Google is moving quickly to patch some nagging issues that popped up following the recent Android 16 QPR2 release. A second December update is quietly making its way to certain Pixel devices, specifically focusing on significant battery drain and touch response problems. This small 25MB patch currently appears to be hitting Verizon variants of the Pixel 8, Pixel 9, and the newest flagship models first.
The targeted nature of this release suggests Google wanted to stomp out high impact bugs that managed to slip through the initial monthly rollout. While factory images aren’t live for everyone just yet, the build number BP4A.251205.006.E1 is the one to look for if you have been noticing your phone acting a bit strange lately.
What issues are being fixed?
The most frustrating bug reported by the community was a sharp decline in battery life. Many users, particularly those on the latest hardware, found their devices reaching for the charger much earlier than usual after the early December update. Verizon’s official notes confirm that this new software specifically targets faster than expected battery drain, aiming to bring screen on time back to the reliable levels Pixel users expect.
On top of the power management tweaks, this update addresses a specific hardware headache for the newest models. Some users reported that taps and swipes simply wouldn’t register, making basic navigation feel like a chore. This fix for intermittent touch failures should make scrolling, typing, and gestures feel fluid and responsive again. It is a welcome change, especially since the community has been vocal about wanting their old simpler phones back when software bugs become too frequent.
Under the hood improvements
The patch notes also mention a fix for a niche but annoying issue involving locally cached or offline content. This primarily affected users who made the jump directly from Android 14 to the Android 16 QPR2 build, causing some apps to struggle with data they had already saved locally.
While there isn’t a massive public changelog beyond what carriers have shared, it is likely that other minor stability improvements are included in the 25MB package. This rapid response from Google shows a commitment to keeping their hardware at peak performance, even if the initial software releases sometimes require a little extra polish. For those looking for long term reliability, Google’s extended support window remains one of the best reasons to stick with the brand.
