Pixel 4a owners who haven't updated their phones are now stuck with a buggy December 2022 battery update as Google has removed older firmware versions from its servers. This means users can no longer downgrade to escape the battery drain and random shutdown issues introduced by the update. While Google has acknowledged the problem and promised a fix, there's no ETA, leaving affected users with no immediate solution. Essentially, Pixel 4a owners are forced to endure the battery problems until Google releases the corrected update.
Owners of Google's budget-friendly Pixel 4a smartphone are facing a predicament stemming from a problematic battery update and Google's firmware management practices. A recent software update, intended to enhance battery performance, has inadvertently introduced a new set of issues for a subset of users. These issues manifest in various ways, most notably as significantly accelerated battery drain, rendering the device practically unusable for extended periods. The severity of the battery drain varies between affected users, with some experiencing a complete depletion of charge in a matter of hours.
Compounding the problem is the unavailability of older firmware versions. Typically, when a software update introduces bugs, users can revert to a previous, stable version of the firmware. However, in this case, Google has removed the older firmware images from its official repository. This action, while possibly a standard procedure for older devices, effectively traps affected Pixel 4a owners on the flawed update with no readily available escape route. They are left with a device hampered by diminished battery life and no officially sanctioned method to rectify the situation.
This situation underscores a potential downside to Google's firmware distribution model. While streamlined updates offer convenience, the removal of older firmware images can leave users vulnerable when updates introduce unexpected problems. Users are left reliant on Google to issue a timely fix, placing them in a position of technological limbo. The lack of a readily accessible rollback option leaves affected Pixel 4a owners with limited recourse, highlighting the importance of maintaining access to prior firmware versions, particularly for crucial updates such as those impacting battery performance. This predicament has generated considerable frustration among affected users, who are now left awaiting a corrective update from Google to resolve the battery drain issue.
Summary of Comments ( 156 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42865619
HN commenters generally express frustration and disappointment with Google's handling of the Pixel 4a battery issue. Several users report experiencing the battery drain problem after the update, with some claiming significantly reduced battery life. Some criticize Google's lack of communication and the removal of older firmware, making it impossible to revert to a working version. Others discuss potential workarounds, including custom ROMs like LineageOS, but acknowledge the risks and technical knowledge required. A few commenters mention the declining quality control of Pixel phones and question Google's commitment to supporting older devices. The overall sentiment is negative, with many expressing regret over purchasing a Pixel phone and a loss of trust in Google's hardware division.
The Hacker News comments section for the submitted Android Central article, "Google Pixel 4a's old firmware is gone, trapping users on the buggy battery update," contains a moderate number of comments discussing the situation. Several users express frustration and disappointment with Google's handling of the Pixel 4a battery issue.
A recurring theme is the lack of official acknowledgment or solution from Google. Commenters point out the silence from Google regarding the problem, despite widespread reports of significantly reduced battery life following the update. This lack of communication is seen as particularly concerning, leaving users feeling abandoned and unsure of whether a fix is forthcoming.
Some users share their personal experiences with the battery drain issue, corroborating the article's claims. They detail how their phone's battery life has drastically decreased, impacting their daily usage. One commenter mentions attempting various troubleshooting steps, including factory resets, but to no avail. This reinforces the severity of the issue and the lack of effective workarounds.
The unavailability of older firmware versions is a major point of contention. Commenters lament the inability to roll back to a previous, more stable firmware, effectively trapping them with the buggy update. This is contrasted with the practices of other manufacturers, like Apple, who often allow users to revert to older iOS versions if problems arise. The removal of older Pixel 4a firmware is viewed as a significant misstep by Google, limiting user options and exacerbating the battery issue.
Several commenters express broader concerns about the decreasing quality and support of Pixel phones. They perceive a trend of declining software quality and customer service, leading to disillusionment with the Pixel brand. Some mention considering switching to other Android manufacturers or even to iPhones due to these perceived shortcomings.
The overall sentiment in the comments section is one of negativity towards Google's handling of the Pixel 4a battery issue. Users express frustration with the lack of communication, the absence of a solution, and the inability to downgrade to older firmware. This experience appears to be eroding confidence in the Pixel brand for some users.