Battery capacity of Google Pixel 4a was halved to prevent battery fires

Back in January, Google released an “update from hell” for the Pixel 4a that reduced its battery voltage from 4.44 V to 3.95 V, effectively cutting its capacity from 3,080 mAh to 1,539 mAh. As a result, the battery life of the 2020 mid-range phone dropped by a whopping 50%. Notably, the update was only rolled out to Pixel 4a devices with a Lishen battery, not those with a battery made by Amperex (ATL).

This action suggested that Google had discovered an issue with those specific batteries. The product safety department at the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has now finally released details related to the update, which Google evidently was required to provide as part of a product recall. According to the information, the Pixel 4a’s battery is prone to overheating and thus could pose a fire risk. The firmware update is intended to significantly reduce the battery’s performance and the risk of a battery fire.

Consequently, the Australian consumer protection agency recommends that all Pixel 4a users install the update. Google offers affected users various compensation options, ranging from a free battery replacement to a $50 cash payment. You can visit Google’s website to check if your Pixel 4a is affected and eligible for compensation.