Google Pixel 2's Rapid Charging Depends on Battery Temperature, Tests Indicate

Some Pixel 2 XL users report that despite showing the 'Charging rapidly' notification, the latest Google flagship isn't always offering fast-charging support. The issue has separately been verified and is reportedly affecting the top-end Pixel 2 XL model even when it is charged using the bundled USB Type-C charger. Google says it is investigating the problem internally, but there is no timeline yet for issuing a fix for the problem Pixel 2 XL buyers are facing.

As per user comments on the Google Product Forums, it appears that the battery charging issue is impacting only the Pixel 2 XL, not the Pixel 2. Apparently, the battery charging issue remains even after installing the newest Android 8.1 update. The users state that the affected handsets can sometimes takes as many as 20 minutes to add just one percentage of charge. "I plugged in my phone to the stock OEM charger/ cable when it was at 35 percent. A few hours later, I came back it was at 38 percent," one of the users wrote while explaining the issue on the Google Product Forums.

Folks at AndroidPolice confirmed the existence of the battery charging issue and reported that the fluctuation in the charging speed of the Pixel 2 XL mainly emerges when its battery temperature goes below 20-degree Celsius temperature. The team replicated the problem by charging the Pixel 2 XL in a refrigerator under 16-degree Celsius temperature and then noting down the difference by charging it again at a room temperature of 24-degree Celsius.

Though other smartphones picked up for the oddly designed testing process also resulted in some differences in their charging speeds, including the Pixel XL, OnePlus 5T, and Essential PH-1, the Pixel 2 XL showed a massive difference of over 12W. Particularly, the Pixel 2 XL recorded a charging speed of 16.3W in the room temperature, while it dropped to 3.8W in the refrigerator. It also displayed 'Charging rapidly' notification on the lock screen in both cases, irrespective of the differences in charging speeds.

A Google community manager while responding to the user reports on its Product Forums stated that the issue is currently in discussion internally. "I understand that you're experiencing issues with charging your Pixel 2 phone. I'd like to let you know that I'm discussing with my team on this aspect and shall get back to you soon with an update," the community specialist with username Rachael said on the forums.

It's unclear whether Google will be able to resolve the issue through a software update. However, since it has now been on the company's radar, we can certainly expect its fix soon.

The fresh issue comes after some Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL users reported heating problems and poor battery life after installing the February Android security patch. The Pixel 2 XL was also last month caught with a voice messaging bug that was reportedly reducing the sound level of audio clips sent through messaging apps such as Google Allo, Instagram, and Telegram among others.