Google has issued an update to its budget Pixel 4a that deliberately cuts the battery life. Yes, you read that correctly — it’s designed to reduce overall battery life and performance. Google admits the software update “will affect the overall performance and stability of its battery” when it installs on your handset.
Pixel 4a was launched in mid-2020 at £349. It received critical acclaim for its impressive camera, decent battery life, and spam-free Android operating system, which set it apart from many similarly-priced competitors. Google discontinued the wallet-friendly phone in late 2022, following the launch of the Pixel 5a and Pixel 6a.
Google issued the last security update for the Pixel 4a in November 2023. The following year, there wasn’t a single update for the Pixel 4a. And now, out of nowhere, Google has started to roll-out a new update alongside an email with the subject line: Changes coming to your Pixel 4a.
Hey @madebygoogle, the recent #Pixel4a Battery update has ruined my 4+ year-old phone. Battery drain is unbearable (8% lost while typing this). I had no issues before. Waiting 2 weeks for a replacement in India isn’t practical. Why force this on users?
This was real evil move.— Yogesh Raut (@filmymonk) January 10, 2025
Just received this email from Google. They’re artificially reducing the battery performance of the Pixel 4a with a software update, due to a (I assume) manufacturing defect relating to the battery. I can confirm that this is a real issue, since my own Pixel 4a already has a… pic.twitter.com/iCbolrJZSS
— Hexandcube 🦊 (@hexandcube) January 6, 2025
The correspondence from Google explains that Pixel 4a will be updated to Android 13, which introduces new battery management features designed to make the lithium-ion cell to last for shorter periods between charges.
These changes can also cause devices to take longer to reach a 100% charge.
So, why has Google decided to roll-out an update that makes its much-loved Pixel 4a worse? According to the Californian firm, the update is necessary to “improve the stability” of affected devices, though the company has not provided specific details about why the reduction in performance is required.
If your Pixel 4a has lost battery life because of the latest update, Google is offering three different compensation options:
- A free battery replacement service for Pixel 4a
- A one-off cash payment of £40
- £80 credit towards purchasing a new Pixel phone from the Google Store
“We want our customers to have the best possible experience with their products, so users of these Impacted Devices are eligible for an appeasement from Google,” the company stated on its help page.
The compensation scheme appears to be Google’s attempt to address the issue transparently. To be eligible for one of the three “appeasement” options, you must need to verify whether your handset qualifies.
According to Google’s support page, entitled Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program: “From January 8, 2025, Pixel 4a devices will receive an automatic software update to Android 13. For some devices (‘Impacted Devices’), the update includes new battery management features to improve the stability of your battery’s performance, so the battery may last for shorter periods between charges.”
Not every Pixel 4a will experience reduced battery performance following the update, according to Google.
Users can check if their device is eligible for compensation by entering their IMEI number on Google’s dedicated help page. To find your IMEI number on a Pixel 4a, open Settings > About Phone > Model.
“Not all Pixel 4a devices are impacted by the reduction in battery capacity and charging performance,” Google stated. “Therefore if your device is not impacted the battery will perform the same as before, and you will not be eligible for an appeasement.”
Battery replacement services are available at walk-in centres in six countries:
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Canada
- Germany
- Singapore
- India
Pixel 4a cost £349 when it released in the summer of 2020
GOOGLE PRESS OFFICE
Users have until January 8, 2026 — one year from the release of the controversial software update — to register and choose their preferred compensation option. Those who have stored their Pixel 4a phones away are still encouraged to check their eligibility, as they may qualify for the £40 cash payment.
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Google recommends several measures to slow down battery degradation on their devices, including avoiding phone use while charging and preventing exposure to temperatures above 35°C.
The company has also introduced new battery health monitoring features for newer Pixel models, allowing users to track charge cycles and manufacturing dates through the Settings app.