Pixel 2 Warping Issue

[hybrisate]

I received my Pixel 2 a few days ago and noticed this morning that it is bending along the diagonal line (bottom left, to upper right if looking at the screen.) I first noticed when it wobbled on flat surfaces, and thought it might be the surface or the case. After testing on multiple level surfaces and without the case, I confirmed it is warped.

It definitely has been taken care of well enough to avoid this being caused by me - no drops or abuse. It has also been in the case (Spigen Rugged Armor) since un-boxing. This is pretty disappointing. I am not sure what to do- I love this phone but this is unacceptable a few days in. I would like to exchange it but worry the next may run into the same issue. Someone else on the Google product forums posted the same thing today.

 

[N4Newbie]

If there is a bump on the back, rather than an actual bend, it may signify that the battery is swelling - a sure sign of a bad battery or charging system failure.

I would contact Google (if you bought it direct) or your carrier and insist on a replacement.

 

[modifier]

All Pixel 2s wobble on flat surfaces due to the camera bump. Are you sure that's not what's causing yours to wobble? Does it wobble on a flat surface with the camera hanging off the edge?

 

[Morty2264]

I too recommend contacting Google and asking for a replacement. This obviously was not damage caused by you - and if it is indeed something to do with the battery being defective, the device may be unsafe to use.

Please keep us informed of what happens next!

 

[hybrisate]

Thanks for the replies - didn't think about it being the battery, but no there is no visible swelling or bumps on the back. And I didn't not think about the camera bump, but it does indeed wobble with the camera hanging off of the edge, or with the phone screen side down.

The bend seems to be slightly visible from the side, as well. Thanks again, I bought it directly from the Google store and will contact them for a replacement.

 

[Scottie15]

Thanks for the replies - didn't think about it being the battery, but no there is no visible swelling or bumps on the back. And I didn't not think about the camera bump, but it does indeed wobble with the camera hanging off of the edge, or with the phone screen side down.

The bend seems to be slightly visible from the side, as well. Thanks again, I bought it directly from the Google store and will contact them for a replacement.

Any way you can post a pic?

 

[Mike Dee]

Thanks for the replies - didn't think about it being the battery, but no there is no visible swelling or bumps on the back. And I didn't not think about the camera bump, but it does indeed wobble with the camera hanging off of the edge, or with the phone screen side down.

The bend seems to be slightly visible from the side, as well. Thanks again, I bought it directly from the Google store and will contact them for a replacement.

Just hang the camera off the edge of a flat surface to eliminate the camera as a source of wobble.

 

[hybrisate]

Any way you can post a pic?

Hey Scottie. I just tried to take a couple pics with a friend's phone - it's too slight to be picked up on camera. I had him take a look to make sure I am not crazy; he can see the bend as well. It's even so slight but it is there.

Just hang the camera off the edge of a flat surface to eliminate the camera as a source of wobble.

Mike- I tried that when modifier mentioned it earlier as well; still wobbles. Screen down as well. This is without the case on of course.

 

[hybrisate]

Update: The rep asked me to send videos. I sent short clips of the wobble with the phone both up and down (my friend made GIFs instead of a video, so I am hoping they don't want more video evidence.)

It is pretty slight, much easier to see in person. The rep saw the GIFs and told me he would escalate the issue; it should take 24-48 hours for someone to get back to me. I hope they recognize this as a defect. If they don't replace it, I will be returning for a refund which is a bummer since I love the phone and ordered during the $100 store credit + free Home Mini promo. I will let you guys know what happens.

 

[hybrisate]

The rep I talked to wasn't very friendly and didn't sound like he cared. I was worried he wouldn't follow up so I did the online chat the next day. That rep took over and was helpful. She said it would take 2-3 days to escalate, but she got back to me within a day and said they would process an exchange.

I opted to receive the replacement device ASAP instead of sending my defective one in and waiting. They sent me a replacement order link to put a hold on my credit card (pending return of the defective one,) so it should be here in a few days.

The other person who had this issue on the Google product forums was sent his replacement a little easier, although he was getting his from Project Fi instead of the Google Store. Hopefully there are not too many others with this issue. I will examine my new one carefully, but imagine it should be normal. Thanks again everyone.

 

[hybrisate]

My replacement came. While waiting for it, I was a little nervous they'd try to claim it as damaged vs. warranty issue. I followed up on the email chain to ask about that, and the rep assured me they were taking ownership of this problem and not to worry.

New device is definitely flush, and I am glad to have it back. It looks like Google dropped the credit card hold as soon as the defective unit was dropped off at Fedex, which was nice. I've only seen one other person who had this complaint, so hopefully it was an isolated thing. Happy to be on team Pixel!!

 

[Mike Dee]

Glad it worked out for you

 

[hybrisate]

Well I just noticed today that my replacement all the sudden has the same issue. It wobbles on flat surfaces, although not quite as bad as the original device. I have dropped it once or twice, but it is in a case and has no cracks/dings; never dropped it hard enough to worry about this. And yes I am accounting for the camera bump by testing with it hanging off of the edge and testing with screen facing down.

Can't be positive when this came about, but it is rather annoying. If my replacement has become bent in less than a month, whether due to a defect or being dropped, I am concerned about the long term durability of the phone. I wonder if anyone else has a warp and just doesn't notice since it is pretty minuscule.

I have the black, non-XL model by the way.

 

[Mike Dee]

Well I just noticed today that my replacement all the sudden has the same issue. It wobbles on flat surfaces, although not quite as bad as the original device. I have dropped it once or twice, but it is in a case and has no cracks/dings; never dropped it hard enough to worry about this. And yes I am accounting for the camera bump by testing with it hanging off of the edge and testing with screen facing down.

Can't be positive when this came about, but it is rather annoying. If my replacement has become bent in less than a month, whether due to a defect or being dropped, I am concerned about the long term durability of the phone. I wonder if anyone else has a warp and just doesn't notice since it is pretty minuscule.

I have the black, non-XL model by the way.

The odds of you getting two with same problem are rather extreme since I have not heard of this as a common problem. I've dropped mine several times and put in in my pants pocket while seated and nothing is out of alignment.

 

[Maljunulo]

Well I just noticed today that my replacement all the sudden has the same issue. It wobbles on flat surfaces, although not quite as bad as the original device. I have dropped it once or twice, but it is in a case and has no cracks/dings; never dropped it hard enough to worry about this.

Just as a suggestion ......... why don't you stop dropping it? (them)

 

[Mike Dee]

Just as a suggestion ......... why don't you stop dropping it? (them)

I don't think anyone drops it on purpose.

 

[andrew_ackley]

Do you put it in your back pocket when you sit down? Also what kind of case are you using? A solid/rigid case or a flimsy one like a tpu?

 

[hybrisate]

The odds of you getting two with same problem are rather extreme since I have not heard of this as a common problem. I've dropped mine several times and put in in my pants pocket while seated and nothing is out of alignment.

I know, this is strange. I don't abuse my phone or do anything unusual that I could see causing this. So weird. Luckily it is not as bad this time, but it is annoying. And it wasn't there when I received it.

Do you put it in your back pocket when you sit down? Also what kind of case are you using? A solid/rigid case or a flimsy one like a tpu?

No I do not - maybe have done that for a second or two before I realized it, but not something I do regularly. I am using more of a flimsy one - Spigen Rugged Armor. It is definitely on the thicker side of other TPU style cases I've used.

 

[GSDer]

Well I just noticed today that my replacement all the sudden has the same issue.

Any chance that your case (or the effort of getting it in/out of the case) is the cause of the problem?

 

[Mike Dee]

Any chance that your case (or the effort of getting it in/out of the case) is the cause of the problem?

Anything's possible but I doubt that. Even if it was tight you would have to remove it incorrectly for that to happen.