Google delivers 'update that may shorten battery life' to Pixel 4a, device owners can get cash or discount codes
Google has announced that it will distribute a software update to its official smartphone,
Google Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program - Google Pixel Help
https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/15701861
Google releasing Pixel 4a update, some eligible for new battery
https://9to5google.com/2025/01/06/pixel-4a-battery-update/
Google offers choice: Pixel 4a battery replacements or cash - Android Authority
https://www.androidauthority.com/pixel-4a-battery-replacements-3513574/
Google offers free battery replacement to some Pixel 4a owners affected by impending software update - PhoneArena
https://www.phonearena.com/news/pixel-4a-battery-replacement-google-offer_id166377
The Pixel 4a is a Google-made smartphone released in 2020 and is positioned as a cheaper version of the Pixel 4 released the previous year. Official software updates for the Pixel 4a ended in September 2023, three years after its release.
However, Google has decided that certain Pixel 4a devices require a software update to improve battery performance and stability, and has announced that it will automatically release Android 13 for all Pixel 4a devices starting January 8.
The update includes new battery management features that may reduce available battery capacity and affect charging performance on some devices. Google said, 'We consider this a situation in which we need to provide support to affected customers, and affected devices are eligible for mitigation measures,' and that owners of affected devices will be compensated.
In the US, Canada, UK, Germany, Singapore and India, you can get your Pixel 4a battery replaced for free at a carry-in repair center, and if you live in the US, mail-in repair is also available. However, if you are not in a region that offers battery replacements or would like other options, you can receive a 'cash payment of $50 (approximately 7,900 yen) or the equivalent in local currency' or a 'Google hardware discount code of $100 (approximately 15,800 yen) or the equivalent in local currency.' Since Japan is not in a region that offers battery replacements, it seems that owners of eligible devices can receive cash or a discount code.
Google has been sending emails directly to Pixel 4a users, and the following email was also sent to the Google account linked to the Pixel 4a owned by a GIGAZINE editorial staff member. When I entered the device's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) from the link in the email, a screen was displayed where I could choose to receive cash or a discount code.
The Google Pixel 4a will receive a software update that will affect the overall battery performance and stability. Like other phones, the Google Pixel uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. This update may reduce battery performance, capacity, and battery life over time.
In the coming days, the Google Pixel 4a will automatically receive a software update to Android 13, which will introduce new battery management features that will improve the device's stability. The update is expected to reduce battery life and charging performance.
To address this, we have a few options available to you, so please review them below and choose the one that's best for you.
Learn more about these changes here; terms and other terms apply.
Thank you very much.
The Google Pixel Team
The compensation option selection period is one year from the software update on January 8, 2025, and compensation will not be available after January 8, 2026. You can check whether your Pixel 4a is covered by the compensation from the following page.
Request a Google Pixel 4a repair, refund, or discount - Google Pixel Help
https://support.google.com/pixelphone/workflow/15642495
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