Google Investigating Reports of Screen Burn-In on Pixel 2 XL But iPhone X Unlikely Affected - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Google Investigating Reports of Screen Burn-In on Pixel 2 XL But iPhone X Unlikely Affected

by

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

110 months ago
Kind of proves OLED still has issues even after 10 years later.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sniffies Avatar
110 months ago
Next Up: Google Investigating Reports of Possible Dead Pixels on Pixel 2 XL
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
110 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
110 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
110 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
110 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)

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 Adds Two New Features to CarPlay

Tuesday March 24, 2026 1:55 pm PDT by
iOS 26.4 was released today, and it includes a couple of new features for CarPlay: an Ambient Music widget and support for voice-based chatbot apps. To update your iPhone 11 or newer to iOS 26.4, open the Settings app and tap on General → Software Update. CarPlay will automatically offer the new features so long as the iPhone connected to your vehicle is running iOS 26.4 or later....
Apple Business hero

Apple Unveils 'Apple Business' All-in-One Platform

Tuesday March 24, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
Apple today announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that unifies device management, productivity tools, and customer outreach features. The service is designed to be a consolidated replacement for several of Apple's existing business-focused offerings, including Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. It provides organizations with a single...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Tuesday March 24, 2026 12:31 pm PDT by
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods 4. The firmware has a version number of 8B39, up from 8B34 on the AirPods Pro 3, 8B28 on the AirPods Pro 2, and 8B21 on the AirPods 4. There is no word on what's included in the firmware, but Apple has a support document with limited notes. Most updates are limited to bug fixes and performance...