TL;DR
Google has released Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 for eligible Pixel phones, distributing two build variants depending on model. The update targets stability, performance and usability issues including crashes, battery drain, charging and connectivity problems.
What happened
Google pushed Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 to enrolled Pixel devices, issuing two build variants: CP11.251209.007 for Pixel 6 and 7 series phones, and CP11.251209.007.A1 for other supported Pixel models. The release focuses on a broad set of bug fixes intended to improve system stability, app responsiveness and battery behavior. Notable corrections cited by Google include an unresponsive app drawer during scrolling, excessive overnight battery drain, a charging limit not being respected, slow Wi-Fi speeds, and graphical glitches in the notification shade and PiP/full-screen modes. The update also addresses issues with Android Auto logging screen time, crashes when opening certain settings or Intune-managed Microsoft apps, audio routing delays when switching to speakerphone, screen flicker on wake from Always-On Display, and inconsistent wireless and wired charging. Users must be enrolled in the beta to install the build and are advised to back up important data; exiting the beta is possible but may risk data loss.
Why it matters
- Stability fixes should reduce app crashes and system freezes that affect daily use.
- Battery optimizations and charging bug fixes can improve overnight drain and charging behavior.
- Connectivity fixes aim to restore reliable Wi-Fi speeds and more dependable call connections.
- UI and rendering improvements address visual glitches and interaction delays in key areas like the app drawer and notification shade.
Key facts
- Two build versions are rolling out: CP11.251209.007 for Pixel 6/7 series and CP11.251209.007.A1 for other supported Pixels.
- Google summarizes the update as addressing stability, performance and usability issues.
- Fixed items listed include app drawer responsiveness, Android Auto screen-time logging, notification shade rendering, and overnight battery drain.
- Charging problems fixed include respecting set charging limits and improving wireless and wired charging consistency.
- Connectivity fixes target slow Wi-Fi and more reliable audio routing and call connections.
- Specific crashes addressed include accessing radio information settings and certain Intune-managed Microsoft apps crashing on startup.
- Google showcased a selection of the top changes on Reddit and provides a fuller changelog for the release.
- Installing the update requires beta enrollment and backing up important information; leaving the beta may result in data loss.
What to watch next
- Whether the fixes hold up for broader beta testers and when a stable public rollout will follow (not confirmed in the source).
- User reports about battery and charging behavior after installing the beta.
- Device-by-device rollout timing and any model-specific issues during beta testing (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- QPR (Quarterly Platform Release): A scheduled Android release that provides feature updates, fixes and improvements between major Android versions.
- Beta: A pre-release software version made available to testers to find and report bugs before a general release.
- Android Auto: Google's in-car software platform that mirrors and adjusts smartphone apps for use on compatible vehicle displays.
- Always-On Display (AOD): A screen mode that shows limited information such as time or notifications while the device appears idle to save power.
- Picture-in-Picture (PiP): A multitasking display mode that allows a small app window to overlay other content so users can continue other tasks.
Reader FAQ
How do I get Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2?
You must enroll your compatible Pixel device in the Android beta program to download the update.
Which Pixel models get which build?
Pixel 6 and 7 series receive CP11.251209.007; other supported Pixel models receive CP11.251209.007.A1.
Does this update fix battery and charging problems?
Yes — the release lists fixes for overnight battery drain, charging limits not being respected, and inconsistent wireless and wired charging.
Can I leave the beta if I don’t like it?
Exiting the beta is possible, but the source warns you will most likely see some data loss.
Where can I see the full list of changes?
Google has published the changelog and highlighted top changes on Reddit; the full list is available from those sources.
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 takes a big leap forward By Timi Cantisano Published 34 minutes ago Timi is a news and deals writer who's been reporting on technology for…
Sources
- Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 takes a big leap forward
- Release notes
- Google's January patch rolls out huge GPU fixes for its …
- Google Pixel: Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 Now Available
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