When you unbox a newer Google Pixel phone and start using it, a secret clock starts. Every time you charge and discharge your phone's battery, it's counted as a charge cycle. As your phone racks up charge cycles, its usable lifespan shortens. This isn't exclusive to Pixel phones — it applies to every device with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. What's unique about new Pixel phones is that once your battery hits 200 charge cycles, a management feature that throttles battery life and charging speed immediately kicks on.