It has been a rough launch for the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, to say the least. The list of Google Pixel 2 problems has been growing with more and more complaints from users about Google’s newest flagship devices. Obviously with the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, Galaxy Note 8, and Galaxy S8 already on the market and the iPhone X coming early next month; there is no room for Google to stumbling out of the gate. Some issues are small and fixable while other Google Pixel 2 problems seem to be much more serious and may require warranty repairs or exchanges for affected users.
What Is Going On?
Where do we start? Check out any forum dedicated to smartphones, Pixel devices, or Android devices and you will see the complaints. The first widespread complaint had to do with screen tint and color reproduction on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. As far as Google Pixel 2 problems go, this was the most minor one. Users were reporting a blue-ish tint on their display and unnatural color reproduction. This was largely a software issue and Google released an update that allowed users more customization when it came to the appearance of images on their display. Google also mentioned that they would monitor feedback going forward and release further updates if needed. By all accounts, the Pixel 2 display tint issue was handled pretty well. Yes, it would be nice to have a display look perfect right out of the box but you can’t always please everyone. For what it’s worth, some people actually liked how the display looked with the original settings. To each their own.
Now… The issue with screen burn-in… That’s something that can’t be fixed with a software update.
Wait… Screen Burn-In?!
Yeah. As far as Google Pixel 2 problems go, this one is pretty major. Other than having batteries catch fire unexpectedly, there isn’t a worse issue for users to have to deal with than OLED screen burn-in. Keep in mind, these devices are only weeks old. Screen burn-in is unavoidable with OLED displays but you should get years and years of use before you begin to notice serious burn-in.
Of course, Google is investigating the issue before they say any more but the public image of the Pixel 2 XL has been very negatively affected. Online you can see reports of users cancelling their pre-orders and returning their devices so that they can wait and see how this issue plays out. Google has provided good support in the past but most people, understandably, would rather not have to go through an RMA process with their brand new flagship smartphone if they can avoid it.
It should be noted that the screen burn-in issue seems to only affect the Pixel 2 XL devices. These panels were made by LG while the Pixel 2 displays were made by Samsung which has a sterling reputation as far as OLED display quality goes. That’s likely why Apple tapped them to build the OLED display for the iPhone X.
Is That It?
As far as widespread issues go, that seems to be it. The Google Pixel 2 problems seem to start and end with the display. However, that has not stopped some users from reporting smaller issues that gain traction online. For example, one Reddit user posted an image of their Google Pixel 2 that featured a blue sticker indicating the device had failed quality assurance testing at the factory. Of course, all smartphones will have some issues happen – no device has ever launched with 0 faulty units. However, these silly mistakes like sending out devices that failed QA testing do not help when Google is also dealing with widespread issues like complaints about the display.
Should I Buy A Pixel 2?
With all of these Google Pixel 2 problems being reported I wouldn’t blame you if you held off on picking one up. There are some good deals to be had on competing devices like the Galaxy Note 8 which may sway your decision with the negative news about the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. With that said, if you have your heart set on one of Google’s newest flagship devices then you can probably still buy with confidence. In reality, one of the main complaints is fixable with a software update. The other complaint about burn-in cannot be fixed with an update but, if you are affected, Google will more than likely replace your unit within the warranty time frame. The third option is to simply wait and see what happens with this whole situation. Perhaps the next batch of Pixel 2 XL devices will be shipped with a more reliable display and the issue will be largely resolved for future buyers. I don’t claim to hold a crystal ball so all I can do is speculate.
What do you think about these reported Google Pixel 2 problems? Does it change the likelihood you might buy one in the near future or are you still a Pixel 2 fanboy inside and out?
