Google Pixel 4a receives unexpected update: reduced battery life

The Pixel 4a, a much-loved version of Google’s line of budget phones with nice cameras and decent stock software, wasn’t supposed to receive any further updates. This week he will receive a rather rare one, one that aims to reduce his battery life.

The Pixel 4a, released in summer 2020, was discontinued in late 2022. It received its last official software update in summer 2023, followed by a surprise security update in November 2023. Throughout from 2024, there have been no updates. This week, 4a owners (and likely many former owners) are receiving a new update, along with an email titled “Changes coming to your Pixel 4a.”

The email discusses “an upcoming software update for your Pixel 4a that will affect its overall performance and battery stability.” The automatic software update to Android 13 “introduces new battery management features to improve the stability of your device,” which will “reduce your battery life and charging performance.”

Google provides more details on a support page for the “Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program,” noting that only certain “affected devices” will see reduced capacity and charging performance. Those who own such devices (determined by a survey) have three options beyond simply accepting the hit: send in their phone for a free battery replacement, receive a payment of $50 (or the equivalent not American) or get $100 for a new Pixel phone from the Google Store. Affected phone users have one year from the software update scheduled for January 8, 2025 to choose a “calming option.”