Even older Pixel models can get in on the optimization tweaks. Kerry Wan/ZDNET
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Google Pixel phones are notorious for having hidden settings that can greatly enhance the user experience.
The list includes options for ramping up the display refresh rate, optimizing the battery life, and gestures.
I demo them on a Pixel 9a running on Android 15, but newer and older software versions should have similar capabilities.
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With Google expected to announce new Pixel phones this week, you may be wondering if now is the best time to upgrade and switch phones. Perhaps a better question to ask is how you can optimize your current device to make it last longer.
Like any Pixel phone, the best features often aren't enabled by default. I've tested generations of Google Pixel phones, and to achieve the best user experience, you almost always have to do a bit of digging and research.
Also: After owning every Google Pixel flagship, here's why 2025 will be a turning point for me
That's why I've done the hard work for you and gathered the best, most effective tips below, all of which are based on a Pixel 9a running Android 15 and 16. Depending on which Pixel model and Android version you're using, the exact menu locations may vary slightly, but the settings themselves are widely available across recent Pixel generations.
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