Mobile

Google: Pixel 2 XL screen burn ‘should not affect day-to-day user experience’

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Following reports of defective screens from the first batch of Pixel 2 XL smartphones, Google says that its tests show so-called burn isn’t an widespread issue.

Following initial reviews that are positive for Google’s renewed big bet on hardware, the top-end Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones, some journalists have reported difficulty with the better Pixel 2 XL’s pOLED screen.

Some have criticised Google’s colour set up to the Pixel 2 smartphones, which intentionally contain a less saturated, better look compared with rival Android devices, in addition to a cooling on the colour temperature from the display towards blue when viewed in an angle.

Addressing concerns, Google’s vice chairman and product manager for your Pixel, Mario Queiroz, said: “Based on the recent feedback, we’re adding the latest way of more saturated colours, that is to be available with a software update to both Pixel 2 phones over the next weeks.”

But the most damaging reports involved image retention or burn while in the navigation bar area towards the bottom within the screen:

Following two weeks of testing, the Guardian knows the fact that screen of the early Pixel 2 XL unit it had been provided retains an incredibly faint outline in the navigation bar visible for a grey background from time to time.

Queiroz said: “Our current investigation of burn-in, which started once we received the main user directory 22 October, confirms which the differential ageing is in line your of other premium smartphones and should not impact the normal, day-to-day buyer of the Pixel 2 XL.

“Regardless, we use software to the person experience and maximise lifespan on the OLED display, and we’ll make ongoing software updates to optimise further.”

A careful inspection of a Samsung Galaxy S8, which has an AMOLED display and has visited use with the Guardian for 6 months, shows no indication of screen burn-in.

The Guardian knows that only a small amount of devices currently only within reach of reviewers, not consumers, have displayed burn-in problems. Meanwhile, the lesser Pixel 2 has reportedly exhibited some clicking noises, which Google stated it would fix having a software update before long.

Google has extended the manufacturer’s warranty to 2 years caused by the reports. While using Pixel 2 XL because of ship on 15 November, Google will hope that it could assuage concerns mainly because it efforts to undertake Apple’s dominant iPhone.