Google’s latest update for Pixel 4a reduces battery life by over 40%

Last month, Google pushed out an unexpected update for the Pixel 4a that was meant to fix some battery issues. However, it turns out this update has actually reduced the usable battery life by over 40%, along with removing some features.

Back in early January, Google promised that the update would make the battery performance more stable. They warned, though, that the battery might not last as long between charges. To make up for the inconvenience, Google is offering free battery replacements, store credits, or even a $50 cash payment to those affected.

Since the update rolled out, many Pixel 4a users have noticed their phones don’t last as long as before. Some who used to get a full day’s use now find their phones dying within 8 hours or less. The community over at the r/Pixel4a subreddit has shared numerous stories about their experiences post-update.

Google hasn’t explained why they made these changes, but they’ve also pulled all the older software versions of the Pixel 4a from their servers. A developer named Hector Martin from Asahi Linux found that the update reduced the battery’s maximum charge voltage from 4.45V to 3.95V. According to Android Authority, this small drop in voltage leads to a significant 44% reduction in usable charge because the battery’s voltage range starts at 3.3V.

The update also got rid of a few features. One was Adaptive Charging, which helped extend battery life by slowing down the charging process. They’ve also removed the estimated charging time and the ability to display battery percentage in the status bar for new users, although those who had it enabled before the update didn’t lose it. Some users have reported seeing lower battery percentages after the update, which might explain some of the changes.

Additionally, users might notice slower charging and changes in how the battery level is displayed on their phones. This update was labeled as an “Emergency Maintenance Release” by Google, which meant it didn’t go through the usual rigorous checks before being released. The reasons for this urgency haven’t been disclosed.

If you’re a Pixel 4a owner affected by this update, you can contact Google to check if you’re eligible for a free battery replacement. With the Pixel 4a no longer receiving regular software updates since 2023, this might be a good time to think about upgrading your device.