Pixel Uses 15W Charging and Pixel XL Uses 18W Charging, Clarifies Google

Google launched the Pixel phones in two sizes - 5-inch and 5.5-inch. The Pixel and Pixel XL don't have many significant differences; however the Pixel XL is bigger, has a better display resolution, and a larger battery. Now, thanks to tester Nathan K, a new difference has cropped up between the two Google smartphones.

Nathan posted on his Google Plus page that in his tests, he found out that the Google Pixel does not reach the 18W charging wattage the tech giant had advertised, and it maxes out at 15W. The larger Google Pixel XL goes up to the mentioned 18W, but the base variant doesn't.

Google clarified to Android Police saying that this was a marketing mistake, and that the Google Pixel and Pixel XL support USB-PD charging from 15-18W, and not just 18W. The company has even rectified the error on its specification site which now reads "USB Type-C 18W adaptor with USB-PD" for both the phones.

Nathan says that this 15W limit is because of thermal concerns. This difference of 3W of power accounts for 20 percent speed boost in charging. However, the Pixel XL has a larger 3450mAh battery, so it will anyway take longer to charge. In real-world use, this difference won't be much and smartphones generally don't charge at peak speed at all times anyway.

As mentioned, the Pixel smartphone sports a full-HD display, while the Pixel XL smartphone sports a QHD display. The Pixel sports a 2770mAh battery, while the Pixel XL sports a 3450mAh battery.