Google affords alternative: Pixel 4a battery replacements or money

Smartphones come and smartphones go, and whereas some producers promise years and years of help for his or her newest fashions, that wasn’t at all times the case. Whereas a contemporary Pixel cellphone is due for seven complete years of software program help, that’s solely been the scenario for the reason that Pixel 8 sequence, with Pixel 6 and seven telephones solely getting 5 years. However right now we’re turning again the clock even additional, as Google begins exhibiting some uncharacteristic consideration to a Pixel mannequin we had lengthy thought-about deserted.

We’re speaking concerning the Pixel 4a, which launched again in 2020. Adopted shortly thereafter by the Pixel 4a 5G, these represented a few of our favourite budget-conscious Android picks on the time. By early 2022, although, Google had stopped Pixel 4a gross sales, and platform updates lastly ended within the fall of 2023 with the discharge of Android 14, and the Pixel 4a remaining behind on Android 13.

For 15 months that’s just about the place issues have remained, however this week we’ve began recognizing studies just like the one shared by consumer Knorke_Leon on Reddit’s Pixel sub alerting us to to a brand new replace about to hit Pixel 4a telephones. And because it seems, this one is much more impactful than simply your common software program patch.

Google has applied what it’s calling the Pixel 4a Battery Efficiency Program. Later this week, on January 8, Google goes to start seeding a brand new replace for Pixel 4a telephones. They’ll stay on Android 13, and this replace is as a substitute supposed to enhance battery efficiency and stability. The issue although, in line with Google, is that some Pixel 4a telephones will expertise the alternative impact, and find yourself with worse battery capability and charging efficiency after receiving the replace.

The excellent news there’s that Google isn’t about to damage your previous Pixel 4a with out providing slightly compensation. For starters, you’ll need to verify whether or not your Pixel 4a is even one which’s susceptible to being impacted by this replace. Not all 4a handsets might be, and whereas Google isn’t publicly sharing precisely why a few of these telephones are affected and never others, it does have a simple device you should use to see if that features your Pixel 4a.

If it seems that your Pixel 4a is a part of this group, you may have the ability to get a brand-new battery to your cellphone — and contemplating its age, that’s in all probability going to make a giant distinction. Customers within the US will have the ability to use Google’s mail-in service, and there are walk-in choices out there in another nations. However when you can’t benefit from both of these, otherwise you simply choose to not, there’s at all times the money possibility.

If you happen to flip down the battery alternative, you’ll be able to select between getting both $50 straight money (or its equal in your nation’s foreign money), or a $100 Google Retailer credit score for use in the direction of a brand new Pixel. Even when you’re now not actively utilizing your 4a, Google says that it’s cool to request this cash. You don’t even have handy the cellphone in, and may hold proper on utilizing your previous Pixel, whereas pocketing slightly money. You simply can’t do each the battery alternative and the pay-out, however no less than you will have a while to resolve: Eligible Pixel 4a house owners have till January 8, 2026 to make their choice.