yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] daneb_l:
RMA'd my 2 XL (manufacture date Nov 16th) bought on the UK google store, because I couldn't bear the grainy screen. It had blue tint but given the cold tone of the screen it didn't bother me much.

I received a brand new unit today, manufactured Jan 10th:

- The screen clearly has a much warmer tone

- Blue tint is way more noticeable because of the warm tone, and it doesn't take much tilt to see it

- The screen is still grainy and I can see it more on the Jan 10th unit

Now it's either keep RAM'ing till I get an acceptable unit, or not play lottery and keep my original unit.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] bauerat02:
In order to have Google send you a replacement, do you have to originally buy it through the Google store? I bought one at Target (manufacture date of 11/11) when they were having their sale of $300 off and $250 gift card. I emailed Google support about it with pictures next to a good iPhone screen which clearly showed blue tint, and their response was "it is working as intended, and you can take back to the retailer to look at an alternative." Just curious if they are only allowing returns if bought through them, and I am now at the mercy of Target...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] baginz10:
Does your January unit have screen burn in where the menu bar is?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] xxnirvana69xx:
Anyone think Google will rma a pixel 2 xl for burn in with a cracked glass in the corner?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] daneb_l:
I do not see any for the moment.

They do ask whether the unit has sustained any visible damage before approving an RMA. I don't think they'd accept a cracked glass, unless that's how it was out of the box.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] danlat1415:
They do ask whether there is any physical damage to the phone - but only so they can determine whether this may have affected or caused the issue you're returning for.

As your phone has burn in, this is a manufacturing issue - completely unrelated to the screen crack.

Personally, I wouldn't mention the crack unless they specifically ask - and if they then refuse, I'd kick up a fuss as it has no relevance to the issue you're returning it for - raise an official complaint if they still refuse.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] daneb_l:
UPDATE

I asked for another replacement. Here is what they said:

- Google's official stand is that grain and blue tints are inherent characteristics to the POLED screen they are using, and as bad as it may seem nothing can be done until they use a different one alltogether

- All Pixel 2 XL will have grain and blue tint with varying extents because of that

- People who got screens with minimal grain and blue tint are lucky

- There is no guarantee that I will get a better screen, let alone one as good as my first unit, even after 5 replacements, because as people said, it is a lottery

Therefore, they will not send me another replacement. I can keep either one of the units I have in my possession and return the other, or I can return both and get a refund.

For the price of the phone it's hard to accept, but on the other hand the software experience is truly great, and the camera is amazing.

I will now think about what I'm going to do.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] baginz10:
I'm on my first replacement and my original wasn't purchased from Google. Not sure what they'll offer me as I can't deal with the burn in on a phone that's less than a week old, they can't exactly offer me a refund either. Maybe I'll ask for a latest batch replacement and just sell it. Now I know the burn in is there I can even see it whilst watching videos. I love the software and battery life but for the money the screen shouldn't be like this.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] SE7EN-:
I'm on T-Mobile and just purchased the Pixel XL 2 from Google and should be here on Tues. I currently have the LG V30 and the only time the blue tint really interferes with me is when I have the phone mounted on my vent while using Waze because it doesn't directly face me and my vents are round (2015 Mustang GT). I'm hoping with the Pixel it won't be worse then the V30 in that respect. I'm on jump on demand with T-Mobile and can jump every 30 days but it's time to cut the cord and just stick to one phone as it's expensive to keep paying $35-$40 month and never pay the phone off due to constantly switching phones the main reason I bought the Pixel in the first place either way blue screen or not i'll be keeping the phone indefinitely.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Guyinlaca:
My cousin got his defective Pixel 2 XL (build October 26) replaced because it was shutting off on its own and the camera was force closing. The replacement from Verizon is brand new with the stock Google branded protectors (build November 27). The blue shift is nearly the same, but the screen is much less grainy. At least Verizon is giving out new phones and not refurbished, though your mileage may vary. They weren't lucky enough to get an unlocked version but oh well, hopefully this one is more stable.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] mwatson:
Just got mine. December 21st build. Nothing to worry about here!
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] samitro:
I have the device for few days now. Less blue tint better than the previous ones I had that they were manufactured in November. The problem that remains is how grainy the display is, Comparing to iPhone 8 plus that I have now, the difference in quality is visible. Comparing to Note 8 is night and day. So I would say it is acceptable but still far from a flagship device.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Phunkydiabetic:
You can bet the only reason there are new ones being shipped is because there just isn't enough stock for refurbs yet. You best believe the refurbs are coming so get your returns in while you can!
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] blackhartct:
I broke my screen a few weeks ago. Went to ubreakifix to get it replaced since i didn't' get the warranty. The screen is exactly the same 30 degrees then blue. Honestly its not a big issue, just wanted to let people know that ubreakifx's screens are prob from the first run of screens.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] wolfeyes30:
I did an RMA last week due to burn-in and I didn't purchase directly from Google either. I started a chat with the built in help section. They had me send pictures of the screen and within 10 they confirmed with a new retail XL. It was that easy.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] baginz10:
That's exactly how I got my first replacement. They couldn't confirm I would receive a brand new retail boxed unit though but I did get one.

Got back in touch with them today, sent them pictures and they wanted to replace it but I want a recently assembled device not one that's 2 months old like my current replacement. She couldn't do it as it's all done my computer, they provide the IMEI and the dispatch team sort it out. I made it clear that I wasn't happy and what I wanted. In the end she escelated it and her supervisor will be getting back to me in 24-48 hours. Both of my XL's have had terrible screen burn in from the navigation bar. The reason I want a newly assembled device is if that also has it, in that same area, then they all have and I'll give up with this phone if that's the case.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] xflowy:
keep us updated on that!
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Galaxo60:
I don't know why you guys have to "accept" this kind of failures, just return the phone and get another one. Google and LG are mocking on us with this kind of product, and probably, next time they will release another phone full of issues and they will think "hey, no worries, the user will accept it because they did last time".

Pixel phones this year were pure marketing, and for the price tag and even less, you can get better phones overall, and trust me when I'm saying I'm a Google fan and I use all their services, but this is just a bad quality product and I don't like to be carrying 5h1t in my pocket.

I had the Pixel 2 XL for 2 weeks, and honestly, is a shame that a phone under the Google brand has so many problems and issues, is far away from what Nexus used to be. I had many Nexus phones and they were almost bug free.

Horrible screen, pure marketing about the camera, horrible video quality, awful sound recording, slow fingerprint sensor, super slow charge, bluetooth issues... should I go on?; I even did a camera comparison between the U11+ and the Pixel 2 XL to see how far behind the U11+ was against the "best camera in a phone", and man, 7 of 10 pictures taken with the U11+ were better. I did the same with video, and is was even worse, Pixel has the worst video I have seen in a phone since I remember, full of noise and artifacts.

Honestly, after getting the HTC U11+, I never looked back because is like having the Pixel but with no compromises or failures, and even with bigger battery and more premium and compact design.

I would recommend that you guys take a look to it and stop accepting crap from companies, otherwise, this is what will be receiving in the future.

:good:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] smithinsundar:
Man u have almost managed to convince me to shift to HTC U11+, I was almost about to buy pixel 2 XL .

Where did u buy U11+ from? It's not out in India yet I guess. I wanted to buy 6/128 .
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] baginz10:
If only... The HTC U11 Plus was originally intended to be the Google Pixel 2 XL

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www....le-pixel-2xl-htc-u11-plus-design-plans-change
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] EeZeEpEe:
I know the U11+ is pretty good and all but were you actually comparing photos on a screen that wasn't either of the phones like a computer monitor? Cause being the U11+ has a better screen, it's going to affect how the pictures appear. Unless you had viewed Pixel 2 XL pics on the U11+ and still came to that conclusion.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Galaxo60:
Is starting to arrive to Europe, but there many online stores that have it in stock as well. Also in eBay there are some sellers that have in stock.

;)

Exactly for this I was curious, and after being a week with it, I think Google made a big mistake by choosing LG and not HTC for the Pixel 2 XL.

:(

I made the tests by taking pictures when it was snowing at night, with seconds of difference between one and another. I wanted to see how good are the cameras in these phones. I didn't take 5 or 10 photos, but I took more than 30 and constantly U11+ was showing better results overall.

After that, I arrived home, let the photos sync from each device to Google Photos and connect my computer to my 4K 49" screen; I started to check one by one and detail by detail. Also I made different zoom tests to check quality and sharpness. For me it was even clearer after seeing them in the screen.

With video there was no need to do this, because it was more than obvious that Pixel video quality is more than crapp; still can't believe Pixel has such a extremely bad quality, but even so, stabilization was slightly better in Pixel than in U11+. Also Mr Mobile confirmed this when he was doing the review of Mate 10 Pro, when he puts side by side video of the Mate 10 Pro and the Pixel 2 XL and it was a huge difference in terms in quality. Video in the Pixel is a real fail.

Anyway, if someone is interested, you can check the full quality pictures and videos here:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/sYKc83Uc1EExNEiz1

The information of the picture is already there, and for video, the ones with "VIDEO000" are the ones from the U11+; you can also recognize them because they have better image and audio quality.

:good:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] EeZeEpEe:
https://youtu.be/34aZBYzhrDA

It all depends on the situation. Here, majority of low light photos are better on the Pixel 2 XL. Your pics don't show it as much but I can see the blown highlights on the U11+.

Video is a definite winner on the U11+. Pixel has issues with the flicker and graininess I love light. But on the go, I want that steadiness while moving.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Galaxo60:
Good video, but take in mind that the U11+ is slightly different in software than the normal U11; also in the presentation, HTC said that even when the camera hardware is the same, the software was improved with Oreo and they added better processing. I guess they learned something after doing the Pixel 2 times already.

Overall, all the reviews and most of the internet will say that the camera in the Pixel is the best, but after having the 2 of them for a week and making a lot of testing, I prefer the more balanced camera in the U11+, which also offers a manual mode for all the other tricky situations. If Google improves the quality of its devices and video/sound quality, I think they can achieve great things.

Personally, I prefer a more balanced device, that probably is not the best in everything but close enough, instead of having a device that is really good in some things, and then really bad in some others.

;)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Electroluxray:
If the HTC U11+ had been the successor of the XL2, I wonder if Google would have insisted on an OLED panel (from Samsung) instead of the super LCD. I don't think any Nexus phones were ever LCD. Or Pixel phones. They've all been OLED. Was the decision to use LG partly because of supply issues? I dunno. What we do know is that Apple has invested heavily in LG OLED displays, so hopefully LG will eventually become a contender in the OLED smartphone display market. I ain't holding my breath.

---------- Post added at 05:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:03 AM ----------

Oh wait, the Nexus 5 was LCD, I forgot :)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] EeZeEpEe:
Nexus 5X too.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] JAMJAMAL:
And 5x
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Galaxo60:
I don't think it would be an issue for HTC to put an OLED panel again in the Pixel, they did it last year and zero problems so far.

I wouldn't minded the blue tint color in the Pixel 2 XL as long as it would be the only defect; but the reality is that LG/Google quality control was really poor and you have a lot of random issues with the screen, the camera, the bluetooth, etc.

I could deal with the screen, but I'm not willing to deal with a bunch of different issues taking in mind the price tag.

Regarding the screen technology, I always prefer OLED panels, but honestly the LCD on the U11+ doesn't bother me at all, because it's really good quality.

;)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] EeZeEpEe:
Well guess it really is the best phone I can't buy being I live in the US and on Sprint. ??*♂️
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Electroluxray:
Yup. The Pixel XL 2 was technically my first LG and needless to say I have no confidence in their quality control. Currently using a regular Pixel 2 and it's fine. Now the discussion may shift for Google on whether the displays for the next Pixel should be OLED or LCD. I'd say a Samsung made OLED is best, and a Super LCD is better than P-OLED. Anyone agree or disagree? Maybe next year LG will get their sh*t together and make a decent screen?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Galaxo60:
Apple and Google are investing strong in LG screen division, because they need OLED screens and the only manufacturer that does this is Samsung.

I don't think Google wants to put an LCD/IPS screen on any Pixel device, because they want to push Daydream technology and OLED offers better experience because of the time response, contrast and colors.

I think Google is fine with HTC doing the Pixel line, they offer pretty decent quality and good specs. The only Pixel fiasco has been the LG one so far, because HTC has been doing great. Still, I would love a Huawei Pixel, similar to what the Nexus 6P was.

;)

---------- Post added at 11:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:11 AM ----------

There's always eBay and Amazon, how do you think that reviewers and people in general are getting their units?.

Is getting really popular because is kind of the forbidden fruit, and because Google put pressure on HTC to not sell it in the US.

;)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] EeZeEpEe:
Reviewers I see are UK based ones. Anyway, it's not compatible with my network so no point.

https://www.frequencycheck.com/comp...-u11-plus-dual-sim-td-lte-128gb/united-states

Even if I was on AT&T or T-Mobile, it would work but I would still have bands missing.

Also, kind of too little too late because 2018 phones are coming.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Phunkydiabetic:
Oh yeah that's what we need, you already forgot the bootloop issues? The battery issues? The fact that the 6P had the structural integrity of a wet noodle?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] EeZeEpEe:
Yeah but that was a couple years ago. That Mate 10 Pro is a beast.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Galaxo60:
I think those issues were more related to software than hardware, except for the structural integrity.

You can't blame Huawei for the software issues when Google was the one working in those devices.

:)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] EeZeEpEe:
Bootlooping can totally be hardware. See LG and their V10, V20, and 5X.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] chriskwarren:
The G4 bootlooping just costed LG a tonne of cash:

https://9to5google.com/2018/01/31/lg-bootloop-lawsuit-ends-rebate-or-cash/
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] slg60:
received my 4th device today (prev: 29.10,30.10,17.11) now Manufature date 04.01.18 and what shell I say.... blueshift is there but much less than on the other 3 devices... now I'm happy with the device!
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] :
I got my 5th or 6th (I lost track) two days ago and I'm happy too. It's a panda and the build date is 11-16-17. Although I wish it were a newer build date the blue shift is much better on this one as well. My previous phones were just black but I opted for the panda one because I read reports of the screen being better on those. Everything seems good on this one so my Note 8 goes to the wife.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] baginz10:
Ok so my first replacement from Google had screen burn in so I contacted them via live chat a few days ago to get another replacement. I made it clear that I wasn't happy and wanted a recently assembled device, they couldn't guarantee me that so I asked them to escalate it and I was told a supervisor would email me in the next 24-48 hours. I received an email from the supervisor and all it said was don't worry we'll replace your device for you and that was it.

So instead of using live chat I phoned them to set up a replacement. Asked again for a latest stock device but they just couldn't do it, if my original purchase was direct from Google perhaps they could do more who knows. Anyway the lady said I would receive a brand new device as they have no refurbs yet, if they did she would of had to tell me when organising the replacement. I posted it back to them yesterday morning and received a dispatch email earlier. Its a November 11th build date just like the one I sent back! Hopefully it's better but I have a feeling they all suffer from burn in, I even noticed a dead pixel on the last one before resetting it. I'm also aware there's no guarantee a recently assembled device would be any better than one from Novemeber. I just want one to be sure that there hasn't been a hardware revision to the display.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] daneb_l:
The screen of my Jan 10th manufactured Pixel 2 XL was worse than my Nov 16th one. Grainier, less uniform and more aggressive blue tint. I returned the Jan 10th unit.

I've been using the Nov 16th unit for a month now, Android 8.1 since day 1, and it has not had any burn-in so far.

What I do have now is the screen flashing problem when the phone goes into Always On Display, but it's not consistent. Not willing to RMA for fear I'll get a worse screen again.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Try4Ce:
The main issue with the comparision is the software itself, as the camera hardware of the pixel 2 (xl) is pretty darn good.

I see you have video stabilization enabled. That means only the digital stabilization, as optical is always enabled regardless of the settings. That means the recorded video is always cropped in about 5-10% so the digital stabilization has an "overshoot" or "outside buffer" to compensate shakes and sudden moves to create the very smooth video. On the downside, since its zoomed/cropped in, it washes out the image noticeably since its not the full resolution as shown on the HTC U11+.

The second thing is the shutter speed which creates that annoying "light pulse" from LED lights/energy saving lights, as seen on your sample videos. It seems Google tries to maximize the shutter speed and cramps up the ISO to counter that. The result is that motion blur in 30FPS / 60FPS gets less dominant, but also increases noise and, since shutter speed is VERY important for that detail, makes LED lights/power saving lights "pulsating". It's because those lights flicker very fast and the faster the shutter speed is, the more it becomes visible. A good example is switching to slow motion video on ANY phone infront of mentioned light sources - its visible anywhere.

If you use a third party camera app like Cinema 4k and setup the video capture manually (for example, lower the shutter speed, thus increasing motion blur, but lower ISO for less noise), the change in video quality is, well, incredible, to say the least. A good example video of the Pixel 2 low light capabilites is the following one.

How to Shoot at Night or Low Light on your Smartphone by John Harvey

Especially the christmas tree low light interior scene at 8:08 is pretty impressive.

I could imagine that a high shutter speed and low motion blur is pretty important for a clean, digital stabilization, especially in scenes with quick movements. Let's see what Google comes up with in the future, as IMO, its all down to software.

And on topic - I just received a "new" Panda 2 XL which was manufactured December 19, 2017. Blue shift is VERY minimal, grain is barely noticeable and white balance is pretty spot on. Couldn't be happier :D
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Galaxo60:
I'm agree with everything you wrote, but the point of making a camera comparison between the 2 devices was to use default settings.

Of course I could use manual mode in the U11+ and it could totally banged the Pixel, but I just wanted to test what these cameras were capable of with stock camera app and default settings.

Still I don't understand why Google can't give us a proper manual mode for those who are interested in having more control in difficult light situations.

As I said, it wasn't only the camera why I returned the Pixel, but also a lot of hardware/software related issues that made the phone not enjoyable at all for me.

I think Google is doing a nice job with the concept of the Pixel line, but they can't rely in software only to offer a nice experience; they should pay more attention also to hardware and even when I know they like to do things differently, even since last year Pixel, their hardware strategy is not fully working.

;)