This hidden Pixel feature can significantly boost battery life

Is this the end of battery issues on Pixel smartphones? The November update includes a power‑saving mode that employs the always‑on display to conserve energy, providing greater screen time for navigation and daily use. Here’s how it works.

Compared to other competing smartphones, Pixel handsets are not known for having the best battery life. However, Google has progressively added intelligent features over the years to help stretch screen time. The most recent is a new Google Maps power-saving function that was added with the November update and is currently being made available to more Pixel 10 owners.

How to save battery while using Google Maps

The addition, as its name suggests, offers a power saver mode to Google Maps. In theory, it makes use of the Pixel 10’s always-on display when navigating. This saves battery compared to fully utilizing the normal OLED panel, since most elements transition to black and white with inactive pixels switched off.

In addition, the mode lowers the screen refresh rate and brightness to further preserve power. Some UI components and metrics in Google Maps won’t be available when enabled, and only portrait orientation is supported.

Google Maps Power Saver: how to turn it on

If the feature is accessible on your Pixel 10 or Pixel 10 Pro, you’ll see a pop‑up card pointing you to the option in driving settings. Alternatively, you may manually activate it by going into Maps settings and finding it under driving choices.

It’s unclear why Google is limiting the feature to the Pixel 10 series, especially given earlier versions like the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro use the same LTPO OLED displays. However, it’s feasible that Google will increase support later on.

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Google is also working on another battery‑saving feature for Pixel and Android devices: a smarter always‑on display that automatically shuts off when the device isn’t in use or after a specified duration.