It was launched to much fanfare earlier this month, but the Google Pixel 2 XL is facing complaints just weeks after it was released for testing.
Screen burn-in issues have been reported by some of the first people to get their hands on the XL model, primarily tech reviewers.
While screen burn is a problem with most types of display, for it to occur in such a short space of time is almost unheard of.
Google says it is ‘actively investigating’ reports of the problem.
It was launched to much fanfare, but the Google Pixel 2 is facing complaints just weeks after the it began arriving with consumers. Screen burn-in issues have been reported by some of the first people to get their hands on the XL model, primarily tech reviewers
The issue was first reported by Android Central editor Alex Dobie, who took to Twitter to share an image of his test handset’s screen showing signs of ghost images.
The Pixel 2 XL runs Google’s customised version of the Android operating system.
This incorporates software navigation buttons that stay in place when users move from screen to screen.
This mean they are only removed when full screen content, like games, apps and videos, are viewed.
Mr Dobie noted that if a light coloured image was displayed on the POLED screen, faint traces of the navigation buttons could be seen.
In a statement issued to the media, a Google spokesman said: ‘The Pixel 2 XL screen has been designed with an advanced POLED technology, including QHD+ resolution, wide colour gamut, and high contrast ratio for natural and beautiful colours and renderings.
‘We put all of our products through extensive quality testing before launch and in the manufacturing of every unit.
‘We are actively investigating this report.’
Screen burn-in, also known as ghost images, or a permanent discoloration of a screen.
The issue was first reported by Android Central editor Alex Dobie, who took to Twitter to share an image of his test handset’s screen showing signs of ghost images
When a static image is displayed for a prolonged period, a shadow or ghost of that image may appear on the device’s display.
The problem was particularly widespread in the early days of computer monitors, which would be left on for long periods displaying a desktop or open applications.
This led to the invention of screen savers that, as the name suggests, protect images from screen burn-in by displaying a moving series of images, patterns or colours.
The Pixel 2 XL uses a POLED screen, a special type of organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display.
An OLED screen uses light-emitting diodes in which the component that gives off light as electricity is passed through it is an organic compound between two layers of material, with a base layer of glass.
In Google’s POLED display, the ‘P’ refers to the layers of plastic which are used as a base in the place of glass.
POLED is made by LG, the company which manufactures the Pixel 2 XL for Google.
Google unveiled the second generation of its Pixel smartphones, promising all-day battery life, a more responsive assistant, and the best camera yet, on October 4.
The devices were revealed at simultaneous presentations across the globe, including the main event in San Francisco.
Google unveiled the second generation of its Pixel smartphones, promising all-day battery life, a more responsive assistant, and the best camera yet, on October 4. It come in two versions: the 5-inch $649 (£629) Pixel 2 (left) and the 6-inch $849 (£799) Pixel 2 XL (right)
It come in two versions: the 5-inch $649 (£629) Pixel 2 and the 6-inch $849 (£799) Pixel 2 XL.
In a move mirroring Apple’s recent designs, the new phones do not have a headphone jack
Google’s latest Pixel handsets are also equipped with ‘always-on’ display, so you can check your notifications without tapping the power button to wake the screen, and a new ‘squeezable’ feature to activate Google’s AI assistant.
Both the Pixel XL and the 5-inch Pixel will have built-in stereo speakers, and lack the headphone jack.
In lieu of traditional headphones, the firm has introduced new wireless Pixel Buds, which come with a short cord so you can drape them around your neck.
Google also souped up the already highly rated camera on the Pixel, boasting that it will take even better photos than the iPhone.
The camera will allow for better-quality portrait shots, according to Google, and the new ‘motion photos’ will be able to capture a few second of video, much like Apple’s Live photos.
It uses computational photography and machine learning to optimise photos, along with optical and electronic video stabilisation for smoother videos.
GOOGLE’S PIXEL 2 SPECS
It has two LEDs in the camera flash and will feature front and rear cameras with optical image stabilisation
New camera will have portrait mode similar to Apple’s – but Google says it has better AI algorithms for creating the effect
Portrait mode will also work on the front ‘selfie’ camera
Will come with a free Google Home Mini speaker
Has ‘squeezable’ sides like the HTC U11 that activate Google’s assistant
Google revealed a new homescreen Google has developed for Android phones
Google has ditched the headphone jack for the device, instead relying on wireless or USB-C headphones.
Will have google’s Lens AI software
Will run Google’s new augmented reality software ARCore
The smaller Pixel 2 will be available in Kinda Blue, Just Black, and Clearly White, and will be sold with 64GB and 128GB of storage and will be priced at $649 (£629) and $749 (£729), respectively
The larger LG-made Pixel 2 XL will come in a Black & White and Just Black and will be available with 64GB or 128GB storage.