The Google Pixel and Pixel XL might be making headlines as the best Android phones available at the moment, but these two also have their negative side of the story.
As usual with any new product, it is hard to miss some hardware and software problems affecting certain features and functions. The Google Pixel and Pixel XL are on this list, especially with the growing adoption of the phone. Complaints have been popping up here and there and we have put together the most common ones alongside the possible solutions to them.
Wireless connectivity issues
One very common problem that has been noted among early buyers of the Google Pixel and Pixel XL is the issue of connectivity. This applies to both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Many have noted that internet speeds tend to drop and sometimes connectivity lost unexpectedly.
To solve any Wi-Fi connectivity problem, first, try turning it on and off. When the phone reconnects to the source, things should come back to normal. If this won’t help, you may have to reboot the phone. There is also an option to forget the current wireless network via the Wi-Fi Settings. Once done, reconnect to the same router and it should be good to go. If restarting your Google Pixel or Pixel XL still doesn’t solve the problem, you may want to reboot or reset your router or modem for that matter.
There are cases where turning off Bluetooth is the trick. Speaking of Bluetooth, there are some users who are also experiencing hiccups when connecting to wireless devices. Like the Wi-Fi case, some say that the connection drops randomly, but this is mostly affecting those using the phone in cars.
You may want to delete every Bluetooth pairing and start afresh. If this doesn’t solve your problem, you may have to wait for Google’s solution, which shouldn’t take long.
Microphone issues
Even though not vast, some Google Pixel and Pixel XL users have already filed for replacement units due to the microphone issue. But before you do the same, you may want to try and start a voicemail call and turn on/off the speakerphone. This should help solve the problem. You can also try resetting the phone to factory settings, but be warned that this will erase any new data that you have added to the phone. It is important that you keep a backup of the data before performing a factory reset.
Camera problems
The Google Pixel and Pixel XL have already earned the title of the best cameras so far thanks to independent reviews. Those who have already bought these phones are relishing their time with these cameras, however, there is one little problem. Dubbed the lens flare, this is an issue that affects all Google Pixel models.
This is a reflection of light that appears in shots, but some are already using this glitch to their own advantage. Nonetheless, the issue should be taken care of via a software update from Google, but it yet to be released. Other than this, the Pixel and Pixel XL camera should give you great photos, especially when HDR+ is enabled.
Overheating issues
Don’t be scared, this is not another Galaxy Note 7, but it is true that the Google Pixel and Pixel XL handsets have been reported to experience some overheating issues. It is not strange for a phone to overheat, especially when under heavy usage or even when charging. This overheating may get even worse when using the Google Pixel fast charging technology.
If this problem persists even when not charging, there could be a faulty app installed. You can find out the apps that are using too much battery power via the Battery Settings and uninstall them if any.
Battery life issues
Speaking of Google Pixel and Pixel XL battery settings, this is the same place you will check in case of any issues of excessive battery drains. Most probably there is an app that is draining your battery juice. You can find this out via the said battery settings. In addition, make sure you have adjusted the screen brightness, turned off things like GPS and Wi-Fi/Cellular data when not in use so as to save on your battery juice.
Usually, the Android OS, Android System or Display screen will lead the way when it comes to battery consumption. In case of anything else, you may want to remove the app from your phone or maybe update to the latest version via the Google Play Store.
A missing LED light notification
Most Android devices come with a LED light notification on the front panel that keeps users alert whenever they have an unread message or missed call. Some Google Pixel and Pixel XL users are complaining that this feature is missing from their phones. Well, relax! It is there, you just haven’t activated it yet.
To enable it, pull down the notification bar and hit the Setting icon, which is shaped like a gear. Scroll down to the Notifications section and tap on “Advanced Settings” on the top right. While there, you can enable Pulse Notification Light and that’s it!
Have you experienced any other problems on your Google Pixel and Pixel XL phones? Please share with us via the comments.