While digging through the code of the latest Android 16 QPR1 beta (the first major quarterly update to the system, expected at the end of the summer), Android Authority came across a worrying alert that will primarily affect Pixel 6a owners.
Things are heating up for the Pixel 6a
The warning message, present in the device settings, explains that "the battery has reached 375 charge cycles." And it's a big problem: "Due to a possible battery overheating issue, once the battery reaches 400 charge cycles, its capacity and charging performance will be reduced." Google, which has confirmed the information, then recommends replacing the battery.
This is a huge blow for Pixel 6a owners. For many of them, the device, released in 2022, is likely no longer under warranty if it was purchased the same year or even the following year. The performance degradation announced by Google means that the smartphone will only last a few hours before needing to be recharged. And even then: it's prudent to replace the battery immediately, to avoid any risk of swelling or, worse, fire.
Google is preparing the ground for affected users. A page (g.co/pixel/6abattery) doesn't yet lead anywhere, but it will provide advice and, more importantly, more information on the measures taken by the manufacturer to mitigate the risks. The company explains that it will notify affected users in July, "with all the information necessary to resolve this issue."
This is unfortunately not the first time that a Pixel has raised serious battery safety issues. The Pixel 4a received a one-off automatic update earlier this year that significantly reduced battery life... without saying why. It turned out that the component could cause fires or burn the user.
Google is offering those affected around fifty euros in compensation... or a discount of around one hundred euros on the purchase of a new Pixel. But we're not sure it's such a good deal after all.
Source: Android Authority
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