The Pixel 4a, a well-regarded release in Google’s line of budget-minded phones with good video cameras and good stock software application, was not expected to get anymore updates. Today, it will get a rather unusual one– one that plans to decrease its reported battery life.

The Pixel 4a, launched in the summer season of 2020, was ceased at the end of 2022. It got its last main software application upgrade in the summer season of 2023, followed by a surprise security upgrade in November 2023. Throughout 2024, there were no updates. Today, owners of the 4a (and likely lots of previous owners) are getting a brand-new upgrade, together with an e-mail entitled “Changes coming to your Pixel 4a.”

The e-mail addresses “an upcoming software update for your Pixel 4a that will affect the overall performance and stability of its battery.” The automated software application upgrade to Android 13 “introduces new battery management features to improve the stability of your device,” which will “reduce your battery’s runtime and charging performance.”

Google enters into more information on an assistance page about the “Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program,” keeping in mind that just some “Impacted Devices” will see the minimized capability and charging efficiency. Those with such gadgets (identified by a study) have 3 alternatives beyond simply taking the hit: sending their phone in for a complimentary battery replacement, getting $50 (or the non-US equivalent) payment, or getting $100 towards a brand-new Pixel phone from the Google Store. Those with affected phones have one year from the set up software application upgrade on January 8, 2025, to select an “appeasement option.”