Google is rolling out a surprise second update for December 2025 to select Pixel devices. This minor patch specifically targets some of the more frustrating bugs that appeared after the initial Android 16 QPR2 release earlier this month. While the update is small at about 25MB, it carries significant fixes for users struggling with power efficiency and screen responsiveness. For now, the rollout seems focused on Verizon variants of the Pixel 8, 9, and 10 series.
This quick turnaround is a breath of fresh air for those who noticed their phones acting up after the last big software jump. It is not unusual for large OS updates to have a few loose ends, but Google’s speed in pushing this out shows they are listening to the community. You can find more details on how Google tightens up Pixel performance with these specific software pivots. Currently, the update isn’t appearing on the standard Google factory image pages, so you might need to check your system settings manually if you are on a supported carrier.
Solving the Battery and Touch Gremlins
The primary headache for many Pixel 10 owners was a noticeable dip in endurance. After the early December build, several users reported that their batteries were draining much faster than usual, even with light use. Verizon’s official notes confirm that this new build, identified as BP4A.251205.006.E1, is designed to curb that “faster than expected” drain. If you have been reaching for your charger by mid-afternoon, this patch should help your screen-on time return to the reliable levels you expect from a modern flagship.
Beyond battery life, the update tackles “touch unresponsiveness” that plagued the Pixel 10. Imagine trying to swipe through your gallery or tap a link only for the phone to ignore you. These intermittent touch failures are frustrating, especially on high-end hardware with smooth 120Hz displays. This fix follows a broader effort by Google to refine how their screens handle input, ensuring that battery and touch bugs don’t get in the way of a premium experience. Once installed, gestures and typing should feel fluid and consistent again.
Refining the Android 16 Experience
There are also reports that this update fixes an odd bug involving offline content. Some users who upgraded directly from Android 14 to Android 16 found they couldn’t access locally cached files or offline media. It is a niche issue, but a critical one if you rely on your phone for entertainment during flights or in areas with poor signal. While there isn’t a massive public changelog beyond what the carriers have shared, it is likely that other stability tweaks are bundled into this 25MB package.
It is interesting to see how Google is managing the Pixel 10 launch cycle. Just as recent headlines were celebrating the Pixel battery and touch fixes as the final piece of the performance puzzle, this secondary patch arrived to smooth out the remaining rough edges. It serves as a reminder that today’s smartphones are living products that often require a few weeks of real-world use to reach their full potential. For those looking at the long term, Google’s commitment to rapid-fire updates is a good sign for the longevity of these devices.
