Review of Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 on Pixel 9 Pro XL

New Features, Improvements, and Fixes
Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 has arrived, bringing a wave of updates to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. This release aims to refine the user experience, fix bugs, and introduce subtle visual tweaks. Whether you’re testing the latest beta or just curious about what’s new, this review will cover everything from UI changes to performance. Let’s explore what Google has cooked up in this latest build.

Overview of Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 Release
Google rolled out Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 as part of its ongoing beta program. The update emphasizes stability and usability, especially after the earlier beta versions had some bugs. This version focuses on fixing issues, polishing visuals, and bringing small but meaningful improvements. It’s a sign that Google wants to make Android more reliable before the official release.

Visual and User Interface Enhancements
Lock Screen Improvements
On the lock screen, you’ll see a more streamlined look. The notification pill now sports a solid color background, creating a cleaner appearance. If you use the compact notification view, weather icons have returned in the same 3D style seen in the stable version. The At-A-Glance widget also gets a font boost—making info easier to read at a glance.

Home Screen Updates
The home screen got a nice boost in animation. Previously, widgets would expand to fill the screen before opening the app. In Beta 3, it switches back to the smoother animation seen in the stable Android 16. Plus, reordering your apps and widgets now shows a preview of the next home page. It’s a small feature but really helpful for navigation.

Quick Settings and Media Controls
A tiny tweak in the quick settings is noticeable: the media output switcher has shifted the device icon from the left to the right. While this seems minor, it streamlines media controls and makes switching easier during media playback.

System-wide Visual Redesign
Google has reintroduced the Material 3 expressive style in some parts of the system. You’ll find this redesign in NFC settings, contactless payments, and the permissions pages. However, the security and privacy section reverted to the stable version’s look, skipping the latest Material 3 refresh. It’s clear Google still fine-tunes these visual touches.

Settings and Customization Enhancements
App-Wide Changes
The interface between categories now has less space. That means more info on your screen without scrolling. Also, floating cards—used for different settings—have adopted a shiny new look, blending smoothly with the overall theme.

Connectivity and Device Management
The cross device services menu was moved under connection preferences. Previously, you’d need to dig through your profile to find it. Now, it’s more accessible, making settings like Nearby Share and device syncing easier to manage.

NFC and Contactless Payments
The contactless payment page got a fresh Material 3 design. It looks more modern and consistent with other menus, giving the system a more unified feel.

Sound & Vibration
You’ll notice the icons next to sliders are better aligned. The labels for default sounds, like ringtones and notifications, have been renamed to improve clarity—”Ringtone Alert” and “Notification Alert” now make more sense.

Display and Touch
The auto-rotate setting looks different. An arrow indicates there are more options beneath the toggle, which is now available as a quick setting for easier access. For Pixel 9 models, the backup menu also got a fresh Material 3 redesign, making it more intuitive to use.

Battery and Power Management
Battery health info is back for supported devices, showing real capacity numbers. This makes it easier to track your battery’s condition and plan replacements or maintenance.

Backup and System Settings
The backup section received a full makeover. Instead of many detailed options, it now offers a simple view with a big backup button. It displays only photos, videos, and other data, making it clearer what’s being saved. You can also toggle backups over mobile data or clean up your storage straight from this menu.

Security & Privacy
The main security page returned to a familiar look without the Material 3 style, but the privacy dashboard has the new design. Account management got a slight upgrade, with a more straightforward way to pick and edit your Google account details.

Accessibility
A new feature lets you magnify your keyboard while typing. Activate it, and your keyboard will zoom in for easier reading. It’s a small addition but a big help for accessibility.

Wallpaper and Customization Features
Want to personalize your device? Wallpapers used in this video and many previous ones are now available in the Wallpapers app by In-Depth Tech Reviews. You can even download them locally and apply Android 16 effects to any wallpaper. It’s a fun way to make your device look fresh and consistent with the latest Android visuals.

Bug Fixes and Stability Improvements
Beta 3 addresses several issues from earlier builds. It fixes the task list corruption causing unexpected restarts, notification rendering glitches, and problems with the media player in notifications. The home screen icons no longer disappear randomly, and the camera now works at startup without black screens. Other bugs like status bar icon glitches and notification shade bugs were also ironed out. These improvements make the system feel more polished and ready for daily use.

Performance and Battery Life
Geekbench Scores
In performance tests, I scored 4538 in multi-core and 1920 in single-core. These scores are similar to Beta 2.1 but with slight improvements, indicating that Google is steadily fine-tuning performance.

Battery Usage
During a test—using the phone for 2 hours and 16 minutes with Wi-Fi and 40% brightness—I lost 18% of the battery. That’s a healthy rate, suitable for daily use. The phone easily handled typical tasks without draining too fast, making it a reliable daily driver.

Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 is a solid update, bringing subtle visual refinements and crucial bug fixes. The system feels more stable, and the user interface is a bit more polished. These improvements are promising for the final release, especially for those testing the beta.
It’s clear that Google is putting effort into making Android more user-friendly and reliable before launching the official version. If you’re running Beta 3, explore the new features and give feedback. For everyone else, keep an eye out for upcoming updates to enjoy a smoother Android experience.

Unlock More with Wallpapers
If you love the stylish wallpapers shown here, they’re available in the Wallpapers app by In-Depth Tech Reviews. Download and personalize your device to match the Android 16 aesthetic—making your home screen look stunning.

Stay tuned for more updates on Android beta programs, tips, and tricks. Keep your device updated, and don’t hesitate to test these new features. Your feedback helps shape future Android releases.