Were you, like many, interested in the Google Pixel 2 XL but on the fence?
Did hearing about all of the issues make you even more unsure? Or did you mostly brush them off, thinking they’ll probably never happen to you?
While it’s possible the Pixel 2 XL you purchase may never experience any issues whatsoever, MobileSyrup has rounded up all the possible problems you may come across with Google’s new smartphone, so you can make an informed decision.
Display issues
Screen burn-in
The most common issue with the Pixel 2 XL is its screen burn-in.
For those unaware, the Pixel 2 XL’s display has been experiencing burn-in issues after just a couple of days of usage. The problem causes the navigation bar at the bottom of the display to appear faintly on the display at all times, even when it isn’t turned on. The issue is especially noticeable when a grey image is opened on the screen.
Google has responded to the burn-in issue, with Mario Queiroz, Google’s vice-president of product management, stating:
“Extensive testing of the Pixel 2 XL display show that its decay characteristics are comparable to OLED panels used in other premium smartphones. The differential aging should not affect the user experience of the phone, as it’s not visible under normal use of your Pixel 2 XL. We understand, however, that it can be concerning to see evidence of aging when using a specialized display test app, so we’ve taken steps to reduce differential aging through software. We’re currently testing a software update that further enhances protections against this issue by adding a new fade-out of the navigation bar buttons at the bottom of the Pixel screen after a short period of inactivity.
In addition, we’re working with more apps to use a light navigation bar to match their app’s color scheme. The update will also reduce the maximum brightness of the Pixel 2 XL by a virtually imperceptible 50 cd/m2 (nits), thereby significantly reducing load on the screen with an almost undetectable change in the observed brightness.”
Muted colours
While the burn-in problem has certainly been a point of conversation in the tech media, Google has also addressed other issues with the phone’s display. Some feel the Pixel 2 XL’s displays colours are muted when compared to other Android devices, particularly Samsung’s Note 8 and Galaxy S8/S8+. While the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL utilizes an sRGB colour gamut, the device’s Plastic OLED display is capable of much more, says Google. The tech giant is addressing this issue with a new saturated colour mode.
“The saturated mode puts the display into an unmanaged configuration, similar to how the Pixel 1 operates. The colors will be more saturated and vibrant, but less accurate (similar to most other smartphones which display more vibrant colors): we give consumers the option to choose the color saturation,” said Queiroz.
Blue tint
Some users have experienced a blue tint issue when looking at the Pixel 2 XL at an odd angle with their Pixel 2 XL. According to Android Authority, this issue cannot be fixed and likely a replacement will still have this issue.
Dead pixels
Other users have found dead pixels on the display. There are plenty of apps you can download which will fix the issue, like Dead Pixels Test and Fix. After the app has finished running its course it should fix the dead pixels. If the app doesn’t fix the issue, the only solution is to get a replacement.
Black smear
At low brightness on the Pixel 2 XL, the blacks on image look like they’re smearing when a user swipes up and down on the page.
Graininess
Certain Pixel 2 XL users are reporting they’re experiencing graininess on the displays of their Pixel 2 XL.
Reddish corner
Meanwhile some users are reporting reddish corners on their Pixel 2 XL devices. This issue, however, is something I’ve also noticed on the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus.
Flashing
Some users have reported a flashing issue with Pixel 2 XL whenever users play music.
Touchscreen issues
Edge error
That’s enough about the Google Pixel 2 XL’s display — though our next issue lies in close proximity.
Many users have also been reporting issues with the touchscreen on the Google Pixel 2 XL. The reports mention that users have found that their touches don’t register around the edges of the display. The display requires multiple touches to access the menu, or advanced settings menu.
An upcoming update should be on this way to fix this issue there is a Touchscreen Test that users can download to see if the display registers touches. Users can try to fix the issue by clearing the cache on the smartphone or completing a hard reset.
A community manager in the Pixel Community forums have said the issue is a software issue with the device’s accidental touch protection feature. The fix will come in an over-the-air update in the near future.
Connectivity issues
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity issues
Some Pixel 2 XL users are reporting issues with the Bluetooth connectivity. Some owners say their device won’t connect, others report problems with Bluetooth in specific apps. Still other users report problems with specific apps and Bluetooth for the voice control.
Concerns with Bluetooth on the Pixel 2 include connecting to the Bluetooth systems on vehicles.
There have also been some reported issues with Wi-Fi and GPS on the Pixel 2 XL, however, an Android Oreo 8.1 update should fix all three of these connectivity issues.
Google Assistant on Bluetooth
While some users can’t utilize Bluetooth at all, others are experiencing an issue where Bluetooth will connect however the Google Assistant will not work.
Camera issues
Fatal camera error
According to Android Authority, some users have received a message saying ‘Fatal camera error’ when opening the camera app for the first time, however, those who had the issue state a factory reset solves the problem.
Android Authority suggests checking the camera first before setting the device, as some phones may require multiple factory resets.
Sound issues
Clicking sound
Customers are reporting faint clicking sounds on the Pixel 2. Google has promised to deliver a software update to address the clicking sounds.
Whining Noise
Other users are reporting a whining noise after listening to video recording. Similarly, Google has promised a software for the issue.
Microphone
The microphone on the Pixel 2 and 2 XL are reportedly not working, however, a user has found out that blowing into the bottom speaker will cause it start working. Consequentially blowing into the bottom speaker again will cause it to fail.
Operating system issues
Random reboot
Some devices seem to be randomly rebooting, even multiple times a day, according to Android Authority. MobileSyrup reviewer Rose Behar also ran into this issue, though not with such frequent repetition.
No operating system
Probably the biggest issue with the Google Pixel 2 XL, however, was that some devices shipped to customers without Android at all.
The handsets would boot up with the notice, “can’t find valid operating system.” Google subsequently announced it had a fix for the issue.
The company told 9to5Google: “Google has reached out to us and confirmed that this problem has already been fixed. We asked for more details, and we will update this post when the company responds. Presumably, this was a manufacturing defect that has since been corrected.”
Source: Reddit, 9to5Google, Android Authority, XDA Developer, Digital Trends
Update:11/13/2017: Microphone issue, Google Assistant doesn’t work with Bluetooth, Google has announced there will be a fixed for it’s unresponsive edge issue.
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