Google has announced that the new Battery Health feature, a part of Android 16, will only be available for the Pixel 8a and newer models. This decision excludes older Pixel devices, including all models released prior to the Pixel 8a, from accessing this beneficial feature.
The Battery Health page will provide users with real-time data about their battery’s estimated capacity, allowing them to gauge how their battery performs compared to a brand-new counterpart. The feature was confirmed by a Google representative in a recent response to an Issue Tracker ticket regarding Battery Health availability.
This functionality, while available in beta for some newer devices, will not extend to older models due to what Google describes as “product limitations.” The last-generation Pixel series and original Pixel Fold users will need to look elsewhere for battery health insights.
Previously, newer Pixel phones had displayed cycle count data, but the Battery Health page aims to deliver a more comprehensive overview of a battery’s longevity. It shows the current capacity as a percentage relative to its original condition, offering a clear perspective on how well a battery can perform over time.
The Battery Health feature also indicates a green checkmark and a “Normal” status when battery performance is up to par. It includes links to battery-related support articles and highlights any enabled charging optimization features like Adaptive Charging.
The exclusion of older devices may be tied to their lower battery cycle ratings—up to 800 cycles for older models, compared to 1,000 for the Pixel 8a and later series. With the anticipation of the Google I/O 2025 event, more details about Android 16 and its features, including Battery Health, are expected to be shared.