What began as an remoted drawback with the Pixel 7a now seems to be spreading throughout your complete Pixel 7 lineup. Prior to now a number of months, rising numbers of Pixel 7 and seven Professional homeowners have reported swollen batteries inflicting their screens and again panels to separate, generally as rapidly as in a single day. The trending subject raises a brand new security concern for Google’s flagship gadgets, simply months after a number of reviews of Pixel 6as catching fireplace compelled the corporate to halt gross sales of refurbished items.
An unlucky, worrying development
Some customers see higher help outcomes than others
Experiences first compiled by PiunikaWeb and Android Authority present dozens of complaints throughout Google’s personal help boards in simply the previous few weeks. Our fast journey to Reddit uncovered a first rate glut of customers with batteries increasing severely sufficient to trigger large gaps between the body and show. Others have seen sudden battery drain, overheating, or gadgets shutting down totally earlier than discovering a bulging cell.
A lot of the Reddit posts arose within the final a number of months, when the telephones have been simply over two years previous. Whereas one would count on decreased battery well being over two-plus years, harmful swelling shouldn’t be so frequent after such a short while.
One Redditor summed up the issue bluntly: “Display screen utterly indifferent, by no means uncovered to warmth. Two years previous. This can be a critical security hazard.” One other stated their native restore store warned them the problem may recur even after a alternative battery, calling it a “50/50 likelihood.”
Google’s response to this point has been blended. Some customers report clean resolutions, together with free battery swaps and even full system replacements. In a couple of circumstances, refurbished Pixels shipped out inside days. Others have been quoted $130 or extra for out-of-warranty repairs or advised the 7 collection isn’t eligible for the free alternative program Google rolled out earlier this yr for Pixel 7a homeowners.
That program, which provided free battery replacements and as much as $456 in money appeasements, was extensively praised as Google taking accountability for a identified defect. However with Pixel 7 and seven Professional customers now seeing the identical signs, strain is mounting for the corporate to increase comparable therapy to its higher-end fashions.
Battery points aren’t new to Pixel homeowners. During the last yr, the Pixel 6a has been linked to a number of battery fires, and earlier Pixels additionally struggled with early degradation and swelling issues. The Pixel 7 collection was purported to symbolize Google hitting its {hardware} stride — as a substitute, it’s reigniting questions on high quality management.
For now, should you spot your Pixel 7 or 7 Professional display screen separating, cease utilizing and charging the system instantly. Contact Google help, doc the problem with pictures, and push for escalation. Even with out a formal recall, customers have reported success getting free repairs after they make the case {that a} swollen battery is a authentic security threat.