Google has also promised to patch the reported display issue with a software update.
Yesterday, the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL went up for pre-orders, with the sales for Pixel 2 scheduled for November 1, and November 15 for Pixel 2 XL. While initial reviews for the smartphones were impressive, some early adopters have reported a bunch of issues with the device. Dull colors, screen “burn-in” on the Pixel 2 XL screen and clicking sounds from their Pixel 2′s speaker, among others, were reported.
When the frequency of these reports increased, Google stepped in saying that they were actively investigating the issues. Today, Google VP of product management Mario Queiroz took to the Google Pixel support forum, to reveal the results of their investigation, along with the (somewhat compensatory) announcement of extending the warranty of the new Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL to two years from one.
“We’re very confident that the Pixel 2 delivers an exceptional smartphone experience, and to give users peace of mind, every Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will now come with a 2-year warranty worldwide,” read the note on the forum.
Essentially, as per Google, despite all the reports, there is nothing really wrong with the two phones. But just for the ‘satisfaction of the users’ (note how fragile this time is considering the Pixel 2 smartphones are up for pre-orders and the Apple iPhone X will also go on sale soon) Google has extended the warranty, and will be rolling out software updates soon to patch the “differential aging” of the Pixel 2 XL screens. ALSO READ: Google Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL pre-orders kick off Thursday: Here’s a look at the offers
As for Google’s finding after the investigation, Mario Queiroz says, “Our investigation so far has given us confidence that our displays are as great as we hoped they would be, though we’re also taking steps to address the concerns we’ve heard.”
There are two issues they addressed. One is regarding a narrow color gamut, and the other about the apparent “ghost lines” in the display. To this, Google responded saying, “On the topic of color saturation, we designed the Pixel 2 XL to take advantage of multiple facets of the innovative new pOLED technology, including QHD+ resolution with 538 pixels per inch and a wide color gamut. One of our design intents was to achieve a more natural and accurate rendition of colors. We know that some people prefer more saturated colors, so both Pixel 2 phones already include an option to boost colors by 10% for a more vivid look. And based on the recent feedback, we’re adding a new mode for more saturated colors, which will be made available via a software update to both Pixel 2 phones in the next few weeks.” ALSO READ: Google Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL review roundup: A look at what reviewers say
“Regarding differential aging, we put all of our products through extensive quality assurance before launch and in the manufacturing of every unit. Thorough testing of the Pixel 2 XL display shows that its decay characteristics are similar to OLED panels used in comparable products. Our current investigation of burn-in, which started as soon as we received the first user report on October 22, confirms that the differential aging is in line with that of other premium smartphones and should not affect the normal, day-to-day user experience of the Pixel 2 XL. Regardless, we use software to safeguard the user experience and maximize the life of the OLED display, and we’ll make ongoing software updates to optimize further.”
Pre-orders for both the Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL kicked off at midnight of October 26 on Flipkart. The Pixel 2 comes in two variants, the 64GB one for Rs 61,000, and the 128GB variant priced at Rs 70,000. In case of Pixel 2 XL, the 64GB variant is priced at Rs 73,000, and 128GB variant costs Rs 82,000. DON’T MISS: Google Pixel 2: Even if the newest flagship doesn’t succeed, Android is still winning