Google Pixel 2 Display Black Smearing And Speaker Volume Issues Reported

Even before going on sale in most of the countries, the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL have been embroiled in hardware-related internet backlash. New issues have been reported concerning the speakers as well. To bring you up to speed with all the issues regarding the Pixel 2 phones, some tech critics found potential screen burn-in on the Pixel 2 XL. Google has since responded to these reports and said that it is actively investigating the issue. The screen burn-in reports followed previous complaints regarding the display that the colours were dull and that it may show some distortion in certain low-light situations.

Report suggests that certain Google Pixel 2 users are experiencing strange noises on their handset, while another screen-related problem has surfaced. There are multiple complaints online about the high-pitched noises and clicking from the Pixel 2 when it’s next to a person’s ear. This issue however, has appeared on Google forums which means the company is aware of the problem. Also, the issue seems to be mostly affecting the HTC-made standard Pixel 2 rather than the Pixel 2 XL. Apparently, switching off NFC helps with the clicking noise but the high pitched sound persists. It has been noted by a Google staff member that the speaker issue will be fixed in an upcoming software patch.

Another problem regarding the under-fire display is that of black smearing. This issue has been well documented on OLED panels and it looks like the Pixel 2 XL is the next device to face this issue. Now, an average consumer might not notice this but, in a statement in response to growing complaints against the display of the Pixel 2 XL, Google said:

We take all reports of issues very seriously, and our engineers investigate quickly. We will provide updates as soon as we have conclusive data.

Back smearing occurs when the screen transitions from black pixels to coloured pixels. The effect is that the black parts of the on-screen images tend to stay on for a longer period before changing to the coloured parts, making it appear as if the black area has been smeared. This was showcased in a tweet as well. If you look closely, you’ll notice a big blue blob around the black phone while scrolling.

The issues around the new Pixel 2 smartphones have been increasingly rapidly and the company must do something quickly to tackle all the bad press. The Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will be available for pre-orders in India from the 27th of October.