Google Pixel 2 launch hit by display, pricing and shipping issues

Such issues prompted the company to open an investigation and issue multiple apologies to customers

The launch of Alphabet Inc's second-generation Google Pixel smartphones has been hampered by display screen problems and pricing and shipping issues, prompting the company to open an investigation and issue multiple apologies to customers.

The Pixel 2 and Google Pixel 2 XL, which start at $649 and debuted in stores on Thursday, are the lynchpin of Google's efforts to take on Apple Inc's

iPhone directly.

Early Pixel 2 users have voiced frustration with mishaps, including a potentially serious problem with the screen.

Google said on Sunday it is investigating whether graphics are burning into the display of the Google Pixel 2, following a report on the Android Central blog detailing the issue after a week of use. Burn-in, which usually becomes a problem only after several years of activity, can make it difficult to see information on the display.

Google likely would need to halt production if there is a problem, said Ryan Reith, a mobile device analyst at research firm IDC.

"We take all reports of issues very seriously, and our engineers investigate quickly," Mario Queiroz, Google's vice president for Pixel product management, said in an emailed statement to Reuters. "We will provide updates as soon as we have conclusive data."

The investigation follows Google's acknowledgement that it may introduce new software to respond to users' concern about a blue tint to the Pixel 2 XL's 6-inch screen. The device incorporates new OLED display technology, which Google described as offering "a more natural and accurate rendition of colours."

Reviewers and users in online support forums have also reported a clicking noise during calls and poor Bluetooth connections between the Pixel 2 and other devices. Google did not immediately comment on the issues. (more)

Google Pixel 2 camera sets new record, beats Apple iPhone 8 & Samsung Note8

According to DxO review, the Pixel 2 smartphones score an impressive 98 points out of 100, which is 9 points more than yesteryear's Google Pixel and 4 points more than dual camera clad iPhone 8 Plus

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL devices might lack the luster of flagship smartphones but they possess some major enhancements that not only give them an edge but also help them race past over the competitors in some of the departments.

Notwithstanding absence of dual camera lens set-up, which has been a common feature followed by Apple and Samsung in their flagship iPhone 8 Plus and Samsung Galaxy Note8, both the handsets sport singular 12-megapixel shutter.

The 12-megapixel camera in Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL is one of the key feature among many others that has been getting a lot of attention. The camera not only outshines in terms of performance, it also takes away the title of ‘best camera in mobile phone’ from Apple iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.

According to DxO mark review, the Pixel 2 smartphones score an impressive 98 points out of 100, which is 9 points more than yesteryear’s Google Pixel and 4 points more than dual camera clad iPhone 8 Plus. With this score, the Google Pixel 2 sets a new record for overall smartphone camera quality.

Boasting the success of Pixel 2 camera performance, the Google team shared a bunch of videos and photographs allegedly taken from the device to showcase the imaging capabilities of the smartphones and provided below are some of the samples: