Google Pixel 4XL has received numerous complaints for having the back glass of the phone to peel off.
Google's own forums and Reddit show numerous users complained about the issue, which may be caused by a phones design flaw.
According to Redditor u/snowboardingbum100, he noticed that the top right corner at the back of his Pixel 4XL has peeled off from the main body, which would allow inserting a fingernail in between. This makes the device no longer water and dust safe. Google offered to replace device as the Redditor's phone has a device protection. Yet, he will still incur a deductible $99 for the Pixel 4 XL replacement phone.
He responded to Google's email and asked for a replacement under manufacturer warranty, but the company declined his request. The customer service representative said in-warranty RMA only covers mechanical breakdown and software issues while the device must not have any physical damages. Thus, his phone is not able to get warranty claims.
Meanwhile, another Redditor u/igiverealygoodadvice complained about battery swelling in his Pixel 4 XL, which he received as the third replacement phone within 10 months. The user is concerned about a common design flaw, which leads to battery swelling as well as the refurbished phones that the company may send as replacements, which seem to be not really fixed. He also listed other users' complains against the phone's battery.
Meanwhile, a Reddit user who claims to manage a uBreakFix repair store said they are no longer acknowledging the issue, which is allegedly due to battery swelling caused by a faulty connector.
Battery swelling occurs when moisture reacts with the chemicals after the cell's membrane was compromised. This causes the battery to expand.
uBreakFix told Engadget in a statement that they refer device issues to manufacturers since they have not received any technical service bulletins about battery swelling among Pixel 4 series. The store also advises customers to claim warranty repair at the nearest uBreakiFix for non-user induced issues on their Pixel device.
However, as reported by Android Police, Google seemed to only replace the affected devices, which does not really resolve the issue that is intrinsic with Pixel 4 XL's design.
If this really is a design flaw, it comes on wrong timing on Google is about to release the budget-friendly version of the Pixel 4, called Pixel 4a.
"It is not due to the battery"
Expanding batteries is no longer a new to Google smartphones. While this problem can afflict any other device, having a pattern tends to make the public think Google phones are not well-engineered.
However, Google has denied that battery leak allegedly causes the back cover to come loose. In a reply to Redditors, the Google said they have investigated on the issue and ensured the public that it "is not related to the Pixel battery." They also advised customers who may have experienced back glass lift on their Pixel 4 and 4XL smartphones to contact 1:1 support to inquire about warranty options.
