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Google Pixel is arguably one of the best Android phone brands in the world. Because of a generous extended support schedule and top-notch specs that are on par with modern phones, many users are still rocking older Pixel models with no issues. Designed to last, Google itself promises seven years of support for some models, such as the Pixel 8 and onward. Considering that particular smartphone dropped in 2023, Pixel 8 users can look forward to new features, security, and OS updates until 2030.

While this is all fine and well, the bane of the Google Pixel is often its battery, according to many users. From Pixel 6a batteries having a case of overheating during normal use to software updates that notoriously introduce battery-draining issues, the Pixel lineup has seen it all. That's why it doesn't hurt to take a proverbial magnifying glass to Google's flagship devices and their overall longevity.

So, how long do owners say Google Pixel phones usually last? Per numerous social media users, life expectancy can vary. There are cases of users keeping models like the Pixel 3 alive for six years, though a majority of Pixel enthusiasts reported that their phones are going strong for three solid years or more. Despite battery concerns, user reports also claim that almost five years down the line, their Google device (Pixel 6 Pro in particular, which was released in 2021) was still holding plenty of juice.

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Sticking with a Pixel phone is always a solid choice, even if you go for more economical models like the Pixel 9a. The cheap phone packs quite a punch when compared to more expensive offerings from Apple. Take cameras, for example, as there is no shortage of users who prefer older Pixel cameras. The same can be said of the Tensor processors in Google's smartphones. The tech titan now fully controls the Tensor chip pipeline and is free to refine the experience as much as it pleases. This often makes Pixels reliable in the long run, despite lagging behind competitors in sheer horsepower.

User sentiment for the Pixel lineup is usually positive. People are holding on to their old 4a models that were released as far back as 2020. Once you add up all the figures from various user reports and start to get a picture of general lifespan, you'll see that it's common to use the phone as a daily driver for three years on average. You can expect more life (four to five years) if you're open to a battery replacement.

Yet, not everyone is singing praises. Critics describe mysterious battery failures with multiple models, complaining about systemic problems. It's also worth mentioning the notorious battery swelling issues, which practically tore apart models like the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. That said, the long-term longevity of your phone also depends on your habits and care, all of which have a massive impact on battery health, regardless of the brand.

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If you're changing phones frequently, you may be doing something wrong. Fortunately, you can always introduce some new habits to keep your phone running smoothly. Since you plan on sticking with a Pixel, start with the battery and best practices around it. Don't put your phone through temperature extremes — this goes for both ends of the spectrum. The common-sense approach is usually the right one: doing processor-intensive tasks like gaming in the sunlight is a no-no, but so is whipping out the phone in freezing weather.

While it may not provide you with a full charge, avoid charging your phone to the max to prioritize longevity. Instead, stick to the "80/20" rule by keeping the battery in the 20% to 80% range, and you'll significantly extend the total battery life. Granted, to avoid losing your lifeline and gain more mileage out of a single charge, it's also wise to switch to dark mode or use adaptive brightness.

The bottom line is that some Pixels may be toast due to "mysterious" battery issues. However, those phones are likely out of circulation by this point. If your phone is still working fine, you can probably get more usage out of it by sticking to healthy battery habits. Because most owners say that their devices are working well even after three years of use, it's only reasonable to assume that your Google Pixel, with proper care, will fall within the average-reported lifespan, too.