Some Google Pixel users are running into serious battery drain problems after installing the Android 16 Beta 2.1 update. Google rolled out this update on February 27, aiming to squash bugs from the earlier beta, including battery life issues. Instead, it looks like the update has backfired for some, making their battery problems even worse.
Reports are popping up on Reddit from users with different Pixel models, like the Pixel 6, 7, 8, and 9. Many say their batteries are draining much faster than before. One user mentioned having to charge their phone three times in one day because the drain was so bad. Another said their device shut off unexpectedly at 50% battery, only to show a much lower percentage when they turned it back on. This hints that the issue might not just be about power use. It could also involve the phone misreading the battery level.
Not everyone is having a rough time, though. Some users are actually seeing better battery life with this update. One person reported getting 6.5 hours of screen-on time with 20% battery still left, which is a big win for them. Another shared they had 5 hours and 20 minutes of screen-on time with 57% remaining. There’s even a report of a beta Play Services update fixing the drain for one user, suggesting the problem might tie into specific software parts.
I gave the update a try on my own Pixel device. In my testing, I didn’t notice any major issues with battery life. It felt about the same as before, with no sudden shutdowns or fast draining.
Since this is beta software, bugs are part of the deal. The whole point of these early releases is to find and fix problems like this before the final version drops. Google is probably already working on solutions. If you’re hitting these issues, it’s a good idea to send feedback through the official channels. That helps the team figure out what’s going wrong.
For anyone thinking about jumping into the beta, keep in mind the risks. Battery drain and other glitches could pop up. If you need your phone for important stuff, you might want to hold off for the stable release.
Dwayne Cubbins
733 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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