5 hardware upgrades I want to see on Pixel phones
Source: Android Authority
I have a long list of software features I want to see on Pixel phones, including improved gestures like those available on OnePlus phones, contextual app selection triggered by a Bluetooth connection, and more.
But software is only half the story. While Pixels offer a lot of value in terms of computational photography and AI, there are still areas in which they fall behind the competition when it comes to hardware. These are the upgrades I want to see on upcoming Pixel phones that would make them that much more appealing overall.
1. An extra customizable button
I always loved OnePlus’ Alert Slider on the side, as it provided an instant, physical way to toggle between sound modes. The company ditched it for an even better solution with the OnePlus 15, which now features a customizable button on the side. I’d really love it if this feature made its way to future Pixel phones, but with a twist.
An extra button means more custom shortcuts, and I’m all for it. I already appreciate being able to bring up Gemini on my Pixel 9a with a press‑and‑hold of the power button and opening the camera with a double press. I use that almost daily, but I want more.
I’d like to see a completely customizable button that works with a single, double, and even a triple press for maximum utility. For example:
- Single press – launch Google Wallet.
- Double press – toggle silent mode.
- Triple press – turn on the flashlight.
The customization should not be limited to specific apps or tasks and should provide flexibility across all three gestures.
2. Faster charging
I used to be a OnePlus user, and while I generally prefer Pixel phones, I really miss the charging speeds my old device offered. The latest Pixels are far behind OnePlus and several other rivals—mainly those from China—in this area, and it’s time they catch up.
| Device | Wired charging (W) | Time to full | Wireless charging (W) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 10 Pro XL | 45 W | ~1 h 15 min | 25 W |
| OnePlus 15 | 120 W (most regions) | ~45 min | 50 W |
Charging up fast is a priority for me. While slower charging can improve long‑term battery longevity, I didn’t experience major battery issues on my old OnePlus phone despite the super‑fast charging. The convenience outweighs the risk for most users who don’t keep their phones for seven years—the length of Google’s software‑update promise.
3. IR blaster
I’m not sure a lot of people would agree with me, but I’d really like to see an IR blaster on Pixel devices.
The primary reason is simple utility. I often misplace the remote for my TV. Using my phone to control it, alongside other electronics, would let me streamline my remotes into a single, pocket‑able device. An IR blaster component is inexpensive and simple to integrate, so it wouldn’t add much to the bill of materials.
4. Active Edge
Active Edge is an old Pixel hardware feature, last seen on the Pixel 4, that performed an action when you squeezed the sides of the phone. I was genuinely disappointed when Google discontinued it.
Just like the extra side button, Active Edge allowed for zero‑friction access to a core function. The more ways to add physical shortcuts without turning on the screen, the better. Pixels do have the Quick Tap gesture (tap the back of the device), but it often requires a hard tap that looks awkward in public. Bring back Active Edge, Google.
5. Silicon‑carbon batteries
Battery life is one of the pillars of a great smartphone, and Google could do much better here. While a larger battery is one option, the upgrade I’d ideally like to see is a switch to silicon‑carbon batteries.
Google, like Samsung and Apple, still uses standard lithium‑ion cells, whereas many Chinese manufacturers have already moved to silicon‑carbon technology. These new cells store more energy in the same volume, translating to longer battery life without increasing size.
The concern is that silicon‑carbon batteries can degrade faster over many charge cycles, which clashes with Google’s seven‑year software‑update promise. Still, a calculated risk on this front could give Pixel users a noticeable boost in raw battery performance and help narrow the gap with rivals.
These are the five hardware upgrades I want to see on upcoming Pixels. An even better chipset would be great, but I’m generally happy with what the Tensor chip brings to the table. With this list in mind, I’m even considering switching back to a OnePlus phone.
What else did I miss? Let me know in the comments.