The Pixel 4 a, a well-regarded release in Google’s line of budget-minded phones with good electronic cameras and good supply software program, was not intended to obtain anymore updates. This week, it will get an instead uncommon one– one that plans to decrease its reported battery life.
The Pixel 4 a, launched in the summer season of 2020, was stopped at the end of 2022 It got its last main software update in the summertime of 2023, followed by a surprise safety update in November 2023 Throughout 2024, there were no updates. Today, proprietors of the 4 a (and likely many previous owners) are getting a new upgrade, in addition to an email labelled “Adjustments pertaining to your Pixel 4 a.”
The e-mail addresses “an approaching software application update for your Pixel 4 a that will influence the total efficiency and stability of its battery.” The automatic software upgrade to Android 13 “presents brand-new battery administration includes to improve the stability of your gadget,” which will “minimize your battery’s runtime and billing efficiency.”
Google enters into more information on an assistance page concerning the “Pixel 4 a Battery Performance Program,” keeping in mind that just some “Impacted Gadgets” will certainly see the minimized ability and charging efficiency. Those with such devices (established by a study) have 3 choices beyond just taking the hit: sending their phone in for a cost-free battery replacement, getting $ 50 (or the non-US equivalent) repayment, or getting $ 100 toward a brand-new Pixel phone from the Google Store. Those with influenced phones have one year from the set up software update on January 8, 2025, to choose an “appeasement option.”