An investigation from a security hacker revealed that Google’s update to the Pixel 4a actually reduced its maximum battery voltage.
Some Google Pixel 4a users are in great trouble now due to a recent “update of death” that led to a huge battery issue. The update was originally intended to fix the battery problems in the model, but users reported that installing it just made the matter worse, with some noting that it made their phones unusable.
Now, Asahi Linux project lead developer Hector Martin looked into the issue and discovered how the update actually affected the Google Pixel 4a. According to the hacker, the update reduced the battery voltage of the model. As per the probe, the Pixel 4a originally could charge up to 4.44 volts. However, after the update, the maximum battery voltage dropped to 3.95 volts. This means the capacity of the Pixel 4a was dramatically decreased, so it won’t be able to store more power and has to be charged more frequently than normal.
Interestingly, the investigation shows that the update only affects the units employing a specific battery from a certain manufacturer. The Google Pixel 4a uses batteries from ATL or LSN, and the update affects the latter.
Sadly, there’s almost no remedy users can take to address this without spending some amount. To recall, Google deleted the old firmware to prevent the update rollback. Now, the only update users have is the TQ3A.230805.001.S2. Moreover, while Google is offering a $100 credit for users who want to upgrade to a new device, it is only a fraction of the price of a new Pixel phone from the company. As such, buyers still have to spend at least $400 to get a new unit.
The search giant is also offering a free battery replacement for affected units. However, the downside of this option is that Google service centers inspect units for other issues. When other issues are present, users are required to pay for their repair. Since Pixel 4a is one of the company’s oldest models, many problems could also surface during the inspection, resulting in other expenses.
