yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] dbrohrer:
Everyone has the blue tint on a white background. He's exaggerating.

Are the issues everyone is freaking out about overblown? Yes. Are the issues real? Yes.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] MarcianoS:
So last night I went to my local Verizon store (for the third time!) and played with the 2XL. I am.... confused!

First of all, yes, colors are definitely muted. Not a deal-breaker, but something to keep in mind. Second, I loaded up a gray background, turned brightness down, and tried to inspect the screen for unevenness. Didn't see anything that looked like a problem, though the store's harsh lighting might have concealed things (I tried to use my hand as a shield, but obviously that's not as good as actually inspecting the screen in a dark room). Finally, I really did *not* notice a blue tint when tilting the screen. I really didn't. I think I checked that with brightness turned to the max (which is the demo-mode default), so this may be an issue. However, I just didn't see a problem---or at least nothing resembling what you see in the videos that have been shared.

What I did notice is that the screen is not very bright. I imagine that I would have to keep it at 75% at least in a brightly lit environment. This will obviously affect battery life.

So, again... I'm confused!
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] turbo23:
Exactly...

I expect to be hated on for saying it but this is why I cancelled my pre-order the other day.

I have a case and screen protectors for the P2XL so I may order one eventually. I want to see how my wife's SGS8+ or note 8 performs first.

I despise the lack of a headphone jack (adapters suck) and microSD and #@&$@ why no wireless charging? Honestly! So seeing ANY screen issues was all it took for me to halt my order. After all the smoke clears it will be easier to decide.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] dmarden:
I have to say... I am loving the P2XL display. The tone and sort of muted nature of it just looks so nice and clean to me.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] stinger4321:
For me at night i always turn the display all the way down.. dark room and all
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] turbo23:
My preorder XL2 is in doubt now...

I am starting to really be disturbed by the discussion about this new phone. I am getting ready to cancel my preorder due to the bad press regarding the LG panels I have been seeing. I analyze precise colors and shades on my day job ( HP Indigo 6800s ) the things I am seeing here are just unacceptable.

I guess its time to drive over to the Verizon store and see what is going on here.

I wanted a repacement for my trusty Nexus 6. Maybe waiting is better?

And I keep my screen brightness almost all the way down...my wife keeps her Nexus 6 full bright.

Comments?

Thats alot of money for a phone.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] bkrickles:
I've been to the Verizon store twice and I thought the screen looked great. Maybe you have a more discerning eye but I don't think you'll be disappointed. With that being said, it is a lot of money. LMAO
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] jedras95:
I took some comparison photos between Pixel XL 2 and Note 8 screens at Verizon today. In my opinion, Pixel looked very washed out but judge for yourself.

P.S. I'm a fan of vivid colors so I may be bias :P
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] bartolo5:
Why not just let your preorder go through and return the phone if you are not happy? Google will refund all your money and they even pay for the shipping label back to them. I took a look at a Pixel 2 XL yesterday and I completely disliked the panel, very specially for a $850+ phone. Not sure if that unit was not calibrated properly, but had a terrible blueish tone and very dull colors, beyond what you'd expect from sRGB color space. But I understand it's a personal matter and others maybe alright with it.

That said, in over a decade of smartphones, I've almost always not objected to phone screens much, I'm happy with something that looks good enough, but Pixel 2 XL screen stood out as 'unacceptable' right off the bat. I know I could never get used to the screen even after a while.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] dawgpen:
I checked out the XL at the Verizon store and couldn’t believe how poor the display looked. I even asked an associate if it was defective. I have it pre ordered but will probably cancel it now.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] cwalker0906:
Any screen will look washed out compared to Samsung's oversaturated colors.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] jedras95:
I never understood why people wouldn't like Samsungs saturation. Makes everything look much nicer, and if one wants to mute colors, there are a bunch of profiles in the settings as well as adjustments for individual colors. When you lack saturated colors like on this Pixel to begin with, you can't just bring more color out that easily.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] dawgpen:
The display looks more like a poor lcd than an Oled, I am very disappointed and surprised.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] synplex:
After spending about 15 mins with the Pixel 2 XL today, I too was slightly disappointed with the Screen. :rolleyes: It was a lot close to my LG G6 screen then any other LED phone I've had in the past. But I did prefer the new screen's Cooler Temp vs the Warmer temp color of the Original Pixel XL. Overall, it's a really nice phone and can't wait till I get mine next week. :good:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] dyoung33:
I may not have seen them all, but I have watched a lot of the hands on videos. Some at the Google event, some other places. I'm yet to see one, where anyone has anything but good things to say about the pixel 2 XL display. These are people who review new phones on a regular basis, and aren't afraid to criticize other aspects of the phone. The demo I saw was bright, colorful, and I thought it looked great. I'm not disagreeing with anyone, I just don't get it. Why such a variance, with the Verizon demos? Won't have mine until November 8-9th, so I'll be curious to hear from those with earlier ship dates.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] tjtj4444:
Hopefully you are right. Pixel phones should have correctly calibrated screens that show all content as the creator created it.

And do you really want your pictures/videos to look different on all your displays (phone, TV, monitor etc)? There is no standard how to over-saturate so it will sure look different.

It doesn't mean that a washed out display because of bad contrast or or bad calibration is good. But your "issue" is likely because of more incorrect color on Samsung.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] humdrum2009:
Saw the phone in the store yesterday, it looked fine to me.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] eep2378:
For the most part we are all here because we like to customize, modify and tweak our phones more than the average user. The developer community will likely have screen calibration tools, usually as part of kernel managers, for us like they did with the 6p and previous Nexus. So you can have your display the way that you want it.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] turbo23:
Correct, I calibrate my televisions and handset as much as I can to show realistic color, white balance, contrast, black...etc. I am good to go with a P2XL that can be tweaked, adjusted to suit personal taste.

I was just concerned about the low brightness issue and the banding in a couple of the shared photos. I really want this phone to work out. I have been looking and hoping for a big Nexus to replace my N6 and this fits the bill.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] sdsubball23:
The thing is some of us like the saturated and vivid colors of the Samsung displays (and even the v30 has this). Would tweaking and modifying display settings fix the washed out colors look of the pixel 2 xl displays we've seen in pictures and reviews in this thread?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Jooosty:
Played with one at Verizon.

Can confirm that the screen isn't as vibrant as the Note 8 or the Pixel 2.

The reds looked Maroon. But this is subjective already.

Quality looked fine, but the color seemed to be different than the other LED phones.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] JeffBea:
I too stopped in my local Verizon store today. The pixel 2 XL is indeed a nice phone. I turned the brightness down to 10% and I didn't see any banding issues. I didn't take a picture because I was using both my hands to block out the light from the store lights. I really liked the squeeze function. If I can get that to turn on/off the flashlight that would be perfect for me (job related). I compared it to my 6p phone. They are just about identical in physical size. Texture of the Pixel 2 XL is nice but it doesn't matter to me because the phone is going it a case anyways.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] braygray:
I don't think so. LG (much like Samsung) manufactures many different types of panels (ex Samsung made a different panel for the iPhone X than for the S8/S8+ - hints the knits discrepancy). I think it's very possible LG used a different panel for the Pixel 2 XL
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Rakeesh_j:
Probably because when you have everything saturated, it all looks fake. I'm not a football fan, when I see the games (always at somebody else's house because I never watch it by myself) I can't help but notice that the grass on nearly all TVs looks almost neon in appearance...grass doesn't look like that. I had a Samsung phone before, and it reminded me of that all the time...it was annoying.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] whodatfan:
All useless trash features to lure consumers like yourself.

Google drive, Google photos, Contacts, etc. > microSD

Headphone jack is going the way of the 8track, cassette tape, CD, Blu Ray. Deal with it, or buy a device that still supports it.

Wireless charging is a gimmick and is impractical. It's a "wow" feature to sell you the phone, but serves no use besides throwing it on a charger pad (that STILL has to be plugged in) at your bedside or office. It's not even "wireless" which is comical to say the least. It's nowhere near as fast as corded quick charge, accelerates battery degredation, and still has a bulky pad that plugs in the wall. It's also not a mainstream feature that has charging pads/tables at every local eatery, coffee shop, library, airport, etc. Is it really that big of a burden to plug your device in to charge? Please give me a real world example of where you just "have" to have this feature on your phone.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] NICEGYPT:
Are you sure?! or do you work for Google :D jk

I just re-ordered mine after I canceled it... Not a big deal. Enjoy your new toy...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] th3discodancer:
And the colour shift?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] turbo23:
Okay,

Google drive, awesome...I have a terabyte. No signal or wifi... Like rural areas its a fail.

Headphone jack, personal preference. I don't want headphones that run on a battery. I'm not replacing my old Sennheiser and Klipsch just to be trendy.

Wireless...sure its not a turbo charge but in my office I have to grab my phone constantly and its a pia to plug it in that much. The wireless (well of COURSE that has to be plugged in) is enough to keep it topped off.

Sorry if I rubbed a fanboy the wrong way but to each their own. Peace.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] dmarden:
Is that the blue tint thing at angles?

I've only had it about 24 hours, I suppose... but I don't think I ever look at it that way. Even in the car, from it's mount point on the dash to my eyes... it looks great. I only really see it when I try to see it intentionally, and even then it's only on light screens.

I can see where it would be annoying if you encounter it naturally... without question. I guess I just don't seem to be encountering it naturally (yet).
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Shuthefrontdoor:
Even my note 8 exhibits some form of blue color shift even if it's more slight on the note 8, but maybe the pixel 2 xl is more dominate because of the polarized layer which makes no sense to me as most of the time people are not wearing sunglasses so I don't see the need to sacrifice and make the screen uglier just for those times we do wear sunglasses
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] greencat2:
I completely agree. Just came from the Verizon store and have no problem with the screen. I like the colors. There is a blue tint if you are looking at a very light screen but with a normal viewing angle it's fine.

If you really have an order, I would suggest you wait till you receive your phone before jumping to conclusions.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Hitman3984:
It's funny, I work for a VZW retailer, we have a demo. I've eyes the screen up and down for a good amount of time and don't have any issues with it but this thread really killed my excitement for the phone. Which just arrived at home today.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] bsweetness:
It actually sounds more like you're the consumer being lured into what companies currently want you to do...

Nearly everything you said is an opinion, not a fact. One man's "useless trash features" is another man's preferred way to do things. Doesn't make one right or wrong.

When you don't have to worry about network data caps on mobile, sure. For backups and group access, sure. For offline access when traveling (which is huge part of some people's life, including me), not so much. There are also security and privacy factors that come into play with cloud storage, particularly for employers.

While things are heading in that direction, there's still nothing that truly replaces the headphone jack. Bluetooth is good, but the quality isn't on part with a properly implemented headphone jack, and you're dependent on having a headset that has a charged battery. Differing versions of Bluetooth also lead to varying experiences. USB-C is great and offers the potential for better quality than a headphone jack, but the standards are all over the place. One pair of USB-C headphones might not work with every device. It's also too early to know the long-term viability of USB-C. The headphone jack has been around for a long time. Why? Because it's a simple, quality standard to implement. It's not constantly changing, causing some devices to be rendered useless pretty quickly. USB-C is still evolving and settling into a standard, but it's not there yet.

No has to "have" wireless charging. But it is a great convenience. Sure it's not a big deal to plug in your phone, but it's awesome just to set it down and pick it up. As for it not being a mainstream feature, Apple has a way of impacting that when they starting using a specific technology. Wireless charging will start becoming more mainstream over the next year. I already see it frequently in airports and Starbucks when traveling.

For me, I do wish the Pixel 2 XL had expandable storage, a headphone jack, and wireless charging. All three would be great to have. But having used the Pixel XL for the last year, I know that I can easily live without expandable storage and wireless charging. Not having them isn't a deal breaker. The stellar performance and camera on the original XL were more than enough to make up for those features not being included. The headphone jack is going to be a bigger loss for me as I have a pair of high end wired headphones that I absolutely love. I can still use them, but it will get trickier on long trips when I need to be charging as well. But just like with expandable storage and wireless charging, the features of the Pixel 2 XL are likely going to be great enough to make me not miss it all that much. I'll dongle up if I have to.

Of course all of that, just like your post, is simply an opinion.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] audioman42:
Do you have a link? I couldn't find the review..
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Hitman3984:
https://www.phonearena.com/reviews/Google-Pixel-2-and-Pixel-2-XL-Review_id4431
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] blazinazn:
Just because you use your phone in a particular way doesn't mean every other person uses it the same way. What works for you, might not work for everyone else. Just because you find wireless charging pointless doesn't mean other people feel the same way. Personally, I love setting my phone down and not having to worry about plugging it in. I've had numerous ports go bad from plugging/unplugging over an extended period of time. I baby all my phones and try to keep them as long as I can because I'm not made of money. I can't plop down $700+ every time I need a new phone. So the less wear and tear I can put on my phone, the better. Is it a deal breaker for me that the PXL2 doesn't have it, no. It would have been a nice bonus though.

Everyone's use case is different. It kills me when people bash other people for their opinions and what they are looking for in their next device.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Traceguy:
Some mentioning the removal of the headphone jack, I have to say:

While 3.5mm jacks are going away, that doesn't mean we are moving away from corded headphones, some seem to forget that USB has replaced a lot of stuff in the tech world. Technically you can't say "There is no headphone jack", because what you're actually saying is "There is no 3.5mm port". The USB-C can be and is in a way, a "headphone jack"

Serial, Parallel, and PS/2 ports have all been replaced with USB. VGA can also be replaced. Also, you can point out that VGA and DVI can be replaced with HDMI and Display Port.

3.5mm jack is outdated and weak. USB-C offers a a large amount of power and data speeds which means that corded USB-C headphones have the potential to offer more power and data which in term mean better sound. Ever wonder why music equipment (recording and amps) does not use 3.5mm? It's weak.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] turbo23:
Can somebody check out and comment on how the display looks while wearing polarized sunglasses? Intredasting...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] mlin:
That's great and all, but isn't a more reasonable alternative to actually see for yourself? There is quite little risk in keeping the order, getting the device, playing with it for a week and deciding on your own rather than "waiting for more people to have comments." Screw their comments, decide for yourself.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] iamjimmy:
Hi - I have a Pixel XL too, and am switching to the 2 XL.

Could you please comment on the text readability and the whites on Pixel XL 2 vs Pixel XL?

I read a lot and so having good white/blacks and crisp text is very important. I went from Nexus 6 to Nexus 6p and then to Pixel XL.

Pixel XL was a huge upgrade from Nexus 6/6p in terms of clarity of text and contrast.

So I wanted to know whether the Pixel XL2 is fine. Hopefully it is NOT too much of a downgrade from Pixel XL in terms of screen/text/colors.

Thanks in advance.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] stch7299:
Text readability is great. I see no issues at all with the screen. The only thing I can see is a blue tint if I turn the phone to the side, but I don't look at it that way. This phone is screaming fast compared to my pixel XL.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] tgrgrd00:
Yeah I mentioned the polarized sunglass use a little while back in the thread but I will say again. I've been struggling to see my screen for years on other devices with my polarized glasses that I use all the time. This device solves that problem absolutely. I was shocked at how well I could see the screen with my glasses on. The screen looked just like it does with the glasses off.

Whatever minor blue tint there may be at an angle I'll never use the phone at is worth it for the viewing with polarized glasses imo.

Love the device after 1.5 days I have to say.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] iamjimmy:
Thanks a bunch. So you would say that overall the screen of Pixel XL 2 is NOT significantly worse than Pixel XL 1 ?

Last question: What about the sound output using dongle? Is the volume and clarity using wired headphones with a dongle on Pixel XL 2 comparable to using wired headphones in Pixel XL 1 (using 3.5 mm jack)?

Thanks and appreciate the quick response.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] bsweetness:
Been using both side by side for the past day and a half.

1) The overall screen of the Pixel 2 XL is not significantly worse than the Pixel XL. There are differences, but those differences mostly come down to personal preference.

2) The sound output using the dongle is better to my ear overall than using the 3.5 mm jack on the original. The sound output on the original was pretty poor, so it doesn't take much to be better.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] iamjimmy:
Thanks a bunch. Much appreciated.

I had almost canceled my pre-order, fearing that I was upgrading to an inferior device compared to the Pixel XL 1 .

Now I won't cancel and eagerly await the Pixel XL 2. Thanks for the inputs again. It is invaluable to get someone's input who has both the XL phones..
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] xocomaox:
If you don't like color shift to blue when tilting the phone (I'm not talking about extreme viewing angles, either) then this phone will drive you nuts. The smaller Pixel 2 doesn't have this issue, as the color shift is very faint at angles.

---------- Post added at 08:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:54 PM ----------

Do you guys always keep the phone facing dead-centered facing you? I normally do but occasionally it tilts slightly, especially when you're lounging and watching or reading something with less posture.. It seems by the way you're describing this blue tint, it only shows up when the screen is viewed at an extreme (like 45º) angle when in fact it starts to turn with the slightest movements. I verified other phones were like this too (at Verizon), so it's not just my 2XL.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] tgrgrd00:
I mean yeah I've noticed it here and there under different scenarios on white screens. When watching a video or anything else I haven't noticed it at all. That being said when I've seen it it hasn't bothered me. I actually think it looks kinda cool. If it would impact my experience negatively in any way I would say it, but it just hasn't.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] iceman4357:
I am confident that with the unlocked version we will be able to modify and unlock the sRGB. I think we should create a petition for people to sign to have the option added to toggle the sRGB on/off like the original Pixel.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] droidguy22:
That' may address washed out color's issue, but I doubt there'll be any solution for color shift to blue when tilting the phone, you'll have to get used to it.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] bsweetness:
Actually, as pointed out earlier in the thread, there's a chance a software update can go a long way towards helping the blue tint.

With the original Pixels, you can toggle sRGB on and off. If you toggle it on, it looks almost identical to the Pixel 2 XL. This is first obvious with the muted colors, but turning sRGB on for the original Pixels also creates a blue tint when tilting the phone. It's not as pronounced as the 2 XL, but it's definitely there. With sRGB turned off on the original, that blue tint goes almost completely away. I tested it out myself with the 2 XL and the original XL.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] rknee:
I've noticed blue tint color shift on my pixel. It's a bit more apparent when sRGB is on and slightly with it off. My guess is that it is more noticeable because theres a large difference in color? Hard to explain.

I've had sRGB active since all this pixel 2 XL display hoopla started. It doesn't bother me too much. But we'll see when my 2 xl comes in later this month.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] iceman4357:
Correct. And we really would just need enough people to sign to get Googles attention, in addition to the critic reviews.