At the beginning of 2025, Google communicated on a program to improve the Pixel 4A battery performance, which includes an Android 13 OTA update, free battery replacement and other compensation options. In this context, the firm has deleted all the previous updates concerning the Pixel 4A.
The Pixel 4A owners noticed that the “Factory images”/”Full OTA images site for the Nexus and Pixel” devices disappeared from all the download links for the Pixel 4A, with the exception of the new setting Day with “battery management features”: TQ3A.230805.001.S2. It seems that this deletion took place on Wednesday January 22.
Google indicates that this Android 13 update “reduces the available capacity of the battery and impacts charging performance”: “… It is therefore possible that the battery lasts shorter between the loads. Users of devices concerned may also note other changes, such as a reduced load performance or changes in the battery level indicator on their phone. ” This update is downloaded “automatically on your device when the software is published and your device is loaded and connected to the Internet.”
The affected users having installed the update confirmed these changes, and some express their dissatisfaction with the fact that the inspection of their device as part of the replacement of the free battery has revealed other problems requiring repair or payment . This is not surprising for equipment dating from 2020, as the Google FAQ points out. However, it remains frustrating.
Historically, Google removes factory images when there are problems with a version. In this case, it seems that the company does not want the owners to return to a previous version.
Not all Pixel 4a are affected by these battery problems. However, Google’s decision to withdraw three years of updates for everyone is a radical not enough, but it is difficult to control who can download or install these updates.
-If a “battery replacement is not practical”, Google offers two options:
- A payment of 50 USD (converted to your local currency).
- A reduction code of 100 USD (converted to your local currency) applicable to the purchase of another pixel phone on the Google Store (subject to availability).
You can visit this page (until January 8, 2026) to start a “repair, payment or future reduction code”, and check if your Pixel 4A is impacted.
The situation of Pixel 4A users raises the question of the lifespan of devices and the management of updates by manufacturers. How can users ensure that their device remains efficient in the long term, and that the solutions offered by companies are up to their expectations? This problem highlights the importance of increased transparency and improved customer support in the Tech industry.
Our editors use AI to help them offer Reliable sources costs to our users. If you find an inappropriate image or content, please contact us via the DMCA form and we will remove it quickly. / Our editors use auxm them offered our readers fresh articles from reliable sources. If you find an image or content inappropriate, please contact us via the DMCA form and we’ll remove it promptly.
