The Google Pixel 5 comes with a number of clever software features and conveniences, but Google is tight-lipped about one clever trick that allows reverse wireless charging.

As per the 9to5Google support page, Battery Share is automatically enabled when the Pixel 5 is connected to a USB-C charger, and wireless earphones or similar accessories can be placed on the back of the device for immediate charging. This is a small feature, but further proof of why we enjoy the user experience of Pixel phones so much.

However, it is not necessary to connect the Pixel 5 to use Battery Share. It can be enabled manually from the Battery option in the Settings menu, but the phone's battery must be between 10% and 50%, depending on the minimum selected, in order to use this feature.

This has its limitations. Reverse wireless charging is automatically disabled if there is nothing on the back of the Pixel that is charging, if the phone gets too hot, if accessories are fully charged, or if the phone is struggling to charge due to "poor placement, thick case, or other issues." And of course, the Pixel 5 cannot reverse wireless charging and wireless charging at the same time.

Our review of the Google Pixel 5 complemented the phone's software, excellent photo technology, and great battery life, which is perfect for donating via Battery Share. The phone's weaknesses lie in performance and cost: despite costing $700, the Pixel 5's Snapdragon 765 chipset and 8GB RAM are easily surpassed by phones like the OnePlus Nord, which is about $200 cheaper. So even if you are impressed by this clever automatic battery share feature, other smartphones, such as the iPhone 12 and Google's own Pixel 4a, are still better.