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> deleted the battery life[0] Such a bizarre phenomenon to me that people are still griping about a software update that stops a 4-year-old battery from detona

> deleted the battery life[0] Such a bizarre phenomenon to me that people are still griping about a software update that stops a 4-year-old battery from detonating when the same company will also fix the phone for free or just hand you $50 if you prefer that.

broodbucket 2y ago
I don't have any idea what the situation is here and whether it's as black and white as you paint it, but regardless, surely something as significant as this should be presented to the user as an option rather than the manufacturer deciding for you that your phone that you own and paid for should now be unusable?
- deleted 2y ago
  [deleted]
gpm 2y ago
> or just hand you $50 if you prefer that. Not really just handing it to you https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/how-google-nerfed-my-pixel-4a-then-stuck-it-to-me-too/ https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/how-google-nerfed-my...
tgsovlerkhgsel 2y ago
The fixing offer is only valid in some locations, would require you to be without your phone for some time, and since Android still doesn't have anything that would be considered working backup and restore, I can't imagine many people being comfortable mailing their phone out for a replacement. The $50 "cash" offer came with so many downsides that just ignoring it would be the smarter choice for anyone who values their time (someone already provided a link).
mmmpetrichor 2y ago
They never ack'd the reason why they did it. My wife's phone was basically bricked, and the google offer for "free fix" was functionally worthless because the contracted companies wouldn't repair it. See many articles online (including ars technica editor who personally was screwed).
Teever 2y ago
I just bought a replacement battery from ifixit and replaced it myself as the original battery was worn out only to now suddenly have garbage battery life on a brand new battery for no good reason. I doubt that they'll give me any sort of money or do repairs on a phone that I opened up. It's frustrating as I thought I would be able to get several more years of life out of this phone.
Spunkie 2y ago
I was never even notified for my 4a and when I try to check it's eligibility it simply says my pixel 4a "is not eligible for a repair, cash payment, or discount." without any additional information. Does this mean my pixel 4a battery was unaffected for some reason... or simply that the lawyers managed to weasel out of paying 100% of active pixel 4a owners back and my phone is still dangerous or degraded? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
- kwk1 2y ago
  Yes, not all 4a's were affected. Of two of mine, one was eligible, but the other was not.

broodbucket 2y ago

I don't have any idea what the situation is here and whether it's as black and white as you paint it, but regardless, surely something as significant as this should be presented to the user as an option rather than the manufacturer deciding for you that your phone that you own and paid for should now be unusable?

deleted 2y ago
[deleted]

gpm 2y ago

> or just hand you $50 if you prefer that. Not really just handing it to you https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/how-google-nerfed-my-pixel-4a-then-stuck-it-to-me-too/ https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/how-google-nerfed-my...

tgsovlerkhgsel 2y ago

The fixing offer is only valid in some locations, would require you to be without your phone for some time, and since Android still doesn't have anything that would be considered working backup and restore, I can't imagine many people being comfortable mailing their phone out for a replacement. The $50 "cash" offer came with so many downsides that just ignoring it would be the smarter choice for anyone who values their time (someone already provided a link).

mmmpetrichor 2y ago

They never ack'd the reason why they did it. My wife's phone was basically bricked, and the google offer for "free fix" was functionally worthless because the contracted companies wouldn't repair it. See many articles online (including ars technica editor who personally was screwed).

Teever 2y ago

I just bought a replacement battery from ifixit and replaced it myself as the original battery was worn out only to now suddenly have garbage battery life on a brand new battery for no good reason. I doubt that they'll give me any sort of money or do repairs on a phone that I opened up. It's frustrating as I thought I would be able to get several more years of life out of this phone.

Spunkie 2y ago

I was never even notified for my 4a and when I try to check it's eligibility it simply says my pixel 4a "is not eligible for a repair, cash payment, or discount." without any additional information. Does this mean my pixel 4a battery was unaffected for some reason... or simply that the lawyers managed to weasel out of paying 100% of active pixel 4a owners back and my phone is still dangerous or degraded? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

kwk1 2y ago
Yes, not all 4a's were affected. Of two of mine, one was eligible, but the other was not.