Initially, the Pixel 5 looked like a brilliant phone, but immediately after launch came reports from users of various issues with the phone.
First is the ‘screen gap.’ Many users on social media have posted images of what appears to be a gap on the side of the phone, between the screen and the body.
According to Google, it is part of the design, but I dispute this. Especially because water damage can void the warranty of a new phone, which means any gaps between the screen and the body is bad news for customers.
In the longer term, would Google repair or replace a device with water damage due to the screen gap – or refuse to help?
After the launch of the Pixel 4a wowed me, I personally was looking forward to the launch of the Pixel 5, but the screen gap issue suggests problems with quality management, and for me that’s a bit of a red flag.
It’s almost as bad as the Galaxy Note 7 battery debacle…
Charging issues
There were also reports of wireless charging not working particularly well – and compatibility with charging pads being a key source of frustration for new Pixel 5 owners.
It seems the official Pixel charger works fine, but users run into problems when using third party chargers.
In addition to these reports, some users have alerted the community to the Qi ring burning (under the heat) through the back of their phones.
Since I bought the Spigen SteadiBoost Flex, I haven’t used wireless charging all that much. My S9+ charges slower wirelessly than wired – 2hrs 30m wireless (9W), and 1hr 30m wired (15W), respectively.
Buying a new pad to work with a Pixel 5 therefore isn’t something I would want to do, just for the occasional convenience of charging wirelessly. To be honest, I think it’s still a bit of a gimmick, especially when the pad still has to be plugged into a wall socket – meaning it’s not truly wireless at all.
That said, when I have used it, wireless charging has proven to be very convenient. But for the sake of convenience and the occasional showing off, what I wouldn’t want is for my brand new phone to literally burn under the heat of charging wirelessly.
It sounds like poor cooling and heat dissipation within the phone itself, but whatever is the true reason, it’s a major issue that can’t just be overlooked.
My opinions
To be honest, I was expecting there to be a few issues on release, as there [unfortunately] seems to be with any product launch these days.
But, what caught me off-guard, was how calm everyone was – and seemed to be – on the Pixel subreddit.
Apparently, it’s nothing new. Problems with Pixels are the norm. It’s the price you pay for “great software.”
Really?!
I’ve now read multiple accounts on Reddit, of people who’ve bought a Pixel (whether it was the Pixel 2, Pixel 3, Pixel 4, Pixel 4a, or Pixel 5), found an issue with it, and had to return it to Google and get a replacement sent to them.
Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve never had that experience with smartphones.
Ever.
In fact, I’ve rarely ever had that experience with any piece of technology at all. From memory, the last new thing I had to send back or get replaced was a new PC monitor, which came bundled with a new PC almost a decade ago. The replacement is still working to this day.
Maybe I’ve just been lucky, but I’ve never, ever, had any of the aforementioned Pixel 5 issues – or any likewise – with a new smartphone.
Sure, there’s been things I immediately didn’t like about a new phone, but nothing that I couldn’t overcome by installing an app.
For example, my Nokia Lumia 820 had a built-in audio equaliser, but my HTC Desire Eye then didn’t come with one at all. There was a toggle in the Settings menu for HTC BoomSound, but nothing more.
“There’s an app for that,” and there was: PowerAmp music player & Equalizer. And it solved all my issues.
My Pixel 5 itch
The whole RMA thing is new to me, and yet it seems that the online community is used to it. It’s the norm of owning a brand new Pixel.
For me, it’s really weird to read & hear Pixel owners admit that manufacturing issues, and returning brand new phones for replacements, is part-and-parcel of owning a Pixel.
Raising the issues is one thing, but how the community has [largely] responded has really freaked me out.
People seem to be okay with it. It’s nothing new. It’s fine. Just get a replacement. No worries.
People are okay with this? Why?!
Honestly, I personally think these issues occurring en masse, proves it isn’t just a few defective units, but is a problem with the design and manufacturing of the phone.
I was (and still am) impressed with the Pixel 4a, and was wowed by the Pixel 5 launch. Although I’m used to a more fleshed-out Android experience, the appeal of a cleaner UI is hard to resist, and to me, the fun of Android’s Past seems to shine brightly with the Pixel 4a and Pixel 5.
It’s just such a shame that the hardware issues seem to be letting the side down, as I really like the Pixel 5.
Okay, so the stock Pixel experience feels a bit empty compared to the more feature-rich One UI or Oxygen OS. But, it’s a Pixel. It’s good at what it does – the simpler things.
Everyone talks about the camera and the software, but apart from the photo quality, I’m just seeing a lot of negatives (no pun intended). The screen gap, the Qi incompatibilities, and Qi burning are all hardware issues, but they’re big ones that I can’t simply just ignore.
If I had to come up with a reason why people still buy Pixels – despite Google’s apparent issues with design and manufacturing – the answer is probably very similar as to why people who aren’t locked into the Apple ecosystem still by an iPhone.
At the end of the day, it’s a Pixel. It’s the best, cleanest and simplest stock Android experience there is. Why do you need more?
– Chris JK
KPH tech blog 
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