Latest Android beta update has me looking at my Pixel 6 Pro in a new light

Most of you probably think that I’ve always owned an iPhone since the OG model was released in 2007. Yes, the first iPhone was my first smartphone, but after that, the vast majority of my phones have been Android models starting with the Motorola DROID which was released in late 2009. What a glorious time it was to be a smartphone enthusiast as manufacturers were putting out new models quickly.

One of my favorite phones of all time was manufactured by HTC

Still limited by the original Tensor application processor (AP), which is based on the Exynos 2100, the phone has been improved thanks to some changes in the UI made by Google in Android 16. One small example is when you delete notifications from the screen, you previously had to scroll down to see them and then scroll up to the end where a tiny button that said “Clear all” needed to be tapped to erase and clear the notifications. Because of the size and location of this button, this was not such a simple task. After the latest beta update, the “Clear all” button has moved from the right corner to the middle of the screen. It also is much bigger making it much easier to tap.

More importantly, the performance of the device is better. Yes, there is no doubt that the original Tensor AP holds back the phone. But the scrolling is now a little smoother although I did encounter a couple of laggy moments. Overall, there is an improvement. Battery life is also improved although the phone will never last as long as you’d expect for a device sporting a 5000mAh capacity battery.

How to install the Android 16 QPR 1 beta 1 update

This will take you to a page with a small photo of the Pixel model you own. Underneath is a place to tap on “Opt-in to Android 16 QPR 1 beta 1.” Press on that link and soon you will get a software update with the new beta. Make sure to back up your phone before you install the update.