User reports on Reddit (via DigitalTrends) have revealed that the Google Pixel Fold has been plagued by various types of display breakage, even though it has been in the hands of users for less than three days.
There was already one report of screen corruption from a reviewer a few days ago, but now that the Pixel Fold has begun shipping to consumers, more complaints are appearing online.
To be clear, we have not experienced any of the following problems with our review units, but there are enough problems being reported now that we are not sure what to make of them. Below are brief comments from Google and we are following up with them for more information.
These defects vary in type and severity; one user named ctultor complains of a small dent in the inner display between the edge of the screen protector and the bezel. This area exposes the raw interior of the screen, and as seen in the earlier damage report, damage here could lead to further problems.
A report from crazymojo83 noted that the screen protector on the Pixel Fold is peeling, peeling in the length of the display fold, and what appears to be an internal scratch on one half of the display. The user claims to have opened the phone only three times, certainly not enough use to cause such dramatic damage.
A third user, marcusr_uk, reports a pink line running horizontally across the inner display of the Pixel Fold. At first this line just flashed across the screen during use, but soon became fixed in place. Resetting the phone did not seem to fix the problem.
Again, our own Pixel Fold review unit has not experienced any problems with the display or any other part of the phone. If there are any changes, we will be sure to let you know.
The Verge obtained a statement from Google on the matter, but did not say much. Spokesman Alex Morricone is quoted as saying: "If you experience any problems, we recommend that you contact support to investigate." which is certainly good advice.
We have asked Google for additional comments on the Pixel Fold screen issue and will update this report when we hear back.
Handset manufacturers are working hard to make their foldable devices both flexible and durable, but they still fall short of standard smartphones in terms of toughness and water and dust resistance. However, the problems with the Pixel Fold seem to indicate either bad luck or the possibility that Google's foldable phones are more prone to breakage than standard foldable phones.
The silver lining is that the Pixel Fold seems to be easier to repair than other foldable phones. Google has promised its partner iFixit that it will provide genuine Pixel Fold parts and repair guides that can be easily purchased online, which means that if your Pixel Fold also suffers screen damage, you at least have the option of in-store, mailed, or self-repair.
Comments