Google launched the Pixel 3 handsets a couple of weeks ago, and as more users got their hands on this much-anticipated device, they reported a plethora of issues with them. One of the many issues which has been gaining more and more attention is the Pixel 3 XL’s multiple notch problem.
Here’s what users say about the Pixel 3 XL’s multiple notch problem
For now, not many users have reported the Pixel 3 XL’s multiple notch problem, so it does not appear to be widespread. However, those who have reported the Pixel 3 XL’s multiple notch problem have backed it up with proof. The first user to report the issue noticed a second notch on one of the sides.
“I unlocked my Pixel 3 XL as I normally do, and I noticed a weird notch on the right hand side of the screen. I have not done anything inside developer mode, besides changing the animations. I took a screenshot with the phone and it did not show on the screenshot. So I took a picture of the phone with my coworkers [sic] phone,” the user said, according to Piunikaweb.
According to the image shared by the affected user, his phone had three notches: one in the usual place, a second on one of the longer edges of the device, and a third inverted one below it. The user reported that the Pixel 3 XL’s multiple notch problem persisted even after locking and unlocking the phone several times. However, a reboot fixed the issue. After this, several more users reported the Pixel 3 XL’s multiple notch problem.
“One notch wasn’t enough .. phone is randomly adding another,” a user complained on a Reddit thread.
Further, the user said this is the second time the issue has cropped up for him — even though the developer settings are set to default.
“I went back turned on hide notch then back to default and the second notch went away. 10 minutes later it reappeared. 2nd notch,” the user added.
It must be noted that Android Pie supports multiple notches, but not in the places where Pixel 3 users are reporting additional notches. Google’s policy on the positioning of the notch dictates that there can’t be more than one on a single edge, and a device can’t have more than two cutouts. Further, Google made it clear that the device must not have cutouts on either of its longer edges. Thus, Google’s smartphone is breaking its own rules.
How to fix the Pixel 3 XL’s notch problem
Other than the Pixel 3 XL’s multiple notch problem, users are overall not too happy with the notch. Following the complaints, Google confirmed it will add the option to hide the Pixel 3 XL’s notch for users who prefer “a more traditional smartphone look.” For now though, users will have to live with the notch. It appears users already have the option to disable the notch, but it does not do the job perfectly. The option to hide the notch is also buried deep inside the developer options.
Here’s how to do it:
First, go to the Settings app and scroll down to “System.” Next, select “About Phone” and search for “Build number” at the bottom of the screen. Tap the Build number seven times and enter the passcode. Next, go to the main System screen, tap “Advanced,” and chose the new Developer options tab. Scroll down to the Drawing section and select “Display cutout” and then “Hide.”
Google is expected to add this process to the main menu so it is easily accessible. However, the problem with Google’s solution is that it does not do the job as well as similar features on other phones, including the iPhone. The notch on the Pixel 3 XL is deeper, so hiding it results in a deeper-than-usual status bar. Further, the fix pushes the status bar lower, so users lose more usable screen space.
There is one other solution to the notch problem, but it won’t work for users who already bought the Pixel 3 XL. The solution is to buy the notch-free Pixel 3 instead of its larger sibling. Although you will get a 5.5-inch display rather than one that’s 6.3 inches in size, at least you won’t have to look at the notch, and you will save $100.
