As customers began receiving the Pixel 5 in mid-October, some noticed a small gap between the display and the frame. Google has investigated the issue and says it is a “normal part of the design” that will not affect water resistance.
A “community specialist” said this afternoon that Google examined the affected units and obtained “quality control data from the factory.”
We can confirm that the difference in clearance between the body and the display is a common part of the design of your Pixel 5.
An immediate concern was the impact on the IP68 rating. The company says today that “there is no effect on your phone’s water and dust resistance or efficiency.” That said, it will “work on an individual basis to address any concerns customers may have.” The full statement is below:
We have had the opportunity to inspect customer units and, combined with our quality control data from the factory, we can confirm that a change in clearance between the body and the display is a common part of your Pixel 5 design. No effect on your phone’s water and dust resistance or functionality. We will work on an individual basis to address the concerns that customers may have.
According to user reports, there are differences between the Pixel 5 units showing this status. Some are more pronounced than others, while most phones do not appear to be affected. The gaps inside the phone are not visible, but the dust collects and gets trapped. As we summarized earlier:
In most cases, the distance is visible around the corner that the front face camera has, but not at that point. These reports also seem to give the same momentary comfort from the moment they take the phone out of its box. If this gap appeared after using the phone, it would be a very serious cause for concern.
A teardown over the weekend revealed that the display – in addition to the adhesive – is secured to the frame using five clips. As such, the two layers of defense against the phone are falling apart hypothetically.
Even with Google’s statement that there are no functional issues showing gaps in the Pixel 5 devices, it is still strange that only a few phones are affected. The intended design is probably se integrated, the feedback indicates whether the company will work or be willing to exchange units.
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