Some original Google Pixel XLs are suffering from a charging bug that sees them receive a lot more power than they should.
The issue, which is thought to have been triggered by the recent Android 8.1 Oreo update, results in the handset drawing 25W of power instead of the 18W it should, something that could prove to be problematic if not addressed in the future.
Related: Amazon Easter sale
Customers took to Reddit to complain that their Google Pixel XL was attempting to pull up to 40 percent more current than intended, resulting in the unit entering and exiting the charging state as the charger switches off to avoid overcharging.
Notice how the blue line sporadically surges, then hits the bottom of the graph?
The bug doesn’t pose an immediate threat to the Google Pixel XL, but it it’s left unaddressed, the repeated drop and rise in current could take a toll on the health of the cell in the long run – and that could lead to a reduction in capacity.
Related: Google Pixel 2 XL
Google has been aware of the issue since January, when it was suggested that it was an issue with the charge controller logic, and is in the midst of researching and developing a solution, according to a post on the Pixel User Community.
“Our engineering team has verified a fix that will be rolling out in the coming weeks to prevent this from occurring,” explained John McNulty, Head of Safety and Compliance Engineering for Google Consumer Hardware.
“Tests run by our safety engineers have also confirmed that even if a momentary overcurrent draw of the kind described were to occur in normal-use conditions, it would not pose a safety hazard.”
Have you experienced a similar issue on your Google Pixel XL? Let us know over on Facebook or Twitter @TrustedReviews.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
