Google Pixel 11 Pro XL's extreme charging has issues, according to test

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL ($1,299 on Amazon) can be charged via USB-C at up to 45 watts, which, on paper, is just as fast as the Pixel 10 Pro XL. Google, however, is touting slightly faster charging times, as the flagship smartphone is said to be able to charge from 0 to 75 percent in 30 minutes, while the previous model was supposed to reach "only" 70 percent in the same amount of time.

Android Authority has now tested the Pixel 11 Pro XL’s fast charging and found that it has indeed improved. According to their findings, the new flagship charges at 40.7 watts at the start of the charging process, compared to the previous year’s model’s roughly 35 watts. This power output is maintained for about nine minutes before the smartphone gradually reduces it. This is typical for smartphones and is intended to prevent the battery temperature from rising too high, which can shorten its lifespan. A full charge took 69 minutes in the test, twelve minutes less than with the previous model.

To achieve this speed, however, a USB-C Power Delivery charger capable of charging devices at 21 volts and 2 amps is absolutely necessary – a standard that isn’t even supported by some significantly more powerful 67-watt or 100-watt chargers. Even with such a power adapter, charging to 75 percent takes five minutes longer than advertised. This is because the new extreme charging mode could not be activated during testing.

In this mode, which was introduced with the Pixel 11 series, the smartphone accepts slightly higher temperatures and a throttled processor in order to complete charging cycles faster. The mode can be enabled in Quick Settings when the battery is below 50 percent and a compatible power adapter is connected. According to Android Authority, there is currently a widespread software issue that causes this mode to be unlocked only after some time has passed.