else different except the charging time?

The battery typically degrades much sooner when operated (especially when charged) at higher temperatures. According to data recorded by the folks at AA, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro run a bit hotter than their predecessors while charging.

Technically, the new series will likely hold less battery capacity in the long term compared to last year’s models. However, it’s worth noting that there are phones with 60-120-watt chargers these days, and I have yet to come across any significant longevity problems with the batteries of those devices. Therefore, it’s safe to conclude that this represents an overall improvement in an important aspect of the Pixel 8 series.