Dragon Ball Do Androids Power Up

Waren Burn

2 min read

·

02-12-2024

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The Dragon Ball universe is renowned for its explosive battles and ever-escalating power levels. While Saiyans are often the focal point of these power surges, the androids, particularly those created by Dr. Gero, represent a fascinating subplot exploring the potential – and limitations – of artificial intelligence and its capacity for growth. Do androids in Dragon Ball actually "power up" in the same way Saiyans do? The answer is nuanced.

The Nature of Android Power

Unlike Saiyans who train rigorously to increase their power, many of Dr. Gero's androids possess a predetermined power level at the time of their creation. Androids like Android 19 and Android 20 (Dr. Gero himself) demonstrate this static power. Their abilities are fixed, and they don't undergo the same kind of dramatic strength increases seen with Goku or Vegeta.

However, this isn't universally true across the android roster. Certain androids display features that could be interpreted as a form of "power up," albeit a different kind than the Saiyan method.

Cell's Imperfect to Perfect Transformation

Cell, perhaps the most compelling example, provides a clear case of significant power enhancement. His initial form, the "Imperfect Cell," is demonstrably weaker than his later iterations. Through absorbing Android 17 and Android 18, Cell undergoes a complete transformation, reaching his "Perfect Form" with vastly superior strength and abilities. This isn't a traditional power-up achieved through training; it's a biological evolution, a physical upgrade based on assimilation.

Android 17's Unique Ability

Android 17, even after his absorption by Cell, demonstrates a unique capacity for power increase. Though not explicitly shown as a rapid surge like a Saiyan's Super Saiyan transformation, 17 in Dragon Ball Super exhibits a gradual growth in strength, suggesting a capacity for adaptation and improvement. This could be interpreted as a form of power up, although it's less dramatic and explosive than the typical Saiyan method.

The Key Difference: Internal vs. External Growth

The critical distinction between Saiyan power-ups and the enhancements seen in some androids lies in the source of that enhancement. Saiyans gain power through rigorous training, pushing their physical and ki limits. Androids, on the other hand, often see their power increase through external factors: absorption, regeneration, or perhaps even subtle internal programming adjustments.

Conclusion: A Question of Definition

Therefore, the question of whether androids "power up" hinges on the definition of the term. If we strictly adhere to the Saiyan model of training-induced power increases, the answer is largely no. However, if we broaden the definition to include any form of significant power enhancement, then Cell's transformation and Android 17's gradual growth undeniably qualify. The Dragon Ball universe presents a diverse array of power dynamics, showcasing not just one, but multiple pathways to increased strength.