Google has been getting way too much stick for the Pixel 2 XL’s screen and it’s kinda sad.
It’s the second year of Google’s Pixel project and just like so many stock Android purists, I had my hopes high too. And you know, for the most part, I was really happy with the new Pixel phones. Till every other major tech outlet from The Verge to Ars, started talking about the screen of the Pixel XL 2.
It’s like no major smartphone launch can not take place without some or the other glaring issue. One which everybody likes to point at and talk about. I mean, I get it, it’s an $850 phone and goes upto a $1000. And yes, it’s bad it does not have the absolute perfect screen. There’s the blue colour shift, screen burn in, graininess etc.
But, what the tech community needs to realise is that not every Pixel 2 XL out there is having those screen issues and there are tons of people who are super excited to get their Pixel phones. Even though I myself am getting the smaller 5 inch Pixel. Not because of the screen issue but because I like small phones and maybe because I have small hands.
I really feel the media and tech journalists have come out a bit too strong about this whole issue. And it’s kinda underwhelming Google’s entire hardware lineup. Especially when Google has been so enthusiastic about everything and it’s own hardware division is still a young baby, 2 years old to be precise. I strongly feel, Google has done a lot of things right and yes, some wrong ones too. But I am sure they will learn along the path.
The reason the Pixel 2 XL has been getting all the bad publicity is because:
- The regular Pixel has no such issues as of today and it uses a panel from Samsung. Thus, leaving the Pixel 2 XL with all the focus. (If only Google struck a deal with Samsung for the XL panels too. Samsung even released an ad about screens in the midst of the Pixel hoopla) The XL uses a panel from LG and well you can read a plethora of articles of what’s wrong with the screen and dive deep to be a pixel peeper.
- It’s the better looking phone and more in line with 2017’s bezel less theme and makes for a better overall product for many people and their purchase decision. And better marketing material too. You won’t really see the smaller Pixel on the ads and the videos too. And since almost all the reviewers have reviewed the Pixel 2 XL and not the regular Pixel. And the former being the mainfocus that means, if there’s any issue, it’s gonna get blown up.
- It’s Google and with such a hefty price tag, people just expect the perfect product. I get it, I get it. How could Google get this wrong? I am not really sure why Google went with such a toned down display, especially with an OLED panel. But what Google has said, is that they wanted a more natural looking display. Though, Google is planning to push an update which will enable more saturated colors on the phones.
I am not sure if the average consumer knows, but Google went ahead and gave a full 2 year warranty on the Pixel phones. If I am not wrong that’s a first in the industry for a smartphone. And it shows Google is really confident about it’s hardware.
The Pixel 2 XL is an awesome phone. The software, the awesome camera, the oreo goodness, all the cool machine learning stuff in Google Assistant, all of it makes for an impressive package. Though, I wonder if those bezels on the Pixel 2, look as hideous as they appear to be. I don’t really mind them that much to be honest and who doesn’t like stereo speakers? Though, I am yet to see the phone in person, but I really like the direction Google is heading into. They are competing with all the major players toe to toe, right in from smartphones to smartspeakers.
And if they made a few flaws along the way, that’s okay but not inexcusable. With everything Google is doing right from the AI, the machine learning stuff, to the Pixel visual core chip, it really excites me. Especially because of my likening for stock Android. Googley hardware and software, what else can an enthusiast ask for?
With Google in the market now all the big OEM’s know there’s more competition. Players like Apple and Samsung have to push harder each year be it in terms of camera,(Yes, the Pixel gave everyone a run for it’s money, MKBHD called the iPhone X’s front facing portrait mode average) screen, or overall design.
And you know, ultimately who benefits from all of this?
It’s you, the consumer. Google needs to be credited for all the things it has done right and it is on the way to become a big player in the smartphone segment in the years to come.
Having acquired HTC and on the way to completing that acquisition in 2018. I only see Google’s hardware wing growing bigger and stronger. Ofcourse along the path, big G needs to learn and unlearn things from the previous two iterations of the Pixel project. Google needs to make a few better decisions. But for me and stock Android lovers around the world, I only see a better future for the Pixel project. Few years down the line Google is sure to establish it’s Pixel brand’s name just like the iPhones and the Galaxys have today.
So, all aboard #TeamPixel, heck yes!
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