Earlier this year, Google rolled out a mandatory software update for the Pixel 4a, an Android smartphone released in 2020. While the company did not provide specific reasons for this update, the impact it had on the device's battery life raised some concerns among users. Reports indicated that the update resulted in significantly reduced battery performance, making some models nearly unusable. New findings from Australian authorities have shed light on the situation, revealing that the update was aimed at addressing serious safety risks.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has recently issued a recall for the Pixel 4a, citing battery overheating and potential fire risks as the primary reasons. According to the ACCC's Product Safety division, the firmware update and subsequent battery changes were implemented to mitigate the risk of overheating. An overheating battery can pose a significant threat, including the risk of fire and burns to users, prompting the recall.
In the United States and other regions, Google did not label the situation as a recall. Instead, the company communicated via its Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program page, stating that certain models required a software update to enhance battery stability. While this update aimed to improve battery performance, it also led to a noticeable reduction in available battery capacity and impacted charging performance. Google has reassured users that it remains safe to charge their Pixel 4a devices, despite these changes.
The ACCC's notice aligns with Google's previous statements, emphasizing the necessity for users to update their devices. However, unlike the Australian notice, Google's communication does not provide specific remedies beyond the update itself. Users can check if their Pixel 4a is affected and explore options for compensation, including payment, battery replacement, or Google Store credit, by following links provided in the ACCC's notice.
The software update for the Pixel 4a led to a drastic reduction in charging capacity, with some users reporting a battery life drop to less than two hours on a full charge. Analysis by hardware expert Hector Martin revealed that the updated Pixel 4a's kernel indicated that the batteries had either ATL or LSN profiles. Models with the LSN tag, potentially sourced from battery cell manufacturer Lishen, experienced capped charging capacities, exacerbating the battery issues.
Ars Technica has reached out to Google for clarification regarding the Australian recall notice and the information presented on its support page. Updates will be provided as soon as a response is received. As the situation develops, Pixel 4a users are encouraged to stay informed about their device's battery performance and the implications of the recent software update.
