I don’t care how much cheaper the Pixel 10a is, I’m still not buying it

2025 revealed that Google has a serious problem with long-term battery reliability. The year started with Google quietly rolling out a ‘Battery Performance Program’ update for some Pixel 4a models, while offering a free battery replacement. What Google forgot to mention was that the update dramatically reduced battery life and these models were at risk of overheating the batteries. The Pixel 4a was recalled by the Australian consumer watchdog a few months later, followed by the British watchdog at the end of 2025. That’s not the worst of it.

Some Google Pixel 6a phones literally caught fire, with the first incident reported in late 2024. All told, at least five pieces of equipment went up in flames. Google is said to be bringing the same battery-nerving update to the affected Pixel 6a models while offering a free battery replacement. Unsurprisingly, Australia has issued a safety notice for this phone.

Guess what? Google later acknowledged that the Pixel 7a had a battery swelling problem. The company offered a free battery replacement or financial compensation depending on your region. At least it clearly confirmed that the phone had a battery problem.

The way Google is handling its latest phones also makes me think. The Pixel 9a (and Pixel 10 series) has a so-called Battery Health Assistance feature that can’t be turned off, despite this functionality being optional on most older models. This feature will limit the battery life and charging speed of your phone over time, in addition to normal battery degradation of the device. Even if these new Pixel phones don’t actually have battery issues, making this feature mandatory isn’t great.

So I guess I can be forgiven for not buying a mid-range Pixel phone when so many older models end up suffering from serious battery failure. Additionally, it’s too early to tell if Google has addressed this issue on the Pixel 9a, as these issues only come to light as the battery ages.

Needless to say, even if the Pixel 10a costs $450, $400, or even $350, I won’t buy the phone or recommend it to anyone because I don’t trust the company to have addressed its persistent battery issues. However, do you know how the company was able to gradually win me over? By being much more transparent about these problems, offering longer warranties for battery defects and finally solving these problems in the first place.

The Galaxy Note 7 fiasco may have been a bigger disaster, but Samsung actually was held a press conference to announce why his phones caught fire while sharing an in-depth report on the matter. Google should really be taking notes, but admitting mistakes on such a large scale wouldn’t be good for shareholders, right?