Google looks to fix 'unresponsive screen spots' with update

Not only are some Google Pixel 2 devices suffering from screen burn, but it would also appear that some screens are affected by unresponsive areas too.

One Google Pixel 2 XL owner posted a video of the issue on YouTube, showing the unresponsive area near the edge of the screen, as reported by The Verge.

Another posted on the company's product forum: "Does anyone else have this issue? The touchscreen works while sliding my finger along the edge works, but when touching it directly, it doesn't detect that touch along the edge. It seems like the touch screen is less responsive near the right edge of the screen. Left side of the screen seems a little better. But the right side is noticeable during normal use. Just wondering if this is a defect or not?"

However, Google quickly responded to the complaint, with community manager Orrin saying: "Thanks for all the reports here, and to those that sent up additional info. The team has been investigating, and this will be addressed in a future OTA update. Stay tuned."

It's not clear what's causing the issue, nor has Google been any more specific about when users can expect the fix to be rolled out, although it does sound like the company is working hard to find a solution to prevent disgruntled users returning their handsets.

23/10/2017: Google investigates Pixel 2 XL reports of screen burn

Google is "actively investigating" claims that the new Google Pixel 2 XL has a screen-burn problem.

The issue, which was picked up by Android Central, among others, reportedly affects the navigation buttons that run along the bottom of the screen.

After just one week of what Android Central claims to be normal use, ghostly palimpsests of the triangle, circle and square soft buttons can be seen even when they're not actively being displayed.

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While you might associate screen burn with the CRT monitors of old, it's a known issue in OLED displays as well. However, it normally takes months for the burnt-in images normally navigation buttons, clocks or other icons that are displayed almost constantly to start appearing, rather than just the seven days reported by Android Central.

So far, there haven't been any reports of a similar problem in the standard size Google Pixel 2. It has been noted that while the devices both have OLED screens, Google uses two different manufacturers for the handsets' displays: the Pixel 2's is made by Samsung, whereas the Pixel 2 XL's is made by LG.

This is the latest problem for the Pixel 2 XL's screen. As noted by our own reviewer and others, the device struggles to display vibrant colours and the display slides towards the blue end of the spectrum when not being viewed head-on.

In a statement, a Google spokesperson told IT Pro: "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."

Jane McCallion
Deputy Editor

Jane McCallion is ITPro's deputy editor, specializing in cloud computing, cyber security, data centers and enterprise IT infrastructure. Before becoming Deputy Editor, she held the role of Features Editor, managing a pool of freelance and internal writers, while continuing to specialise in enterprise IT infrastructure, and business strategy.

Prior to joining ITPro, Jane was a freelance business journalist writing as both Jane McCallion and Jane Bordenave for titles such as European CEO, World Finance, and Business Excellence Magazine.