Google recently released Android 16, bringing new features and design updates. However, some settings may not align with your preferences or usage habits.
One setting that caught my attention is the flashy UI animations in Material You 3. While the goal was to make the interface feel more energetic, many users find it distracting and detrimental to performance. To turn off these animations, go to Settings > Accessibility > Color and motion and toggle Remove animations.
Another issue I found with Android 16 is Gemini Live’s continuous conversation mode. This feature can be invasive and drain battery life. If you want to deactivate Gemini, open the app and tap your profile picture in the upper-right corner. Then, go to Settings > Digital assistants from Google and choose Google Assistant as your default assistant.
Additionally, I stopped Android from archiving my apps by default. While this feature is well-intentioned, it can create inconvenience for some users. To turn off automatic app archiving, open Settings > Apps and select the app you want to block from automatic archiving.
I also found Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning too aggressive for my needs. To preserve battery life and protect your privacy, toggle off Wi-Fi scanning and Bluetooth scanning in Settings > Location > Location services.
Furthermore, I turned off Adaptive Brightness due to its unpredictable behavior. If you prefer a more consistent experience, use the manual slider instead. To turn off Adaptive Brightness, open Settings > Display > Adaptive Brightness and toggle it off.
Lastly, I deactivated Adaptive Connectivity’s network switching feature, which can cause dropped connections. To turn it off, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Adaptive Connectivity and disable the switch.
While these features may work for others, they didn’t fit my usage habits. By turning them off, I was able to enjoy a faster, more private, and more predictable phone experience with minimal downsides.
Source: https://www.androidpolice.com/android-16-features-to-avoid