Google Pixel 8 Pro: New display design causing 'small bumps' for some units

Various Pixel 8 Pro owners have started sharing concerns about display irregularities occurring on their devices. For reference, Google began shipping initial units about six weeks ago. Frequently described as bulges or bumps, these anomalies appear beneath the Pixel 8 Pro's outer glass layer along its outer edges.

Based on videos shared on Google Support forums, these issues do not affect image quality for most users when the Pixel 8 Pro is active (curr. US$799 on Amazon). According to 9to5Google, a Google spokesperson issued the following statement about the matter:

For some reason, Google has not explained what new components can give the impression of 'small bumps'. However, Pixel 8 Pro teardown videos have offered a few potential insights. Seemingly, each bulge corresponds to where internal clips sit.

With Google only protecting the soft AMOLED panel from the rear with heat dissipation film, these clips could be creating the marks that some owners are noticing. Ultimately, a replacement device could suffer the same fate by virtue of using the same components. Thus, it remains to be seen whether Google will eventually take any further action, as it has previously with the Pixel 4 XL and Pixel 5a.