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Google Pixel 7 is having reliability issues with buttons & camera lenses

Pixel 7 smartphones

Last updated

Since launch, many owners of the Pixel 7 have been complaining about hardware problems with their handsets, such as camera lenses that suddenly crack for no apparent reason, or buttons that fall off.

Google released the Pixel 7 smartphones in October, with redesigned cameras, new accessibility features, and other upgrades and improvements.

But recent reports from Pixel 7 owners reveal that certain parts have been falling off the phone. For example, an AndroidCentral article on Tuesday shares how the author's volume button fell off.

Nicholas Sutrich says he was walking in the woods to take pictures and took out his Pixel 7 Pro from his pocket. But he noticed that the volume button was stuck to the screen instead of in its proper place on the side.

He mentioned that he takes good care of his equipment and that, aside from occasionally using it for photography, the Pixel 7 Pro usually gets left at home.

Sutrich said that the Pixel 7 volume button appears similar to the same button on other smartphones and could even be more reinforced at first glance.

Other Pixel 7 owners mentioned that their volume buttons had also fallen off, so it's not an isolated incident.

Cracked glass

The volume button isn't the only faulty hardware on Pixel 7 phones either. Some people have said that the glass on their rear cameras has spontaneously shattered.

In December, a person tweeted that their camera glass broke, even though they didn't drop their Pixel 7. On Reddit, another person said they pulled their Pixel 7 out of their pocket and found that the rear camera glass was broken, and others share similar incidents in the comments.

Fortunately, many users report that after contacting customer service, Google offered to replace their phones, indicating that the company is aware of the issues.

Shoppers considering a Pixel 7 should study the reports before deciding or get a smartphone from a different manufacturer. If these problems persist, they should be ready to pay for repairs, at least if Google doesn't provide a replacement.



21 Comments

pwrmac 3 Years · 60 comments

Don't feel sorry for them. End of the day they opted for a High End Android phone LOL

droids 1 Year · 1 comment

Of course, this is from appleinsider.......
I love my Pixel 7, it's amazing -  no problems at all  Why would I pay more for an iPhone.....that does less. 

gatorguy 13 Years · 24627 comments

I'm replacing my Pixel 7Pro because the front glass cracked. I had assumed it would hold up a LOT better....

But having it run over by at least two vehicles after falling off the back of the truck was all it took. /s

In all seriousness though, yes my Pixel 7Pro did fall off the back of a truck during a turn, hit the pavement sliding and spinning, then run over by at least two trucks, not sure the third vehicle hit it but it might have. The front glass shattered, the phone frame bent at the top where the camera bar is. BUT the glass back was undamaged, saved by a thin polycarb case, and all the buttons seem to be working, altho it's hard to know for sure with no display. The biggest shock is it still rings but I'm certain I wouldn't hear the caller.  

It survived so well that I'm just ordering another and not chancing a repair, especially with possible battery damage from being crushed under truck tires. I can't in good faith replace the screen and speaker and even if it appears to be fine and working afterward, sell it on to someone else. I'd feel terrible if it burst into flames in someone's home or vehicle because of hidden damage.  

lkrupp 19 Years · 10521 comments

JP234 said:
droids said:
Of course, this is from appleinsider.......
I love my Pixel 7, it's amazing -  no problems at all  Why would I pay more for an iPhone.....that does less. 
Why are you posting your love for a phone on an Apple forum. Kinda kinky, if you ask me…

Isn’t it interesting how these two feel the need to justify their choices by commenting on the competition’s tech blog. They could post on any of the myriad of Android blogs about their love of their products but no, they chose to join and post on sites like AppleInsider and MacRumors.

Psychologically this has to smack of insecurity and a need to reinforce their choices by putting down the ‘other’ choices. I don’t visit, let alone join, Android blogs because I simply don’t care. Like you accurately point, this is kinky to say the least.

avon b7 20 Years · 8046 comments

lkrupp said:
JP234 said:
droids said:
Of course, this is from appleinsider.......
I love my Pixel 7, it's amazing -  no problems at all  Why would I pay more for an iPhone.....that does less. 
Why are you posting your love for a phone on an Apple forum. Kinda kinky, if you ask me…
Isn’t it interesting how these two feel the need to justify their choices by commenting on the competition’s tech blog. They could post on any of the myriad of Android blogs about their love of their products but no, they chose to join and post on sites like AppleInsider and MacRumors.

Psychologically this has to smack of insecurity and a need to reinforce their choices by putting down the ‘other’ choices. I don’t visit, let alone join, Android blogs because I simply don’t care. Like you accurately point, this is kinky to say the least.

But this article is literally about an Android phone. Isn't it logical for Pixel users to give their opinions, too?