Google has recently announced an unexpected update for Pixel 4A smartphones, which is being rolled out this week. According to Ars Technica, the company has communicated to Pixel 4A users that this update aims to improve battery performance stability. However, users should note that their batteries may experience reduced longevity following the update.
In a new help page titled “Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program,” Google acknowledges that they have detected battery issues with “some” Pixel 4A devices.
Starting January 8, 2025, Pixel 4A devices will receive an automatic software update to Android 13. After the update is downloaded, your device will restart automatically to apply the changes. For certain devices identified as “Impacted Devices,” this update will include new battery management features designed to enhance the stability of battery performance. As a result, these users may notice a decrease in battery life between charges. Additionally, users of impacted devices might experience changes such as decreased charging efficiency or alterations in how the battery-level indicator displays capacity.
Google is committed to providing the best possible experience for its customers, and therefore, users of these impacted devices will be offered compensation.
It is important to note that not all Pixel 4A devices will experience a reduction in battery capacity and charging performance. If your device is not affected, it will continue to perform as it did prior to the update, and you will not qualify for any compensation.
While the update could result in shorter battery runtime, it may also lead to “reduced charging performance” or change how the battery capacity is displayed on the phone. Google has not provided specific details regarding the cause of these issues, but the situation bears similarities to the “batterygate” controversy faced by Apple in 2017. Apple admitted that its software slowed down iPhones with aging batteries to avert unexpected shutdowns, yet it did not inform customers about the reasons behind the decreased performance, which ultimately led to significant court settlements.
In this scenario, Google is also offering compensation options for affected Pixel 4A owners: they can choose a free battery replacement, a $50 payment, or a $100 credit towards a new Pixel phone available in the online store. Pixel 4A owners can check if their device is impacted by entering their IMEI number on this page.
Google has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the need for this update for the Pixel 4A, which has not received updates since late 2023.
