Android 16 Beta Review: Subtle Tweaks or Missed Opportunity?

The latest Android 16 beta is now live, and while it’s running on our Pixel, the update doesn’t feel like a major leap forward. Instead of bringing revolutionary changes, it introduces a handful of minor improvements. It honestly feels more like a security patch with a few added perks. Still, let’s break down everything that’s new and noteworthy in this update.

Starting with the Easter egg, it now includes an “autopilot” option that leads to a new feature—live activities, similar to what iOS already offers. For example, if you’re ordering food from apps like Zomato or Swiggy or calling an Uber, you’ll see the estimated arrival time right on your screen. These indicators can also be color-coded: red for Zomato, orange for Swiggy, and black for Uber. As more apps adopt this, it should become genuinely helpful.

A thoughtful new feature addresses the annoyance of back-to-back notifications. Instead of blaring each alert at full volume, Android 16 automatically lowers the notification sound if messages come in quick succession. It’s especially useful when someone is sending a batch of photos or messages at once.

Android users now also get a native battery health section. It includes your phone’s battery status and an option to optimize charging. This feature, which was previously available in select custom OS versions like OxygenOS, is now built into Android and will work across all supported devices.

Do Not Disturb mode has seen a significant upgrade. You can now customize DND profiles with different icons, schedules, app-specific notifications, and even display settings. For example, you can create a reading mode that turns your screen grayscale and silences all alerts, or a gym mode tailored to your routine. If it reminds you of iOS Focus Modes, that’s no coincidence.

A standout security feature blocks sideloading apps while you’re on a call. This helps protect users from scams where someone might ask you to stay on a call and install a shady third-party app. Android 16 will now block that installation and restrict accessibility permissions, making it harder for malicious software to gain control.

Visually, the update makes small tweaks. Predictive animations are now supported even when using the three-button navigation layout. Wi-Fi sharing QR codes have new animations. The recent apps menu gives more options when long-pressing an app. There’s also an outline text option that adds a background behind text, improving readability. In the Bluetooth menu, you’ll now see battery rings for connected devices—a small but useful visual cue.

The privacy dashboard now shows up to 7 days of data instead of just 24 hours, helping you better track which apps accessed your information. Screenshots are getting an upgrade too—you can now take HDR screenshots, a feature even iOS doesn’t currently support.

Some features aren’t here yet but are expected in the stable release. One of the most anticipated is the ability to pull down notifications by swiping from the left and quick settings from the right—already available in some skins like One UI and Oxygen OS.

Another removed feature that users hope returns is Bluetooth audio sharing, allowing sound from your phone to play on multiple Bluetooth devices at once.

For power users and developers, Android 16 may allow native Linux command support—useful for those working on advanced projects. There’s also talk of a native desktop mode, similar to Samsung DeX or Moto Smart Connect, which would let users experience a desktop-like environment from their phone.

And finally, Android 16 might bring back lock screen widgets. You’ll be able to add multiple interactive widgets across several pages right from your lock screen—a nod to older Android versions with a modern twist.

The stable release might drop around May 20th, but as always, rollout timelines will depend on your device manufacturer. While Android 16 doesn’t bring earth-shattering innovation, it does offer a few thoughtful enhancements aimed at security, customization, and user convenience.

Still, for many users, this might feel like one of the least exciting Android updates in years. There’s no dramatic redesign or big performance leap—just small quality-of-life changes that most people may not even notice unless they go looking.

But hey, sometimes it’s the little things that count.