Google recently released itsMarch Pixel Feature drop, which is packed with new additions, such as an upgradedGemini Live. Surprisingly, the change that garnered the most attention doesn’t seem like it was intentional.
Users onReddithave reported a noticeable change inhaptic feedbackon their Pixel devices following the installation of the March 2025 Pixel Drop. Some users mention that the vibration intensity is now stronger and more prominent, while others have characterized it as overly intense, springy, and cheap.
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After installing the update on myPixel 8ato experience it firsthand, I agree that it feels cheap and springy now. you’re able to check out the original Reddit thread that reported the issue below.
Google Pixel 8a
The Pixel 8a is a mid-ranger Google handset, with a 6.1-inch display, a 64-megapixel main camera, 8GB of RAM, and the Tensor G3 chip first found on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones.
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User opinion is divided on the changes
The release notes for the update don’t mention haptic feedback changes
As with most things in life, some users like the changes to haptic feedback on their Pixel smartphones, while others hate it and hope that Google reverses course on this change. “I really don’t like it. It feels like a spring instead of a thump. It feels a bit cheap. I hope they revert to the original,“one useron Reddit said.
The haptic feedback issues seem to be primarily impacting Pixel 7 and 8 users, with most Pixel 9 users not noticing any difference. According toAndroid Police, Google didn’t mention changing haptic feedback in the March 2025 Pixel Feature drop release notes. However, Google has acknowledged that it is aware of user reports.

“The Pixel team is actively looking into reports from some Pixel users about changes to haptic intensity,” Google saidon Reddit.
The changes to haptic feedback could just be a bug and be fixed in the next monthly security patch. If you’re not a fan of the changes, you may adjust the vibration and haptic intensity in the Settings app to help alleviate some of the effects of it.
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