Pixel phones are great, but I can’t tell people to buy one because of this

Of all the Android flagship smartphones available in the US, my preference has always leaned toward Google Pixel smartphones.

I love the stock Android experience, especially on my Pixel 10 Pro with the new Material 3 Expressive design. I love how neatly Google bakes in useful AI features.

I also love the simple yet standout design of the Pixel 10 series — which, in my opinion, is the better even when compared to the iPhone 17 series.

However, there’s one issue with Pixel smartphones, and it’s not limited to the Pixel 10 series or last year’s Pixel 9 series. In general, it is one of the reasons why I hesitate to recommend these phones now, and Google needs to fix it as soon as possible.

Pixel’s battery swelling issues can’t be ignored anymore

First Pixel 4a, then Pixel 6a, 7a… the list just keeps growing

Let’s start with the Pixel 4a.

Before the big Pixel 6a fallout in January 2025, there were multiple reports from users of the Pixel 4a, whose batteries were bulging and pushing out the back cover.

Some events seemed isolated, but enough people observed swelling or casing distortion that it became worrying.

Google then rolled out a mandatory battery-performance update for Pixel 4a, reducing the charging speed and the overall capacity of the phone in an attempt to lower overheating.

This, however, didn’t seem enough as battery swelling reports continued. Soon after, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a recall for Pixel 4a devices.

In a bid to save face, Google then offered affected users either a free battery replacement or cash/store credit for newer Pixel models.

u/footymanageraddict (via Reddit)

Then came the Pixel 6a.

Around mid-2025, many Pixel 6a users also reported battery swelling. Soon after these reports, at least four cases of the Pixel 6a catching fire were reported.

In response, Google again rolled out a mandatory software update restricting charging speeds and limiting battery capacity to reduce overheating risks. But this failed too, as at least one report of a Pixel 6a catching fire post-update surfaced.

Similar to the Pixel 4a, Google offered 6a users free battery replacements, cash compensation, or store credit.

If this wasn’t alarming enough, Pixel 7a issues soon surfaced. Like with the Pixel 4a and Pixel 6a, Pixel 7a users started reporting swollen batteries, visible bulging, and back cover separation.

Again, Google launched a battery replacement program offering free repairs and compensation.

And just when we thought maybe this issue was limited to Google’s budget smartphones or only some units, Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro users have also started seeing similar battery issues.

The issue isn’t much different from the Pixel A-series, but there are already dozens of complaints about it on the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.

At the time of writing, Google hasn’t officially acknowledged the problem or issued an advisory for the non-A-series phones yet.

Google needs just one proper fix to solve this mess

Just one solution could save its reputation

Nevertheless, you can clearly see a pattern forming here. So far, five Google Pixel models have been reported with battery swelling issues, and it’s unlike anything we’ve seen before.

Sure, there have been cases like this before — no one can ever forget the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco — but the problem here is Google’s silence on the issue.

Samsung was quick to recall every Galaxy Note 7 unit sold worldwide, and since then has taken a far more cautious approach when it comes to batteries in its smartphones.

We’ve been asking for more battery and faster charging on Samsung smartphones, especially compared to Chinese rivals, but I can see why the company takes a cautious approach now.

Google’s silence, on the other hand, feels dubious. It would be reassuring if the company first explained why different Pixel models are swelling and then provided a single, clear solution rather than pushing out OTA updates as a patchwork fix.

There have been and will continue to be manufacturing defects in smartphones, but the issue I find most concerning is Google not being upfront with users about the problem.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro nails so much, but I can’t recommend it yet

It’s hard to suggest a phone with doubts

And don’t take it away from Google — the company has been improving a lot when it comes to making smartphones. I’ve been using the Pixel 10 Pro for about a month now, and I absolutely love this device.

With the Pixel 10 series, Google has fixed almost all the flaws I had with the Pixel 9 lineup, including a more efficient chipset and Qi2 magnetic wireless charging.

And as much as I want to recommend it over the Samsung Galaxy S25 and iPhone 17, the recurring battery concerns across different Pixel models have kept me from doing so.

It’s time for Google to break the silence on the issue and start providing real support to users. Until then, it risks losing the interest of even those who are still considering Pixel smartphones.

SoC

Google Tensor G5

Display type

Super Actua

Display dimensions

6.3-inch

Storage

128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB with Zoned UFS / 1 TB with Zoned UFS

Battery

4870mAh

Operating System

Android 16

Google’s latest Pixel 10 Pro packs a faster yet efficient Tensor G5 chip, an upgraded ISP, and a brighter display. The main highlight, however, is the addition of Qi2 magnets on the back, making the phone compatible with MagSafe accessories. Plus, an array of new AI features that make it one of the best Android phones to launch in 2025.