Android 16 beta 2.1 was meant to fix battery issues, but users say it made their phones drain even faster

Google’s latest Android 16 beta update is causing havoc among Pixel users, with reports of severe battery drain forcing some to recharge their phones twice daily. The beta 2.1 update, released on 27 February, was supposed to fix battery issues from beta 2.0, but instead, it appears to have made the problem even worse.

Frustrated users have taken to Reddit, detailing how their battery life has plummeted since installing the update. One user claimed that after just 1 hour and 32 minutes of screen time, their battery had already dropped to 63%, making it impossible to use their phone for extended periods.

The problem appears to be widespread across all eligible Pixel devices. Many users report that their phones now struggle to last a full day, with power draining rapidly even on minimal usage. Ironically, the update was intended to resolve similar battery issues that first appeared in beta 2.0, yet the situation has only deteriorated.

Not everyone, however, is experiencing the same problem. A small number of users claim the update has actually improved their battery life, with one person stating that their phone remained at 57% after more than five hours of screen time. This inconsistency suggests the issue may not affect all devices equally.

As with any beta software, bugs are expected, but this latest setback raises concerns about Google’s testing process. With Android 16 still in development, users can only hope the next update finally delivers the battery optimisation they were promised.

Despite the battery issues, Google has yet to release an official statement addressing the problem. However, some users have attempted to troubleshoot the issue by disabling background apps and resetting system settings, but these solutions have yielded mixed results.

Interestingly, some developers speculate that the battery drain might be linked to increased background activity from the new adaptive performance features introduced in beta 2.1. If true, this would mean Google needs to fine-tune the resource management algorithms before the final release.

With Android 16’s official release expected later this year, Pixel users are hoping Google will prioritise battery life fixes in future updates. Until then, many are left deciding whether to revert to a previous version or endure the poor battery performance.