Pixel 4a battery email

alexakasloth

alexakasloth

alexakasloth

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Just received this email from Google, have any other Pixel 4a owner's received this? It looks genuine, I can't spot anything that screams phishing.
Going through the form gives the option of sending the device in for repair, $50 reimbursement or $100 towards a new Pixel phone - if the device is affected by the update.

Hi XXXX


We wanted to let you know about an upcoming software update for your Pixel 4a that will affect the overall performance and stability of its battery. Pixel phones, like other smartphones, use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that, over time, may experience performance, capacity or runtime degradation.


In the coming days, your Pixel 4a will receive an automatic software update to Android 13 that introduces new battery management features to improve the stability of your device. This update will reduce your battery's runtime and charging performance.


To address this, we're providing some options to consider. Please take a look and choose which one works best for you.


More details related to this change are available here. Eligibility criteria and other terms will apply.


Thank you,
Pixel team
Click to expand...
 
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I just had this update, followed by system message linking me to this page where I can select from the above options.

I'm not sure how badly the battery will be impacted by this change. It's a 4 year old phone nearly, could take the $100 upgrade contribution or the $50 cash.

Any others choosing?
 
danlightbulb said:
I just had this update, followed by system message linking me to this page where I can select from the above options.

I'm not sure how badly the battery will be impacted by this change. It's a 4 year old phone nearly, could take the $100 upgrade contribution or the $50 cash.

Any others choosing?
Click to expand...

Get the Pixel 9 using the enhanced trade-in deal

They are offering £258 for a Pixel 3!

You are being short changed with just £100
 
Personally I'd take the battery repair, I often have no need to upgrade my phones other than the battery doesn't hold charge.
 
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david25 said:
Get the Pixel 9 using the enhanced trade-in deal

They are offering £258 for a Pixel 3!

You are being short changed with just £100
Click to expand...

Hmm £262 is offered for 4a. If I claim the $50 (£40) that makes it about £300 but the pixel 9 is like £800. Dont really want to spend that much.
 
danlightbulb said:
Hmm £262 is offered for 4a. If I claim the $50 (£40) that makes it about £300 but the pixel 9 is like £800. Dont really want to spend that much.
Click to expand...

If you've got blue light you get 25% off too. Which makes an upgrade to the 9 £322. Which isn't bad at all really.
 
Can I get the $100 discount code off the Google compensation above and stack it with the 25% bluelight?

Edit - looks like not.

I'm seeing some posts on Reddit that suggest that the full trade in value is at risk if the device is sent in with the battery issue.
 
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I rang up the store that does the Google battery swaps. It's EE. They have to send device away 7 day turnaround. Can't do that (doubt many could).

Would have kept this phone if I could, but whatever it is Google have done I'm getting barely a few hours out of the battery life since the update.

Essentially forced to take the trade in deal which I've done, pixel 9 coming Monday. Provided trade in goes through correctly it will cost me £337 in total. Which is £337 more than I should have had to spend.
 
danlightbulb said:
I rang up the store that does the Google battery swaps. It's EE. They have to send device away 7 day turnaround. Can't do that (doubt many could).

Would have kept this phone if I could, but whatever it is Google have done I'm getting barely a few hours out of the battery life since the update.

Essentially forced to take the trade in deal which I've done, pixel 9 coming Monday. Provided trade in goes through correctly it will cost me £337 in total. Which is £337 more than I should have had to spend.
Click to expand...
Sell the Pixel 9 when it arrives new in box and buy an older Pixel off eBay? I recently got a 5 for £120 and it's basically in new condition and does everything I need in a much better form factor than newer devices (what the hell are those camera bumps? is a blind person in charge of design).
 
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