The Google Pixel 4a, once celebrated as a budget-friendly powerhouse, is now at the center of controversy following a recent software update that has been dubbed the “update of death.” This update has reportedly crippled the device’s battery life, leaving users frustrated and questioning Google’s intentions.
According to an examination by Hector Martin, a security hacker and lead developer on the Asahi Linux project, the update specifically lowers the battery voltage on the Pixel 4a. Martin, who described the update as “a real hack job,” suggests that the issue may not affect all Pixel 4a units but primarily those with batteries manufactured by a specific supplier.
The update, which was rolled out in early january 2025, has sparked widespread debate. while some users have reported significant battery degradation,others remain unaffected. This discrepancy has led to speculation that the problem is tied to certain hardware components rather than a universal software flaw.
Google has acknowledged the issue, offering a battery replacement program for impacted devices.However, the company has not explicitly stated whether the update was intentional or a bug.
Key Points Summary
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Update Impact | Lowers battery voltage, reducing reported battery life. |
| Affected Devices | Pixel 4a units with batteries from a specific manufacturer.|
| Investigation | Conducted by Hector Martin, who called the update “a real hack job.” |
| Google’s Response | Offers battery replacements for impacted devices. |
For Pixel 4a users, the situation remains uncertain.While Google’s replacement program provides a temporary fix, the long-term implications of the update are still unclear. As the investigation continues, users are advised to monitor their device’s performance and consider reaching out to Google support if they experience significant battery issues.
This incident raises broader questions about software updates and their impact on older devices. As technology evolves, balancing innovation with the longevity of existing products remains a critical challenge for manufacturers like Google.
For more details on the investigation, you can read Hector Martin’s findings here.The recent software update for the Google Pixel 4a has sparked controversy, with developer Martin revealing that the update is intentionally reducing the device’s performance in a significant way. According to Martin, the update has altered the phone’s battery charging behavior, leading to a noticeable decline in battery longevity and overall efficiency.
What Changed in the Update?
Previously, the Pixel 4a’s software allowed the battery to charge up to a maximum of 4.44 volts. However, the latest update has capped this at 3.95 volts.this reduction in voltage directly impacts the battery’s capacity,as it can now store less energy at a time.Consequently,users are experiencing shorter battery life and more frequent recharging cycles.
Martin explains, “3.87V nominal lithium polymer batteries have a max voltage of 4.45V or thereabouts, so the original setting was not wrong. But now they’re suddenly being very conservative.” this shift suggests that Google is taking a more cautious approach to battery management, possibly to extend the battery’s lifespan or prevent overheating issues. However,the trade-off is a noticeable drop in performance,leaving users frustrated.
Why the Sudden Caution?
Smartphone batteries are designed to operate within specific voltage ranges to ensure safety and longevity. Manufacturers typically allow batteries to charge close to their maximum voltage to maximize performance. The Pixel 4a was no exception, with its battery previously reaching around 4.45V. However, the latest update has significantly lowered this threshold, raising questions about Google’s motivations.
Martin notes that this conservative approach isn’t inherently wrong but represents a stark departure from the device’s original settings.“The original setting was not wrong,” he emphasizes, suggesting that the update’s changes may be more about risk mitigation than technical necessity.
Not All Pixel 4a Units Are Affected
Interestingly, the update doesn’t impact all Pixel 4a devices equally. Martin discovered that the phone has multiple battery profiles, depending on the type of battery installed.The Pixel 4a uses batteries from two different manufacturers: ATL and LSN. The update appears to only affect devices with LSN batteries, which are reportedly causing performance issues.
“you can tell which battery you have physically by the number next to the QR code. 8230015901 is ATL (good), and 8230020501 is LSN (bad). If you’re replacing your battery,make sure it’s ATL,” Martin advises. This distinction highlights the importance of knowing your device’s hardware specifics, especially if you’re considering a battery replacement.
Key Differences Between ATL and LSN Batteries
| Battery Manufacturer | Battery Code | Impact of Update |
|————————–|——————|———————-|
| ATL | 8230015901 | Unaffected |
| LSN | 8230020501 | Performance Drop |
What Does This Meen for Pixel 4a Users?
For those with LSN batteries, the update has undeniably impacted their device’s performance. The reduced voltage cap means less energy storage, leading to shorter battery life and more frequent charging. Conversely,users with ATL batteries can breathe a sigh of relief,as their devices remain unaffected by the update.
If you’re experiencing performance issues, Martin’s advice is clear: check your battery’s manufacturer code. If it’s an LSN battery, consider replacing it with an ATL battery to restore your device’s original performance.
Final Thoughts
The Pixel 4a’s latest update has stirred up a mix of confusion and frustration among users. While Google’s decision to lower the battery voltage may be rooted in safety concerns, the resulting performance drop is hard to ignore. For now, the key takeaway is to identify your battery type and take appropriate action if necessary. As always, staying informed about your device’s hardware and software updates is crucial to maintaining optimal performance.For more insights into smartphone battery technology, check out this detailed guide on Interview: Understanding the Google Pixel 4a Battery Update
Editor: Hector, thank you for joining us today. The recent update for the Google Pixel 4a has caused quite a stir. can you explain what exactly changed in this update? Hector Martin: Absolutely.The most notable change in the update is the reduction in the maximum voltage for battery charging.Previously, the pixel 4a’s software allowed the battery to charge up to 4.44 volts. The update has capped this at 3.95 volts.This reduction directly impacts the battery’s capacity, meaning it can store less energy at a time, leading to shorter battery life and more frequent recharging cycles. Editor: Why do you think Google made this change? was it necessary? Hector Martin: It’s a bit unclear at this point. On one hand, the original setting of up to 4.44 volts was not incorrect. Lithium polymer batteries like the one in the Pixel 4a are designed to handle this voltage.Though, Google’s decision to lower the voltage cap suggests a more cautious approach, possibly to extend the battery’s lifespan or to prevent overheating issues.While this isn’t inherently wrong, it’s a stark departure from the device’s original settings and has caused noticeable performance issues for users. Editor: We’ve heard that not all Pixel 4a units are affected by this update. Can you elaborate on that? Hector Martin: Yes, that’s correct. The Pixel 4a uses batteries from two different manufacturers: ATL and LSN. The update appears to only affect devices wiht LSN batteries. I’ve found that the phone has multiple battery profiles depending on the type of battery installed. Users can check the number next to the QR code on their battery to determine the manufacturer. If it’s 8230015901, it’s an ATL battery and the update won’t affect it. If it’s 8230020501, it’s an LSN battery, and those users will see a performance drop. Editor: What advice would you give to Pixel 4a users who are experiencing these issues? Hector Martin: My advice is to first check your battery’s manufacturer code. If you have an LSN battery, consider replacing it with an ATL battery to restore your device’s original performance. Also, keep an eye on your device’s performance and consider reaching out to Google support if you’re experiencing significant battery issues. it’s also critically important to stay informed about any future updates that might address these concerns. Editor: this issue raises broader questions about software updates and their impact on older devices. What are your thoughts on this? Hector Martin: It’s a complex issue. On one hand, manufacturers need to ensure that their devices remain safe and functional as they age. On the other hand, abrupt changes like this can leave users frustrated and can affect their trust in the brand. Balancing innovation with the longevity of existing products is a critical challenge for manufacturers like Google. Transparency is key—users should be informed about why changes are being made and what the expected outcomes are. Editor: Thank you, Hector, for your insights.This has been very enlightening. Hector Martin: Thank you. I hope this helps clarify the situation for Pixel 4a users. The recent Google Pixel 4a update has introduced significant changes to the device’s battery charging behavior, particularly affecting units with LSN batteries.By reducing the maximum voltage cap from 4.44 volts to 3.95 volts, the update has led to shorter battery life and more frequent recharging cycles. While the change may be rooted in safety concerns, it has raised questions about the trade-offs between performance and longevity. Users are advised to check their battery manufacturer code and consider a replacement if necessary. As always, staying informed about software updates and their potential impacts is crucial for maintaining optimal device performance.Conclusion
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