(ThyBlackMan.com) Google Pixel phones come equipped with cutting-edge hardware and they offer some stellar features and instant software updates – but that doesn’t mean Pixel phones are the best performers. There are plenty of issues with these phones and it’s not just the price that makes people think twice before buying a Pixel phone, there are some more things that you should know. We have listed 8 weird things about Google Pixel phones most users are not happy about.
1. They make slippery phones
Google Pixel phones are way too slippery in hands. They feel like butter, particularly the first generation phones from the series. Almost all the time, it’s too difficult to hold the phones as if they are designed to slip right out of your hands. What makes the whole experience more annoying is that the silicon cases Google sells are too sticky.
If you are buying a silicone case from Google, be ready to see your phone picking up all the lint when you keep it in the pocket. When it comes in contact with fabric or any fibrous material, the cover behaves like it’s drenched in oil.
2. Bottom facing speakers
Most people watch videos in landscape mode and if you’re like me, your index fingers support the phone covering the bottom area. On Pixel phones, this is the worst case scenario when your fingers cover the speakers and you’re bound to use headphones if you want to enjoy audio with the video you’re watching.
The same thing happens when you watch a video or play games in portrait mode. Most people put their pinky finger as a support and again, the speakers get covered. Thankfully, some smartphone accessory makers have paid attention to this problem and now Pixel phone covers are available that redirect the speaker sound.
3. Scratch prone back
The glass back on Pixel phones is very easy to scratch. Even if you are taking care of your Pixel phone like a baby. We have already mentioned earlier that the phone is too slippery, but it doesn’t end here. If you are not using a back cover, and feel that your Pixel phone is completely scratchless, just see it under light from different angles, you might see scratches on your phone’s back. If your Pixel phone is in black color, the scratches will be more visible than the silver color phones.
4. The OLED Issue
This is probably the most talked about Pixel 2 XL issue. It’s not something that stops anyone from normally using their phone, but the phone gets blue if you’re looking at the display from off-center. It exists on almost every phone, but it’s more noticeable on the XL OLED. Overall, the display is fine but it is unacceptable when you are paying $850 for a smartphone.
5. No waterproofing
The new Pixel 2 phones are water-resistant, but the previous generation Pixel phones lack this feature. There are people who are not ready to buy the new Pixel 2 series phones, and lack of waterproofing is obviously a weird decision Google made. The new phones have an IP67 rating which means you can down about three feet underwater for up to 30 minutes.
6. Headphone jack
On the new Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, Google is using a USB-C audio port that doesn’t support the majority of wired headphones. It seems that Google never listened to what fans want in the Pixel series phones. In the previous generation phones, they put the headphone jack on the top which is not right. When you plug in a headset while using the screen, you have to hold the cord to the back to keep it away from the screen. Headphone jack on top hurts when you’re out in the light rain and that little hole invites problems.
7. No edge-to-edge design
We didn’t expect edge-to-edge display in the first generation of Pixel phones, but most people wanted a refreshing change in the display when Google launched the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. The high-end model sports a bigger screen, but it is not as impressive as the Samsung Galaxy S8 or the iPhone X. The bezels on the new Pixel phones are wide and it makes these phones look old.
8. Search bar placement
On both previous generation and current generation Google Pixel phones, the search bar is placement is weird. Don’t know why Google placed the search bar in the worst place possible. Every time you want to type something on your phone in the search bar, you are bound to adjust your grip. On the Pixel 2 series phones, it’s more difficult as the virtual keyboard overlays the widget.
Staff Writer; Corey Shaw
Have any Tech Tips? News? Hit up our Tech Guru at; CoreyS@ThyBlackMan.com