The Google Pixel 2 XL is the larger of the two Pixel smartphones launched this year. The phones were announced earlier this month, and are now being shipped to customers. The Pixel 2 XL features a 6-inch P-OLED display with a QHD+ resolution. And now, some of the devices are facing an issue of screen burn-in.
What is Screen Burn-in?
Before we dig into this new problem, let us explain what screen burn-in is. This mostly occurs in OLED displays, where a portion of the display continues to show a ghosted image of an item/imagery, even after the display is made to show something new.
For example, if an object such as one of the onscreen navigation button may continue to show up, very lightly, even when you’re viewing a fullscreen photo of something else. Other items such as the status bar, home screen icons, menu buttons, and the clock could appear ghosted as well. It usually takes a lot of use (screen-on time) and several months for such issues to appear. A relatively new phone to have this problem is bad news. And that is what has happened to the folks at Android Central.
On their Pixel 2 XL unit, which hasn’t even been used for more than a week, a ghosted image of the Navigation bar and the buttons appears over another image.
Google Pixel 2 XL Screen problem
As you can see in the above image, when a grey image is viewed on the Pixel 2 XL, the navigation bar with the buttons is still slightly visible. Several users and reviewers have now reported that they are seeing similar screen burn-in on their devices as well.
Google responded saying that they are looking in to this problem and are investigating it. If this is indeed a screen burn-in, then it may be a deal breaker for some buyers. And that’s because screen burn-in isn’t temporary and stays on forever.
Last year, there was a similar problem with the Pixel XL and Google replaced the units, with the problem, for free. The company might do the same this year as well, before it gets out of hand. Although the issue isn’t widespread yet, it could be, as more units are delivered to customers.
How to check for screen burn-in
If you’re worried about screen burn-in on your brand new Google Pixel 2 XL, then you can check for it by performing a simple test. On your phone, download a high resolution black or red image, and view it full screen. Now check to see if you can spot the navigation bar at the bottom or some elements at the top of the screen, near the clock. You may have to look closely at times.
In case you did notice something, then we’d recommend you to contact Google customer support.
The Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL have both seen several screen and software related issues since its arrival. Some users have also reported hearing a high pitched noise along with clicking noise from their Pixel 2 smartphones. Although none of these are widespread, it can leave an everlasting impression on consumers.
Have you faced any issues with your new Google Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL? If so, do let us know in the comments.
