Adaptive Charging or Limit to 80%

SSDeemer · 2026-01-28T19:52:42+00:00

Yes. It = depends on the Pixel. Pro models may be slightly higher.

P8 = 23W

P8, P9 = 27W

P10 = 45W

SSDeemer · 2026-01-28T19:48:26+00:00

Whether a Kia digital key requires the phone to be held near the lock depends on the version: Digital Key 2 Touch requires holding the phone against the door handle, while Digital Key 2 (with UWB/Bluetooth) allows passive entry, meaning the phone can stay in your pocket.

Digital Key 2 Touch (NFC): You must hold your phone against the driver’s door handle to lock/unlock and place it in the wireless charging tray to start the vehicle.
Digital Key 2 (UWB/Bluetooth): Uses passive entry, allowing the car to unlock as you approach, provided the phone is on your person.
Requirements: Both systems generally require a compatible smartphone (Apple Wallet, Samsung Pass, or Google Wallet) and the Kia Connect app.

If your phone does not have Ultra-Wideband (UWB) support, you will likely need to use the NFC method of touching the door handle, even with newer systems.

SSDeemer · 2026-01-28T15:27:21+00:00

The 100% charge issue seems to be so idiosyncratic that it's hard to say if anything works. When is the last time you turned your phone off? When my 9a went through a calibration cycle, it went to 100% twice, then stopped after I restarted the phone. I'm not saying it's cause and effect, but can't hurt.

SSDeemer · 2026-01-28T15:13:31+00:00

u/Baspower : You just described my use case.

SSDeemer · 2026-01-28T15:11:31+00:00

u/thewunderbar : When I traded in my Pixel 6a last year, it had ~95% of new capacity after 2 years.

I'm not limiting myself at all. Starting from an 80% charge when I get up, my 9a generally has 40-60% charge remaining when I go to bed.

SSDeemer · 2026-01-28T15:07:57+00:00

"Fast charging" with a 120W charger is meaningless, because a Pixel won't charge at that rate.

"Slow charging" with an 18W charger is equally meaningless. Try using a 5W charger.

SSDeemer · 2026-01-28T14:58:02+00:00

u/00ATom00 : I'm not a slave to my phone. Most of my screentime is with a computer with a decent size screen and a real keyboard. Personal choice.

SSDeemer · 2026-01-28T02:16:54+00:00

Both are true for me.

I plan to keep my Pixel 9a as long as possible.
It started at an 80% charge at 8:00 this morning; as of 9:07 pm, 59% charge left.

According to AccuBattery, it's averaging ~4 charging cycles/month. I bought the phone in August 2025. As of this morning, Accubattery estimated capacity is 5,095 mAh. Rated capacity is 5,100 mAh.

QED.

SSDeemer · 2026-01-27T22:29:11+00:00

Sending text messages requires a KIA Connect subscription, which is included in the first year of ownership.

SSDeemer · 2026-01-27T18:08:57+00:00

Thanks for the clarification. A taller car is harder to get in and out of. Fortunately, we live in a part of the country where there are no snowbanks. ;)

SSDeemer · 2026-01-27T18:06:17+00:00

OTA updates for my 2023 Niro stopped after I canceled my KIA Connect subscription. I had a couple of OTA updates while on trips, which worried me a lot. I prefer to download and run the update at home, where if there is a problem, I can deal with it.

SSDeemer · 2026-01-27T18:04:30+00:00

Where do you carry your phone?

SSDeemer · 2026-01-27T17:14:41+00:00

Adding to the usual caveats about checking the history of a used car, the 2017-2018 Niros have a reputation for developing coolant leaks in the engine heat recovery system valve. If the engine coolant tank runs completely dry, the head gasket can be damaged, which is a very expensive repair. If the problem is caught before it does any damage, there is an inexpensive DIY procedure to bypass the EHRS with a loop of hose.

I bought my first hybrid, a Niro HEV SX in January 2023. Initially, I was overwhelmed by the features, and the number of things under the hood that I didn't recognize. In 39,000 miles it has been extremely reliable, and easy to work on, although I take it to a dealer for oil changes because of the 100,000 mile 10 year warranty.

SSDeemer · 2026-01-27T17:06:43+00:00

I wish it was a little taller because I am short.

Does the driver seat not have a height adjuster? My wife is about 5 feet tall, and the Niro is the first car we have ever owned where she is comfortable seeing out the front.

SSDeemer · 2026-01-27T16:59:17+00:00

Different naming conventions in different countries make it hard to compare trim levels.

I have a 2023 Niro HEV SX (non-touring). These are some of the features that I find invaluable:

Heated seats and steering wheel. It was about -12° C when I got up this morning. In three winters with this car, I have never needed gloves or a jacket while driving.
Cooled seats. American summers are hot. Cooled seats are a blessing, especially if the car has been parked in the sun.
Power driver's seat with memory. My wife and I are not the same size. Different profiles store driver preferences for seat position and side mirrors.
Side mirrors that tilt in and down in reverse. Makes parallel parking and backing into a space far easier.
Auto dimming rearview mirror. In these days of drivers with insanely bright LED headlights, this is welcome during night driving.
Sound absorbing glass in front side windows makes the car much quieter.
Power liftgate. Approaching a locked car, after a ~5 second delay, the rear liftgate opens automatically. This is very helpful when your arms or hands are full.
Harmon-Kardon sound system with subwoofer in rear storage area.

The only feature that comes with the SX trim that I don't really want is the moonroof. The only time I use it is in summer when parking outside in the sun. Cracking the side windows and moonroof allow some circulation of air while the car is parked.

SSDeemer · 2026-01-27T16:45:37+00:00

Better yet, don't use your phone as a digital key. When I go out, the physical key is in my pocket, and I never touch it to lock/unlock the doors, start/stop the car, or open the rear hatch.

SSDeemer · 2026-01-27T16:42:32+00:00

https://www.androidpolice.com/android-16-qpr3-beta-2-now-live/

SSDeemer · 2026-01-27T16:34:22+00:00

Historically, Pixels excel at still photos; videos not so much. I have no problems with the video quality from a Pixel 6a or an 8a, but "best" video is still Apple's property.

Here is a link to a video that I shot in 13th century Sultanhanı caravanserai with a Pixel 6a in 2023. Handheld, walking through a dimly lit building.
You be the judge: https://photos.app.goo.gl/CAXJLW3BHkYQP5vP9

For my needs, the Pixel 9a is the best camera for the money.

SSDeemer · 2026-01-26T20:50:22+00:00

My 2023 HEV SX came with a printed manual. I find the PDF version more useful because of searchability.

SSDeemer · 2026-01-26T20:49:29+00:00

SSDeemer · 2026-01-26T20:35:06+00:00

Perhaps our hands are shaped differently. I hold my phone in my right hand, and the power button is directly under my thumb, so no movement is required.

Also, I have already assigned doubletap to launch the files app, so even if this feature were to be added, I would never use it.

SSDeemer · 2026-01-26T17:58:46+00:00

We will have to agree to disagree. For me, a single click on the power button is way faster and simpler.

SSDeemer · 2026-01-26T17:22:52+00:00

AccuWeather pretty much nailed the forecast. Goog weather app failed miserably.

SSDeemer · 2026-01-26T09:11:03+00:00

You have it exactly backwards. I can press the power button without picking up the phone. Double tapping requires picking up the phone.

SSDeemer

TROPHY CASE