Android 16 January Update Enhances Pixel 10 Performance and Battery Life
Google has commenced the rollout of the January 2026 security patch for Android 16 QPR2, targeting a range of Pixel devices, including the Pixel 7a, Tablet, Fold, 8 series, 9 series, and the latest Pixel 10 series. This update introduces several critical improvements aimed at enhancing device performance and user experience.
Key Enhancements:
1. Display & Graphics Improvements for Pixel 10 Series:
– GPU Performance Optimization: The update brings general enhancements to GPU performance under specific conditions, ensuring smoother graphics rendering and an improved gaming experience.
– Adobe Lightroom HDR Photo Editing Fix: Users editing HDR photos in Adobe Lightroom will notice the elimination of noisy lines that previously flashed on the screen, providing a more seamless editing process.
– Always-On Display (AOD) Flickering Resolution: An issue causing the AOD to flicker under certain conditions has been addressed, offering a more stable display experience.
2. Battery & Charging Enhancements:
– Battery Drain Fix: For Pixel 8 and newer models, the update resolves issues related to battery draining under specific conditions, thereby extending battery life and enhancing device reliability.
3. Audio Improvements:
– Webex Call Audio Fix: A fix has been implemented for noisy ringback tones experienced during Webex calls under certain conditions, ensuring clearer audio during communications.
Security Update:
The January 2026 patch addresses a critical security issue dated 2026-01-05, reinforcing device security across all updated models.
Build Numbers:
The update is identified by the build number BP4A.260105.004.E1 for most devices, with regional variations as follows:
– Global:
– Pixel 7a, Tablet, Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold: BP4A.260105.004.E1
– EMEA:
– Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold: BP4A.260105.004.A2
– Japan:
– Pixel 9a, 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold: BP4A.260105.004.C2
– Verizon:
– Pixel 9a: BP4A.260105.004.B2
Device-Specific Fixes:
The update includes targeted fixes for various Pixel models:
– Pixel 7a, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, Fold, Tablet, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold:
– Resolution of noisy ringback tones during Webex calls under certain conditions.
– Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a, Fold, Tablet, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold:
– Fixes for battery draining issues under specific conditions.
– Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold:
– General GPU performance improvements.
– Fixes for noisy lines during HDR photo editing in Adobe Lightroom.
– Resolution of AOD flickering issues.
Update Availability:
The update is being rolled out in phases and will be available to all eligible devices over the coming days. Users are encouraged to check for the update by navigating to Settings > System > System update.
Conclusion:
This January 2026 update underscores Google’s commitment to enhancing the Pixel user experience through targeted performance improvements, critical bug fixes, and essential security updates.
