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Google Pixel class action lawsuit overview:
- Who: Steve Nichols filed a class action lawsuit against Google LLC.
- Why: Nichols claims Google advertised that its older model Pixel 4a, Pixel 5, and Pixel 5a cell phones would be able to access 5G broadband networks but has since implemented software that removed the phones’ ability to access it.
- Where: The class action lawsuit was in Colorado federal court.
- What are my options: OnePlus offers consumer electronics alternatives to Google.
Google removed the ability of its Pixel 4a, Pixel 5, and Pixel 5a cell phones to access 5G broadband networks, a new class action lawsuit alleges.
Plaintiff Steve Nichols claims Google recently implemented a software that removed the older Pixel phones’ ability to access 5G networks, despite originally advertising that they would be able to.
Nichols argues Google is employing what is known as “planned obsolescence” by eliminating the ability to access 5G for the older Pixel models, while its newer Pixel phones remain able to do so.
“Some suggest that Google may have deliberately waited until after its efforts of encouraging users to upgrade to newer Pixel models, despite those users’ phones working without issues,” the Google class action states.
Nichols wants to represent a Colorado class and multi-state consumer fraud class of individuals who have purchased a Google Pixel 4a, Pixel 5, or Pixel 5a cell phone during the statute of limitations.
Process to recover ability to access 5G network on impacted Pixel phone models is ‘complicated,’ says class action
Nichols claims that, while it is possible to restore access to 5G networks for the older Pixel phone models originally capable of it, the process to do so is “complicated and not capable of being implemented by the typical user.”
“This requires downgrading the firmware, unlocking the SIM card, and manipulating all sorts of internal software code,” the Google class action states.
Nichols claims Google is guilty of fraud, unjust enrichment, negligent misrepresentation, and breach of contract, and of violating the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, various state consumer fraud acts, and the Colorado Consumer Protection Act.
Plaintiff is demanding a jury trial and requesting declaratory and injunctive relief along with an award of monetary, statutory, and/or punitive damages for himself and all class members.
A separate class action lawsuit was filed against Google in February by a consumer arguing the company falsely advertised the charging capabilities of its Pixel 6 cell phone.
Have you purchased a Google Pixel 4a, Pixel 5, or Pixel 5a cell phone? Let us know in the comments!
The plaintiff is represented by Spencer Sheehan of Sheehan & Associates, P.C.
The Google Pixel class action lawsuit is Nichols, et al. v. Google LLC, Case No. 1:23-cv-01022, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado.
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26 thoughts onGoogle class action claims recent software removed some PIxel phones’ ability to access 5G
I have a 4a and right as the 8 is coming out it stopped recognizing the SIM card. The card is fine (tested in another device) looks like this happens frequently. Started to go wrong last week
Please add me
I have a 4a and right as the 8 is coming out it stopped recognizing the SIM card. The card is fine (tested in another device) looks like this happens frequently. Started to go wrong last week
I’m getting so screwed over by google. I’ve had every Pixel phone and been treated terribly by them. My most recent includes my 6a burning my face and them doing nothing about it. They have gotten me hacked before and even forced me to continue paying a phone bill knowing they were negligent in having forgotten to send my phone. I battled with them for a YEAR over this. How do I get on these suits???? For real!!
Pixel 5a has a serious known defect in the motherboard. My understanding is that they ran out of motherboards for repair. Should be interesting to see what happens. I’ve already sent back two phones. Phone just unexpectedly dies. Same issue twice. Received a message from Google that the repair has been delayed indefinitely.
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Ad me. I am a Google business customer
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please add me
Please add me to the class action lawsuit
Please add me to the class action lawsuit
I recently complemented a ProSe arbitration against Verizon Wireless over its having sold me a Google Pixel 4a 5G promising me that it was be able to perform as a 5G service where I live. They lied. I paid about $550 for the device just before the Pixel 5 was released, and I never once was able to reach 5G or 4G, nor event LTE until I cancelled my service when I paid off the device, switched it to Consumer Cellular (AT&T reseller) and have enjoyed 5G ever since with the Pixel 4a 5G, which I still use. So, I do believe that if Google Pixel corrupted the 5G service, it had to do so with Verizon Wireless colluding.conspiring (or whatever service the plaintiff in Colorado was using). This would be to boost sales of the newer models through the cellular service providers. In any event, my dispute focused on Verizon Wireless for selling a product that simply wouldn’t work anywhere close to the customer’s home.
I have the same problem with my phone