Android 16 QPR1: Breathing New Life into My Pixel 9 Pro
I'm generally cautious about beta software because, let's face it, they often come with a few snags. However, when Google unveiled the Android 16 QPR1 beta for older Pixel phones, my interest was piqued. I was curious about the new features that I'd experience. So, I installed Android 16 on my Pixel 9 Pro XL to see how close it could get to the experience of using a Pixel 10 Pro XL.
One of the best things that Android 16 QPR1 brings is the introduction of Google’s Material 3 Expressive design language. I'd already seen it on the Pixel 10 Pro, but now the Pixel 9 Pro got an upgrade! It’s full of both small and big improvements that simplify everything from navigation to personalization.
What I immediately noticed after the Android 16 QPR1 upgrade was how it changed the menus. The Settings app isn’t as monochrome anymore, adding a bit of color to different sections. It groups related options, like Display & touch and Wallpaper & style, along with Notifications, Sound & vibration, and Modes. I'm often using the Settings app, so I appreciate Google making it easier to use.
Within the updated Settings app, the revamped Wallpaper & style menu stands out as the best part of Android 16 QPR1. It includes new features such as Live effects, which I wasn't sure about at first. While repositioning the subject of your Live effect can be tricky, I appreciate the option to switch to a real-time view of local weather with effects for fog, snow, and rain.
Google has also made everything smaller with the Android 16 QPR1 update. The At a Glance widget used to take up too much space, but it's now smaller. So small, in fact, that you can fit another row of apps or widgets on your home screen without changing your default grid.
While I had my doubts about Google copying Android features on the Pixel 10 series, I’ve changed my mind about the My Pixel app. It’s the next stage of Pixel Tips and includes a tab for device support and the Google store, in addition to the tips that I find useful.
It would be great if Google could speed up the release of Live Updates so I can more easily monitor everything from Uber trips to Maps directions. While this isn’t just a Pixel 9 Pro issue, it affects me.
In short, while the Android 16 QPR1 beta makes my Pixel 9 Pro feel newer, it doesn’t magically add all of Google’s latest features to older models. While you can make your phone look the part, you’ll need to do a bit more to get features like the Pixel Journal.
While I’m still not sure about Google’s new on-device journal, I’m eager to try its Camera Coach and Magic Cue on older devices. These are the two features I’m most interested in. I want to use Camera Coach tips knowing that I don’t have 100x Pro Res Zoom, and I’m curious to see how it works on a dual-camera phone like the Pixel 9 or Pixel 9a.
I’m not optimistic about seeing Magic Cue on older Pixels anytime soon. Google says that this Pixel 10-exclusive feature uses the latest Gemini Nano model and the Tensor G5 chipset, which won’t be available on my Pixel 9 Pro. It’s disappointing because Magic Cue seems like it will be important for Pixel UI in the future.
Exclusive features are important; they're the main reason to upgrade when the Pixel 10 Pro is similar to the older model. If you want the newest features, they might be worth the cost. Otherwise, Android 16 QPR1 does a good job of making my Pixel 9 Pro XL feel new again.
Source: AndroidAuthority