The Sony Xperia Z devices running Android 4.4.2 KitKat have been reported with severe battery drain caused by the current Google Play Services. Sony Mobile has posted suggestions on how to work around the problem as they wait for Google to release a new version for their services.

Android 4.4.2 KitKat Battery Issues

Users have reported that the Android 4.4.2 KitKat with build version 10.5.A.0.230 suffers severe battery drain as reply to XperiaBlog's feedback post about the new firmware. Apparently, the main problem is caused by Google Play Services and Sony Mobile acknowledged the issue.

"We have investigated the issue with Google Play Services using a lot of battery and we have identified that the root cause of this is related to the latest version of Google Play Services (4.4.52)," statement from Sony Mobile.

Sony Mobile is waiting till Google releases a new version of the Play Services to create a permanent fix on the problem which leaves the company to suggest workarounds for affected devices.

Android 4.4.2 KitKat firmware with build version 10.5.A.0.230 on Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR and Xperia Tablet Z are vulnerable to the severe battery drain if these devices have the Google Play Services version 4.4.52.

Sony Mobile Workarounds

Sony Mobile support offered suggestions to temporarily resolve the problem until Google releases a new version for their services. Users should choose among the following workarounds to determine which one works best for the device.

1. Uninstall the latest updates of the Google Play Services. It will limit certain use of apps from Google such as YouTube.

2. Go to Settings > Google Account > Ads > Tick the box for "Opt out of interest-based ads.

3. Disable the backup of data for Google Account. Go to Settings > Backup and reset (Personal) > Uncheck the box for "Backup my data."

4. In case the uninstallation of updates for the Google Play Services is restricted on your Xperia smartphone or tablet, go to Settings > Security > Device administrators > Disable "Android Device Manager."

5. Turn off the automatic updates as well inside the Google Play Store settings menu to prevent Google Play Services on updating automatically.

Severe battery drain is not the only known issue found on the Android 4.4.2 KitKat for Xperia Z devices. Some reports include slow performance, reboot issues and sudden overheating without precise reason.