Battery update for Pixel Phones

 Google releases Battery update for Millions Of Pixel Phones, some free battery replacements offered 

Google has published new information which clarifies how many charges its Pixel phones can hold. The Search company has confirmed that a Pixel 8a and later should retain up to 80% battery capacity for about 1000 charge cycles (a cycle refers to a full battery charge from empty). Devices released between the Pixel 3 and Pixel 8 Pro should hold up to 80% capacity for roughly 800 charge cycles, revealing how much more power-efficient newer Google smartphones are. As with all other electronics, lithium-ion batteries used in smartphones have a finite lifespan. Also, Google has reached out to Pixel 4a owners about an upcoming software update that will “improve the stability of their battery’s performance.” This is part of a “Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program.” TQ3A.230805.001.S2 is now available for the Pixel 4a. Most users should wait for the on-device update. The Pixel 4a stopped receiving monthly updates in Aug of 2023. Google is rolling this new OTA, which is still based on Android 13, starting on 08 Jan, 2025.

Apple has also recently taken a similar approach, stating that the iPhone 14 and previous models should retain up to 80% of battery capacity for 500 charge cycles. In comparison, the iPhone 15 and 16 can hold up to 80% capacity for up to 1000 charge cycles. Google users with Pixel 8a and onwards can now monitor their phone’s battery capacity via the Settings app and then selecting Battery Information. Users can see how many times the battery has already been fully charged, when it was manufactured, and its date of first use. This should give users a greater understanding of how many charges the phone has left, but also if the battery in the handset is the one it was shipped with. This is a huge bonus to people who buy second-hand smartphones because the state of the battery is the most opaque part of the purchase.

The release specifically “includes new battery management features to improve the stability of your battery’s performance, so the battery may last for shorter periods between charges. Users of Impacted Devices may also notice other changes, like reduced charging performance or changes to how the battery-level indicator on your phone shows your battery capacity”. Officially, Google says you can “continue to use your Pixel 4a as before” after installing the update. All Pixel 4a phones will get this update, but “not all Pixel 4a devices are impacted by the reduction in battery capacity and charging performance.” To slow down battery degradation, Google suggests not using the device when charging, avoiding prolonged exposure to sun or high temperatures (above 35°C) and using the adaptive charging feature.

Google’s move to improve battery health transparency follows a similar trend in the industry. In late 2023 Apple came under scrutiny for anti-repair tactics through a policy of parts pairing. This policy authorized only Apple-manufactured components to be used for repairs and replacements in iPhones. A repair expert said that Apple was removing battery health statistics from iPhones which had replaced the battery without authorization. This meant that Apple forced iPhone owners to get replacements at the Apple Store instead of cheaper independent repair shops. Apple has since changed its tune, reversing parts pairing, stating it will not be applied to iPhone 16 and later. This means Apple batteries can be swapped into the 16 model, and calibrate successfully, without losing features.

Given the reduced battery capacity, Google is offering a free battery replacement for affected Pixel 4a owners. You can check if your phone is eligible. Battery replacement is available at walk-in repair centres in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, and Singapore. Mail-in repair is also available for customers in the US. Battery replacement is only available in eligible locations and while battery supplies last. If your Pixel 4a device exhibits other forms of damage, like liquid damage, exposure to sharp objects or excessive force, it may not qualify for a free battery replacement. If your phone has out-of-warranty damage, such as display or cover glass cracks, then there may be a fee to repair your phone. Before start of any repairs, a cost estimate would be provided. You then have the option to proceed with the repair or have your device returned to you. The Pixel 4a has a 3,140 mAh battery that officially “lasts all day.”

For those who cannot get a battery replacement, your options are:-

$50 USD (or local equivalent) payment.

$100 USD (or local equivalent) Google hardware discount code applicable towards the purchase of another Pixel phone on the Google Store (as available).

Those who are eligible “will have one year from the initial software release on 08 Jan, 2025 to register and make a choice of one of the three appeasement options.” The Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program ends 08 Jan, 2026.