The Google Pixel Watch is an impressive piece of engineering, offering such a stylish appearance and unparalleled functionality when looking for a watch that plays well with your Android device. But it is not without its fair share of fatal flaws. The battery life.
The battery on this watch has been the subject of many harsh outlashes from owners and redicle from others. With heavier usage or the always-on display on, you might need to charge the watch daily. Step that up to continuous GPS use for activities like running can significantly reduce battery life to around 8-10 hours .
In a time where other wearables that cost a fraction of what this one goes for, can last you weeks, this is unacceptable. But we’re here already so how do we make the most of the circumstance we find outselves in?
Related:
- How to Take a Screenshot on Google Pixel Watch
- Google Pixel Watch Review: Stylish, Smart, and Feature-Packed, with One Fatal Flaw
Always-on display
Yes, a watch should always tell the time, not just when you ask it to tell you the time. Always-on display is such a clutch feature and the fact that I can customize it to look exactly like I want it to, means I can personalize it to make it just right for me. Sadly though, this is a big battery drain. Turning it off can significantly increase battery life.
Yes, you lose the instant access to the time and other details like the weather, your step counter and heart rate but is this tradeoff worth an all day battery? Mostly yes. I have my Always-on Display turned off on most days except when I know I will be back home early.
Lower your Screen Brightness
Along with the sensors, the display is one of the biggest battery draws on the Pixel Watch. Having the display at a lower brightness level will extend your battery mileage considerably.
But what if you’re outdoors? Well, the Pixel Watch does support Adaptive brightness. With this enabled, the watch automatically cranks up brightness when you’re outdoors, and reduces the same when you’re indoors, ensuring your display is visible in any lighting condition.
Adjusting the screen timeout also means your display goes to sleep quicker once you’re done interacting with it. This is also something you need to adjust as the little savings quickly add up to improve the endurance of the battery during your day.
App Usage
The Google Pixel Watch comes with the Google Play Store and has so many apps to help you make the most of your smart wearable. But these apps take up processing power and can impact on your battery life.
Some apps are more battery-intensive than others. Closing unused apps can help a great deal. Also, I found that having the same apps on your phone and your watch can be a little redundant. For instance, the WhatsApp app for Pixel Watch is a nice touch, it has many features that already exist on the WhatsApp app on the phone.
So why not just have one instance of WhatsApp running on the phone and have it push notifications to your watch? This makes the smartwatch a notification relay, mirroring those notifications while not running a whole instance on WhatsApp. Minimize background app activities.
Keep those Sensors in Check
Using features like GPS, Wi-Fi, and LTE will drain the battery faster. Of course, you will need to use these from time to time but when you’re done using them, turn them off when not needed.
Bluetooth might be the exception as it is Bluetooth Low Energy so it might not impact on your battery life as adversely. It is also essential to keep and maintain a connection to your smartphone so leave that on.
The watch is already smart enough to turn off these when they’re not in use. However it might not be perfect so maybe make a conscious effort to turn these off after using them. You can do this by turning on Battery Saver. This tells the watch to be a little more aggressive with battery management.
Reduce Unnecesary Notifications
Having the watch buzz your wrist multiple times a minute is a sure way to kill your battery quicky. Luckily, the Pixel Watch app allows you to pick the qpps that get to send you notifications on your watch. Go through the list and select only the most important apps.
Leave out that active group chat that you don’t care too much about as that will keep the watch on longer, unnecessarily so, thereby killing your battery quicker. Avoid that.
Customize tilt-to-wake and raise-to-wake settings
This goes hand in hand with the subject of keeping the screen off as much as possible by limiting timeout and turning off Always-on Display. Adjusting the sensitivity of raise-to-wake also means you will have less false positives.
In my experience, this wasn’t as accurate as I would have loved and I turned it off altogether and turned on double-tap to wake. This means my watch is asleep most of the time I am not using it, only waking up when I press the crown, the side key or double tap on the screen.
Keep your watch software up to date
Software updates often include bug fixes that address issues that can impact battery efficiency. These could be bugs related to specific apps, background processes, or even the display itself. By applying the latest update, you ensure these bugs are fixed, preventing unnecessary battery drain.
Google frequently releases updates that introduce new power management features or optimize existing ones. These updates could involve tweaks to features like always-on display, tilt-to-wake, or background app refresh, making them operate more efficiently and draw less power.
Use a regular charging schedule instead of topping off the battery frequently
Lithium-ion batteries, like the one in the Pixel Watch, wear out with each charge cycle. A full charge cycle is from 0% to 100% and back down. When you top off the battery frequently, you’re essentially putting it through more mini-cycles, which adds up to more wear and tear over time. This can decrease the overall battery capacity and shorten its lifespan.
The Pixel Watch relies on software to estimate its remaining battery life. This estimation becomes more accurate when the battery is regularly drained and charged to full capacity. Frequent top-offs don’t allow the software to get a complete picture of the battery’s health, leading to potentially inaccurate battery level readings and unexpected shutdowns.
Related :
- The Pros and Cons of the Google Pixel Watch
- Google Pixel 8, 8 Pro, and Pixel Watch 2: Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Maybe it is time to do a factory reset on your watch, then be more intentional over which apps you install on the watch so you don’t end up with apps that take up storage and power for no reason.
Overall, the Pixel Watch has decent battery life for a smartwatch, but it’s not the best. If you’re a heavy user or someone who needs their watch to last all day without fail, you might want to consider other options.
I’m a tech enthusiast and digital explorer based in Kenya passionate about Android, Linux, and the world of custom ROMs. I love tinkering with devices to craft personalized, optimized experiences. When I’m not deep in code or tweaking gadgets, you’ll find me immersed in science fiction, philosophy, or writing about the ever-evolving tech landscape from an African perspective.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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