A Buggy Journey with Google’s Pixel Phones
As a technology news editor, I began my tenure at PhoneArena in the spring of 2021 – around the same time when Google was reinventing its Pixel flagship. I pre-ordered the Pixel 6 Pro, which was released in the fall of 2021, and faced bugs for almost ten months straight. Two years later, I had to part ways with my Pixel 6 Pro and switched to an iPhone 13 (mini) for reliability.
Not Alone in Frustration
Recent news stories indicate that I’m not the only one who has done or soon-to-be-done with Google’s buggy Pixel experience. According to a Statista survey in the US, almost 60% of participating Pixel users are “very likely” to switch to a different brand when upgrading to a new phone. Respectively, only 26% of Pixel users said it was “very unlikely” that they would switch to a different brand of phone. On the other hand, Apple and Samsung users seem far more likely to stay loyal to the iPhone and Galaxy.
Reasons Behind the Switch
Whether it’s because Google is relatively new to the smartphone game or the limited availability of Pixels (which sell in less than 15 countries), the majority of people around the world don’t seem interested in buying Pixel phones. Google’s largest market share seems to be in Australia – a whopping 5.4%. In comparison, Apple takes up almost 50% of the smartphone market in Aussieland.
Why Aren’t People Flocking to New Pixel Phones?
Despite being some of the best value smartphones on the market, new Pixel phones are still somewhat buggy. Similar to the Pixel 6 series, the Pixel 7a, Pixel 7, or a Pixel 7 Pro are experiencing bugs. It seems like people are running out of patience.
Can Google Ever Get it Right?
Google’s anti-record continues, and various bugs make Pixel 7 Pro almost unusable. Pixel users might start switching to iPhone or Galaxy very soon. But how many attempts will Google need to get it right?
Pixel Phone Bugs
Battery Drain Bug
A battery drain bug took social media by storm. The reason behind the unusual battery drain issue was Google’s own Google App, which comes pre-installed on Pixel phones. Although bugs seem to be bothering Pixel phones a bit too often, they are something that no phone is immune to, so Google’s timely response was great to see.
Unresponsive Virtual Home Button
For no apparent reason, Pixel 7 Pro’s virtual home button would become completely unresponsive, leaving users with no way to “go back home”. The only option to “get around it” would be to use the back button instead, which completely kills the app you were in, or put the phone to sleep and wake it up. This might very well be the most annoying bug experienced on Pixel since the days of the Pixel 6 Pro.
Persisting Display Issue
Several users have taken it on Reddit to complain about a persisting display issue where Pixel 7 Pro screens would start flickering in various colors of the rainbow (mostly green). According to forum posts and comments, the Pixel 7 Pro’s screen issues date back to late 2022. Users say that the company is helpful in terms of arranging replacements, which have solved the display issue. However, on several occasions, the replacement phones would continue experiencing similar display problems.
Ready to Switch to iPhone/Galaxy
Pixel 7 Pro users seem ready to switch to iPhone/Galaxy due to the persistent bugs and issues they have faced with their Pixel phones.
FAQs
1. Are Pixel phones worth buying?
Pixel phones are some of the best value smartphones on the market. However, they are experiencing bugs and issues, which might frustrate users.
2. Why are Pixel phones experiencing bugs?
Pixel phones are experiencing bugs due to various reasons, including Google being relatively new to the smartphone game and limited availability of Pixels.
3. Should I switch to iPhone/Galaxy?
It depends on your preferences. If you value reliability over other aspects, switching to iPhone/Galaxy might be a good choice.
4. Can Google fix the bugs on Pixel phones?
Google has been working on fixing the bugs on Pixel phones. However, it might take some time for them to get it right.
5. Should I buy a Pixel phone or wait for Google to fix the bugs?
If you are in urgent need of a new phone, you can consider buying a Pixel phone. However, if you can wait, it might be better to wait for Google to fix the bugs.
