Testing the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Charging Speed: Is the 45W Charger Worth It?

In a world where smartphones have become an essential part of our lives, the speed of charging can significantly impact our day-to-day routines. With the recent launch of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, Google claims that its 45W charger can power the phone from 1% to 70% in about 30 minutes. In this blog post, we will put this claim to the test and see just how fast this charger can get the Pixel 9 Pro XL back in action.

Initial Charges: From Almost Dead to Decent Power

Our first goal in this charging test was to see how quickly we could get the Pixel 9 Pro XL from near-zero battery to 15%. Armed with a wattmeter to measure the energy output, we started with the phone at a low battery level. Surprisingly, it only took about 7 minutes and 2 seconds to reach 15%. This is an impressive feat for any modern smartphone and is typically enough to make essential calls or perform minor tasks before needing to find a charging solution once again.

Upon monitoring the wattmeter, it became evident that the charger was delivering a steady surge of power, hitting a peak of approximately 31 watts. While this doesn’t reach the full advertised capacity of 45 watts, it’s worth noting that many chargers, even those from big names like Samsung, often fail to deliver consistently high wattage too. The Samsung charger, for example, only outputs around 35 watts.

Progressing to 50%: The Charging Continuum

After hitting that initial milestone of 15%, we were curious about how long it would take to get from 15% to 50%. At about 15 minutes into the charging cycle, the phone hit the 50% mark. This means that, at approximately 22 minutes into the overall charging process, we had already achieved half a charge.

This portion of the charging process seemed to reflect more realistic performance, as many users would find a 50% charge usable for a majority of daily tasks. However, we still had our eyes set on Google’s ambitious claim: reaching 70% in about 30 minutes.

Approaching Google’s Claim: From 50% to 70%

As we approached the 30-minute milestone, we watched intently. The charger fluctuated in wattage, trying to deliver consistent energy to the battery. However, it became apparent that the fluctuation was greater during this phase and the phone began to warm up despite being in a relatively cool environment.

Ultimately, we discovered that while the charger did not quite reach the 30-minute mark, it successfully got to 70% in about 34 minutes. So, while Google’s claim wasn’t strictly upheld, it was definitely close enough for a level of realism that users can expect.

Completing the Charge: Till 100%

After achieving 70%, we decided to push on and determine how long it would take to fully charge the device to 100%. At this stage, the charging speed trickled down considerably.

Once the battery reached 70%, the charger typically fell to under 20 watts and sometimes dropped as low as 9 watts. This slower pace is a common design feature in modern chargers, as it helps preserve battery health during those final crucial charging minutes.

Overall, it took an additional 45 minutes to reach a full charge, bringing our total charging time to approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from 0 to 100%. The performance at this stage was in line with many smartphones on the market today, albeit slower than some high-end competitors with faster charging technology.

Conclusion: Is the 45W Charger Worth It?

In conclusion, while Google’s claim about charging to 70% in about 30 minutes is not entirely accurate, it does come fairly close. Reaching that level in 34 minutes is a reasonable expectation for users, especially considering the background on wattage delivery.

One downside we observed was that the 45W charger didn’t perform at the maximum advertised output of 45 watts; we’ve previously seen that even other trusted brands like Samsung tend to perform slightly better at around 35 watts.

Should you buy the official Google charger? Yes, if you value consistency, build quality, and the peace of mind that comes from using an official product. However, if you’re willing to experiment, exploring third-party options could be worthwhile. Just make sure to consider their features, temperature management, and pricing.

For anyone considering switching to the Pixel 9 Pro XL or looking for optimal charging solutions, understanding the dynamics of charging will undoubtedly enhance your smartphone experience.

Thank you for reading! If you’d like to hear more about our experiences with the Pixel 9 Pro XL or have any thoughts on smartphone chargers, feel free to leave a comment or check out our first impressions video from earlier this week. Stay tuned for more insightful content!