So pissed off with google. I’ve had google phones since my Nexus 4. I’m not a power user by any means and I’m now only on my 4th phone since then - a Pixel 4a. It’s perfect for me - nice and small so it fits in my pocket, headphone jack etc. and all day battery! For my usage pattern I never had to think about battery even on such an old phone - I’d just charge it on my nightstand each night and never give it a thought.
Since the recent update - it’s now 09:26 and I’m already down to 50%.
I know they say it’s for my safety, but I simply don’t believe them. I can’t afford a new phone now, don’t live anywhere where I can get the battery replaced reasonably and it’s out of stock where I’ve looked for a DIY replacement. I’m stuck with this.
Update - typing the paragraph above took me down to 48%
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FYI, GrapheneOS no longer supports the Pixel 4a. The oldest phone they support is the Pixel 6.
GrapheneOS basically matches Google’s support window, because they consider it critical to include firmware and driver security updates, which they cannot reverse-engineer. Once the hardware is out of support, GrapheneOS drops support as well. Security is their top priority, and they will generally remove something entirely if they cannot implement it securely, rather than ship it half-baked and potentially leave users with a false sense of security.
LineageOS has a different philosophy, and will continue to release new software with OS-level security patches beyond the hardware support window for as long as it is technically viable. This is obviously better than running outdated software on outdated hardware, just be aware that there is nothing the LineageOS folks can do about firmware/driver-level security vulnerabilities.
Both approaches are totally valid, and it’s great that we have the choice! Just wanted to explain that for anyone unfamiliar.
GrapheneOS basically matches Google’s support window
Oh, interesting. I was going to try Graphene once Google stop updating for my current hardware, but I guess it’ll be Lineage instead.
Been running LineageOS on mine for ages, it’s great.
I’m assuming Linage does not cripple the battery? I’m nervous about my banking apps… I have Linage on an old Sony Xperia - I should test them on that I guess.
Definitely. I’ve never had issues with any of mine–the only one that has ever been a problem is the Microsoft Authenticator app because the bootloader is unlocked (which is actually great for me, because I didn’t want to use my personal device as a work login thing anyways).
If your phone is that drastically affected you should qualify for a replacement.
https://www.androidauthority.com/pixel-4a-battery-replacements-3513574/
https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/15701861
You would have been emailed about this already as an owner of a Pixel 4a.
Yes, I do. I opted for the cash. I didn’t intend to - I was just clicking through the “find out if you’re eligible” links and found that by exploring the cash option, I had committed to it. It’s probably what I want anyway - this experience has put me off getting another pixel and I don’t have anywhere I can get it replaced nearby.
I think you’ll be quite disappointed by other manufacturers if this experience has put you off.
If you want to go extreme, I suggest lineage OS with no Google Apps because the Google Apps package actually takes quite a bit of battery and removing it entirely helps so damn much you would not even believe it.
Same boat, Pixel 4a, battery is useless since the update. I do qualify for a free replacement, but the closest authorized dealer is over an hour and a half away…
Is there a mail option?
There is, but this is kinda a work phone, or at least they pay the bill. So I can’t be without it for that long.
In the US, yes.
If you want to go extreme, I suggest lineage OS with no Google Apps because the Google Apps package actually takes quite a bit of battery and removing it entirely helps so damn much you would not even believe it.
