[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] Patrick24:
Having the same problem with my XL. I sent the google store a message and they called me back. The guy said that's how it's supposed to be. I told him I it was wasn't loud enough at max level and he suggested that I go to the google store and try some of the volume boosters. Not real happy with this!

Here's the email he sent me....

If you are having any audio, speaker, or microphone issues with your device, please follow the steps below.

Step 1: Update to the latest version of Android OS.

Go to Settings > About phone / tablet > System updates and select Download or Check for updates

If your device is modified or rooted, revert your device to original factory image since troubleshooting steps may not work on modified/rooted devices. You can use our Nexus factory images to re-image your device.

Step 2: Remove obstructions.

Remove any cling film, stickers, covers/cases/bumpers, or anything else that can be obstructing the device.

Step 3: Enable safe mode on your device.

Ensure your device's screen is on, then press & hold the Power button.

Touch and hold the Power off option in the dialog box.

Tap OK in the following dialog to start safe mode.

To exit safe mode, turn your device off and on again.

If you discover that the issue doesn't occur while your device is in safe mode, it's likely that a third-party app or Android OS modification is causing the issue. You can start to use and narrow down your installed apps to try to pinpoint the specific app. When the culprit is identified, you can uninstall the app or contact the developer of the app for further support as follows:

Navigate to play.google.com.

Find the app and click on it to view its main page.

Scroll down to the "Additional Information" section. Here, you'll see "Contact Developer" options.

Step 4: While in safe mode, turn off Bluetooth.

Go to Settings > Bluetooth and if Bluetooth is on, tap the slider near the top to turn Bluetooth off.

Step 5: While in safe mode, make sure the volume is on.

Go to Settings > Sound.

In Volume settings, slide all three indicators all the way to the right to make sure all sound is on and at max volume.

Note: When each slider is adjusted, a sound will be heard.

Step 6: If the volume buttons on the side of your phone aren't working, check Switch Access settings.

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Switch Access.

If the slider near the upper right corner is on, tap it, then tap OK to turn it off.

Step 7: Check if the issue is resolved.

Play with the volume levels to hear sound.

Make a test phone call.

Use Google Now to test your microphone.

If your issue isn't resolved, continue to the next step.

Step 8: Reset your device to factory settings.

If you're still unable to resolve the issue, or if the issue is so severe that you can't boot your device into safe mode, resetting your device to factory settings may help. Resetting your device to factory settings will erase all local data on your device. Backup of your personal local data (pictures, music and video files) is recommended.

To backup personal data on your device

To reset your device to factory settings

If your issue has been resolved, great! Let us know.

If your issue was *not* resolved and your device still experiences audio issues, call us or reply to this email and reference that you already went through our Audio troubleshooting steps which included resetting your device to factory settings.

If you have any more questions, please reply to this email. I'm happy to help!

Thanks!

Roberto

The Google Support Team