Some early Google Pixel 5 units are exhibiting quality control issues

The Pixel 5 may have been well received by reviewers, but some early units are exhibiting quality control issues. First reported by Android Police, complaints of gaps between the display and chassis of some Pixel 5 handsets are mounting up online, especially on the Google Support and XDA Developers Forums.

The issue appears to be affecting devices in different ways, as the photos below demonstrate. On some devices, for example, there is a clear gap between the display and the housing. While these devices will undoubtedly need replacing, the issue is more subtle on others. Anecdotally, the Pixel 5 that we purchased has uneven gaps between the display and the case. Some areas are flush, but on others there is enough of a gap to slide a fingernail in between.

Both the Sorta Sage and Just Black versions of the Pixel 5 are affected, although it seems to be easier to notice the problem on the latter than it is on the former. Google is yet to comment on the matter, but numerous people are concerned about if the issue renders the Pixel 5's IP68 water resistance. Even if there are no issues in that regard, the gaps are accumulating dust, which is rather unsightly.