Google pushes new updates to older Pixel smartphones with undisclosed improvements

While Google is now offering seven years of feature updates for its smartphones, that pledge did not extend to older models. Instead, existing models retained Google's previous three-year pledge, including the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro and the Pixel Fold (curr. $1,399 on Amazon). As such, the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 reached end-of-life status in autumn 2023, with Google electing against furnishing either with Android 14 QPR1 that arrived in December 2023.

Nonetheless, the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 are now eligible for a new update. As usual, the update will arrive as an over-the-air (OTA) download. However, full factory images can be pulled from Google directly or installed with little effort via the Android Flash Tool. For some reason, Google has elected against sharing a changelog, unlike the equivalent update it published earlier this week for other Pixel devices.

Looking at Google's factory images page reveals that both handsets have moved from UP1A.231105.001 to UP1A.231105.001.B2. Additionally, various Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 owners have mentioned online that OTA files are only approximately a 10 MB download. Likewise, the pair remain adrift on the November 2023 security patch. Thus, it appears that the pair have received miscellaneous bug fixes rather than anything more substantial. If past Pixel smartphones are anything to go by, then the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 may see more sporadic updates yet, although Google may never confirm as much officially.