Google has recently released the Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 update for eligible devices. Users welcomed this firmware eagerly, looking for early access to upcoming enhancements and features. However, it appears to be causing substantial issues for an increasing number of users, particularly a camera focus bug affecting Google Pixel phones after the update was installed.
While beta software often comes with imperfections, this particular bug is disruptive for mobile photographers. It results in physical vibrations and blurry images, making it difficult to take clear photos.
Reports indicate that the glitch targets high-resolution photography. While the standard 12MP mode generally functions well, issues arise in 50MP mode, causing the camera system to misbehave.
Users affected by these focus problems describe a “fluttering” or “wobbling” effect. The phone often vibrates as the lens fails to focus on a subject. This leads to a blurry, distorted image, even with manual focus attempts. The software struggles to stabilize the image at full resolution, regardless of whether the main sensor or the wide-angle lens is being used.
This problem is not related to a hardware failure, so there is no need to seek repairs. It is considered software-related, starting with the installation of build CP11.251114.006. Some users speculate that the issue may stem from the camera’s Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL). The new beta code might be sending conflicting instructions to the camera hardware for processing 50MP data, which could explain why lower-resolution shots are largely unaffected.
Currently, there is no permanent fix for the Android 16 QPR3 Beta camera bug on Pixel phones. Attempts to clear the camera app cache or revert app updates have not resolved the focus instability, as the flaw is part of the operating system.
Temporary solutions include using only the 12MP mode and avoiding macro focus settings or manual focus taps during the wobble. Restarting the camera app may provide brief relief.
Google has acknowledged several reports of this issue and has assigned them for investigation. A patch is expected in a future 1.x minor update. In the meantime, those who depend on their Pixel for high-quality photography may want to avoid this particular beta version.
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