Google Will Update Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL to Address Screen Complaints

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Published 27 Oct 2017

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Pixel 2 XL

The Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are Google’s newest flagships, but ever since the devices launched this month, a persistent rain cloud has followed the handsets around.

Complaints about the display were quick to crop up, with early reviews pointing out that the colors were not as vibrant as some had come to enjoy over the years in other OLED displays (namely from Samsung). And while Google offered a specific display feature to add more saturated colors, it was only a 10% boost that many didn’t believe actually made a difference.

Other complaints about the display quickly surfaced, including grainy colors, and even delayed pixels while scrolling. Add to that the issues that some had pointed out, saying that the Pixel 2 XL’s pOLED display may suffer from early burn-in. Which, given how short of time the phone has been on the market, would not be a good thing.

Well, Google said it was investigating those reports of screen burn-in, and apparently the early news out of those investigations is positive, as far as Google is concerned. The company’s own Mario Queiroz has taken to the Pixel 2 XL product forum to inform those interested that the company has found that the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL displays are as good as they knew they were before they launched. However, while they are confident in the displays, they will be releasing software updates to address concerns.

First, to address the color complaints, a software update will add more color options for owners. Google will be adding a “saturated” option, which, if everything goes correctly, should make it so those colors are similar to what’s present in other smartphones running OLED displays. That software update should arrive soon:

“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.”

Addressing the concerns over screen burn-in, Queiroz says that their testing procedures indicate that the Pixel 2 XL’s display is not any worse than other OLED displays on the market in other smartphones, which should hopefully reduce concerns:

“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.”

However, Google will continue to use software to mitigate any issues, and that includes any issues with burn-in. So Google will aim to avoid any future problems with screen burn-in with subsequent software updates:

“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.”

And then there’s the really good news: The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL now come with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty:

“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.”

So, there you have it. Google didn’t discover any issues with the display, and they will be issuing software updates to add more color options. And now the devices come with a year longer warranty.

If you own a Pixel 2 XL, have you been happy with the display?

[via Google Forums]