Android batteries, not sure if there is any substance to this news clip?

[ajlelectronics]

But if you own a Google Pixel 6a, you might want to consider upgrading to a different model.

Several Pixel 6a devices have exploded - with at least five reports to date, according to Android Authority.

Four of these explosions happened earlier this year, prompting Google to release a mandatory update this month.

While the update was supposed to prevent battery heating issues, it seems it may have had the reverse effect.

Taking to Reddit this week, one user revealed that their Pixel 6a 'caught fire right next to me on the nightstand' after they installed the update.

The shocked user, footymanageraddict, posted photos of the damage, describing it as a 'terrible experience all around.'

'I was lucky that the battery side was away from me and not facing towards me,' they added.

 

[gaz1]

its true they then throttle the phone which then kills your battery

new owners should be able to get a recall of the said device or even a replacement phone as the device is unfit for use or safety

really the phone should be on a full recall and return to company as its classified as dangerous or in a dangerous state in its present form

 

[MoreWellie]

I do have the latest update installed but all that does is set the charging limits to a lower point once you have passed more than 400 (i think) charge cycles and I had already set the 80% charge limit manually.
80% is a bit of a pain as you have to charge more often
Given the number of 6a devices in circulation I imagine these 4 make a fairly low percentage chance of it happening to any given phone or there would be mass recall
I also haven't seen any reference to the particular chargers that were being used or the environment where they were being charged. Ambient temperature and direct sunlight could also have an affect

As I understand it, not all 6a devices suffer from this affliction, unfortunately for me, mine is one of those that does and google have informed me offered some money back or more money off a new device

There are very few modern devices that are immune to issues although self combusting is perhaps more serious than others

 

[dobbslc]

I stamped on mine as it was really pizzing me off.
It's been sitting in a metal bucket full of water for a couple of months.
I wonder if I could get a refund?

 

[MetalMonkey]

Interestingly a similar update was rolled out for the Pixel 4a at the start of the year – essentially crippling the phone and reducing the battery capacity to around 30% and disabling fast charging.

It seems to effect only certain battery versions over so many cycles and there were various work arounds but Google have essentially bypassed them all and now force the update no matter what.

I replaced the stock rom on mine which restored battery functionality to slightly better than the pre nerfed official version.
Google have been tight lipped about the reasons, but it subsequently has been linked to an Australian recall notice, which implies battery overheating.

https://www.productsafety.gov.au/search-consumer-product-recalls/google-pixel-4a-smartphone

One can’t help but wonder if there is some systemic issue with the way they are handling batteries in these devices.
I personally always slow charge whenever possible, which I suspect is part of the reason why my battery has lasted this long.

The trade in/repair options offered for the 4a are useless as well, my next phone won't be a Pixel.
Shame as there was nothing much else in that form factor.

 

[pint]

crikey, nearly bought a pixel.

 

[dobbslc]

You can buy mine.
£150 plus post should cover it...

 

[striker]

My wife and I are booked in to get new batteries fitted to our 6a's on Tuesday, courtesy of Google.

 

[Dapph2]

Hmm reading this and remembering recent history this makes me wonder if you can take over a group of phones remotely & modify the programmes to make them explode on one single group command signal .