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Google Pixel 2 XL display and noise issues to be fixed via updates

Google launched the next generation Pixel devices earlier this month and now the Pixel 2 XL seems to be having some issues. There have been two major issues with the display of the Pixel 2 XL, one being the screen burn-in or image retention issue and the other is unsaturated colors. Now, Google has responded to the issues and says it will soon release updates to fix them.

Google has mentioned on its forum page that it has started investigating the screen burn-in issue. Less than a week since the first report, Google has finally posted a series of forum posts and has tried to address and clarify the issues related to the Pixel 2 XL. The company claims that the Pixel 2 XL display is good and they will optimize it further with updates.

Pixel 2 XL Image Retention or Burn-in

The burn-in issue, also known as image retention or the differential aging was first reported by Android Central’s Alex Dobie. He posted an image on Twitter claiming to have the issue after seven days of usage of the device. To clarify, screen burn-in happens when a portion of the display shows a ghost image of the recent screen after you change the screen to something else. It is mostly noticeable in the notification or status bar.

The Google Pixel 2 XL features an OLED panel and it is to be noted that burn-in is experienced on most of the OLED panels over a period. However, the question here is how long it takes to appear. In the case of Google Pixel 2 XL, the burn-in was noticed within just a week of use. So, this is something that is worrisome.


However, addressing this issue, Google says that Pixel 2 XL display show that its decay characteristics are comparable to OLED panels used in other premium smartphones. The company announces that it will roll out software update to optimize the burn-in.

“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,’’ writes Google on its forum page.

Unsaturated Colors

Talking about the unsaturated colors, it was reported that Pixel 2 XL displays are not appearing as saturated as other phones. Addressing the same, Google says that it was their own choice to calibrate the Pixel 2 XL in such a way so that it can deliver natural and accurate colors. It takes advantage of the new color management support in Android 8.0 Oreo. Also, OLED displays typically have much wider color gamut than regular sRGB. So, the Pixel 2 XL which has DCI P3 support is expected to render colors better.

Moreover, a few users have also reported a minor issue in the Google Pixel 2 as well. As per Google forum posting, some users claim that Pixel 2 is producing high frequency sound and a clicking sound sometimes when the screen is on and unlocked with ear up to the device like you are on a phone call. However, Google mentioned that it validating a software update to address the clicking sounds and it will be made available in the coming weeks.

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL pre-orders in India started on October 26 and these will be exclusively available via Flipkart. The deliveries will begin in India from November 1 for the Pixel 2 and from November 15 for the Pixel 2 XL.

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Satyendra Pal Singh

Satyendra explores the latest happenings in the tech world and writes stories about those. He likes to play around with the latest gadgets and shares his views through articles. In his free time, you can find him watching movies/TV shows and/or reading books.