Multiple reports have surfaced over the past few days about potential screen burn-in or image retention issues with Google's new Pixel 2 XL smartphone.

pixel 2 xl burn in

Pixel 2 XL with apparent screen burn-in via Michael Kukielka‏

Android Central's Alex Dobie‏ shared a photo on Twitter on early Sunday that shows faint outlines of Android's navigation buttons at the bottom of the display. 9to5Google, The Verge, and Ars Technica also experienced the issue.


In a statement to The Verge, Google said it is "actively investigating" the reports.

The Pixel 2 XL screen has been designed with an advanced POLED technology, including QHD+ resolution, wide color gamut, and high contrast ratio for natural and beautiful colors 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.

Google hasn't confirmed how many users are currently affected.

Google sourced the Pixel 2 XL's plastic OLED display from LG, which could be the root of the problem, given that the smaller Pixel 2 and original Pixel's Samsung-supplied OLED displays have experienced far fewer issues.

Apple is also sourcing OLED displays exclusively from Samsung, so if the issue stems from LG, then the iPhone X shouldn't be affected either.

LG's own V30 smartphone has suffered from many of the same display issues, which has also included banding and uneven colors.

Screen burn-in is typically a result of static images or on-screen elements displaying on the screen uninterrupted for a prolonged period of time. The issue can result in persistent discoloration or a "ghosting" effect on the screen.

Top Rated Comments

dominiongamma Avatar
103 months ago
Kind of proves OLED still has issues even after 10 years later.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sniffies Avatar
103 months ago
Next Up: Google Investigating Reports of Possible Dead Pixels on Pixel 2 XL
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
geoff5093 Avatar
103 months ago
I'm an Android fan, who pre-ordered the Pixel 2 XL in white on release day. I cancelled my pre-order because of this, and looking forward to the iPhone X.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dumastudetto Avatar
103 months ago
I don't understand why people are paying premium flagship prices for devices that are so fatally flawed.

You can buy an iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus for pretty much the same money as Google is charging for their equivalent devices.
[doublepost=1508777775][/doublepost]
I'm an Android fan, who pre-ordered the Pixel 2 XL in white on release day. I cancelled my pre-order because of this, and looking forward to the iPhone X.
Smart decision.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macfacts Avatar
103 months ago
Kind of proves OLED still has issues even after 10 years later.
Headline states the Apple logo can likely prevent burn ins.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BaltimoreMediaBlog Avatar
103 months ago
I've been saying this for a long time. The first word in OLED is organic meaning it decays and dies quicker.

The colors might be brighter and richer, but for how long?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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