In early January, Google released a support article announcing an update aimed at fixing battery issues for some Pixel 4a smartphones. Google clarified that this issue only impacts certain devices, meaning only those with specific serial numbers will get the update. The goal of the update is to improve battery performance consistency, but Google also warned that it could lead to decreased battery life and slower charging speeds.
User Complaints Surge
Recently, Reddit has seen a surge of complaints from unhappy users stating that their Pixel 4a has become nearly unusable after applying the update. One user shared that their battery drains completely after only 20 minutes of usage during a five-hour span. For others, the time it takes to charge has reportedly increased threefold since the update. Another user mentioned that the battery indicator has turned unreliable, showing random percentages like 1%, 56%, and 91% after rebooting, without any changes during actual use or while charging.
Google’s Acknowledgment
On its support page, Google has recognized that there could be problems with the battery indicator. However, the company has not yet identified the root cause of these battery issues affecting Pixel 4a devices. It is still unknown if avoiding the update carries any risks for users.
Solutions Offered
To pacify the discontented Pixel 4a customer base, Google is providing three options to address this frustrating situation — a complimentary battery replacement, $50 in compensation, or a $100 credit for purchases from the official Google Store. Affected users need to complete a registration form on Google’s support website and confirm their Pixel 4a’s serial number, as not all smartphones in that series are impacted and thus eligible for the offer.
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