Google Pixel 3 retains LG panels despite Pixel 2 XL problems

Update (21/10/18): Although Google has opted for Samsung as the new panel supplier for its flagship Pixel 3 XL, it seems as though the smaller Pixel 3 is still utilising LG displays. It seems as though most, if not all of the problems seen on the Pixel 2 XL have been ironed out, however the handsets are notably worse to repair.

Google’s Pixel 3 range houses a notably better screen than its predecessor, each pushing almost identical specifications: 100,000:1 super contrast ratio, full 24-bits depth and true black levels. This made sense with last week’s iFixit teardown revealing the switch to Samsung panels, however it’s caught many by surprise to learn that LG is still producing the smaller Pixel 3 displays.

LG didn’t particularly handle the Pixel 2 XL well, with an overwhelming amount of users reporting screen burn-in, responsiveness and exaggerated blue-ish hues on their devices. This makes LG’s latest approach an interesting one, given that most reviews peg the 5.5-inch display on the Pixel 3 and 6.3-inch screen on the Pixel 3 XL to be on par with one another.

It isn’t certain why Google has once again opted to split its manufacturing process, however speculation points towards the deep notch design being the primary reason for the division. Hopefully LG can keep its display efforts up to scratch moving into the next round of flagships.

Original Story (17/10/18): Google’s flagship smartphone launch as nothing short of a disaster last year, with the LG-made Pixel 2 XL marred with problems. It looks like Google didn’t want to put up with the same screen burn-in and responsiveness issues with its Pixel 3, instead turning to LG’s rival Samsung for its AMOLED panels.

Although Google has unveiled its mostly unsurprising Pixel 3 range, the pair has yet to fall into the hands of customers who’ve pre-ordered. That hasn’t slowed down iFixit from tearing down the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL to reveal all it can about the upcoming handsets.

The most notable piece of information that seemingly flew under the radar amidst the plethora of leaks, is that Google is no longer working with LG to produce its displays for the Pixel 3 XL. Instead, Google has turned to Samsung as its new screen supplier. There’s no telling whether this is a long-term multi-device deal or not, meaning there’s a possibility we could see other players by the time next year’s flagships roll around.

As mentioned in the presentation, iFixit identified the Pixel Visual Core to be the same as the one found in its predecessors, while Google has bolstered safety with its Titan M Security chip. As is the case with most portable devices out there, the Pixel 3 line-up has been slammed by the teardown firm for using a lot of glue, making it much harder to repair than previous models.

So, while the display is expected to be much more reliable and crisp than LG’s attempt last year, iFixit partly blames Samsung’s screen implementation for its lack of repairability. Sadly, this leaves the Pixel 3 XL with an underwhelming score of just 4 out of 10.

KitGuru Says: It’s not the least bit surprising that Google would forgo LG after the debacle experienced in 2017. Hopefully its partnership with Samsung proves to be a lucrative one, as many have already praised the crisp colour over the blue hue found on the Pixel 3’s predecessor.

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