Google's March update to Android 16 QPR3: Pixel users report numerous bugs
Google's March update to Android 16 QPR3 is causing massive problems. Users report bootloops, frozen lock screens, and reduced battery life.
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In early March, Google released the larger update to Android 16 QPR3 as a “Pixel Drop.” In addition to new features like an enhanced Circle-to-Search, a dedicated music recognition app, and extended app icon theming, the manufacturer unfortunately forgot to fix various bugs before the release. Some users have been unable to use their devices for weeks now, while others have more “luck” and are only annoyed by bothersome bugs.
Bugs, Bugs, Bugs
Android 16 QPR3 has been available for Pixel users to install since early March. In early April, Google pushed a bugfix for the Pixel 6 and newer. However, the update only fixed some errors.
Furthermore, users continue to complain about numerous bugs that cannot be easily fixed, for example in Google's Issue Tracker but also on Reddit. The biggest problem: Devices of some users are stuck in a bootloop after installing the March update, making them unusable. Google's developers are working with the highest priority to fix this bug, but it may be that affected users have to send in their devices or take them to a repair service provider to save them.
Less dramatic but still annoying are other bugs: Users report that their devices “freeze” on the lock screen and in the Always-On Display and briefly do not respond to input.
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Shorter Runtime, Display Flicker
Other users also complain that their devices run for a shorter time than usual after the March update, meaning battery life is reduced. Some say they lose several hours of battery life. One user speculates that the update might contain a bug related to power management: the CPU might no longer switch to doze mode; this mode is responsible for throttling performance and background activities when idle.
Annoying but less dramatic is a display flicker that occurs with some users on the Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL. According to the support forum, the bug only occurs sporadically and is mainly observed in the upper screen area, especially with brighter screen backgrounds. A software update or reboot of the smartphone did not help. This bug also occurs at irregular intervals on a device in the editorial office.
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Google recently said that new features appear when they are ready. The company should take this statement to heart and only release updates when old or new bugs are fixed. This would be welcomed not only by users but surely also by the development teams, who would otherwise have to do rework.
(afl)
