Essentials, a third-party app by Sameera Wijerathna, enables Pixel 10’s Google Maps power-saving features on older Pixel and certain Android devices.
Power-saving Features
Launched in November 2025, the Pixel 10’s exclusive power-saving navigation mode for Google Maps preserves battery life with a monochrome display and fewer graphics. Essentials replicates this experience, allowing broader access without root requirements. Users need to enable this mode through Shizuku, which involves activating wireless debugging.
Additional App Features
Beyond the power-saving mode, Essentials offers screen-off widgets, hardware button customization, app lock, action linking, and icon hiding. These features aim to enhance user experience and device functionality. However, Essentials is not on the Play Store and must be downloaded externally, with Google Play Protect possibly needing temporary disabling.
Installation and Compatibility
- Essentials unlocks Pixel 10’s Maps power-saving on older Pixel and some Android devices.
- Key features include screen-off widget and hardware button remapping.
- Requires Shizuku for Maps power-saving; need wireless debugging.
- Essentials is sideloaded; may require disabling Google Play Protect.
- Performance can vary based on device optimization.
Although the power-saving mode could extend battery life, it may not be universally effective on all devices due to compatibility and optimization differences.
