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Beware of used Pixels with a replaced screen (discuss.tchncs.de)

submitted 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) by eco_game@discuss.tchncs.de to c/googlepixel@lemmy.ml

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I very recently bought a used Pixel 6 with a replacement screen, not thinking too much of it. I even made sure that the screen looked good during pickup.

One thing I missed though, was that apparently my Pixel doesn't have a fingerprint sensor anymore. I did some research, apparently it's quite easy to break the fingerprint sensor (or some places simply just don't include a sensor in the repair?) when replacing the screen.

Today I also noticed (through Show refresh rate in developer options) that my screen will only do 60 Hz as well.

Also I have stupidly high battery drain, I'm not 100% if that's related though.

Long story short, learn from my mistakes and either don't buy a used phone with a replacement screen or carefully test all functionalities associated with the screen, mainly high refresh rate and the fingerprint sensor.

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[–] alphapuggle@programming.dev 4 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Newer pixels (3 and up) need to have their fingerprint sensor "recalibrated" after replacement. Not sure if that's the issue going on here, it's very possible the hardware is disconnected, but it's worth a shot.

https://pixelrepair.withgoogle.com/udfps

[–] eco_game@discuss.tchncs.de 2 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Yeah I found that link too, Thanks, but that's not the case here (I did also run the tool like 3 times).

This tool will only work if the fingerprint sensor shows up in settings and actively tells you it has to be recalibrated (neither was the case for me).

[–] alphapuggle@programming.dev 5 points 7 months ago (1 children)

I figured that would be the case. If you're comfortable opening the phone, and a return isn't an option, the fingerprint module is only about $15 on eBay. iFixit also has very detailed guides for disassembly. Do keep in mind the screen itself is ~$140, so if you're okay without it, it may be best to leave it.

You'll also probably want to buy the adhesive for the screen to get it watertight, which is only like $5, ~$10 with shipping but definitely worth it unless you've got a tube of B-7000.

[–] eco_game@discuss.tchncs.de 3 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Thanks for all your research, but due to battery drain and the cost of the screen (and me being 2/2 in terms of opening phones and breaking screens), I'm either going to keep the phone or sell it and try buying a "normal" Pixel 6.

[–] alphapuggle@programming.dev 3 points 7 months ago

Haha I've broken a number of screens taking apart phones as well, I totally get it.

If you're gonna be rocking it for a while, you might want to consider shelling out a bit more for one of the Pixel 8s. I saw you mentioned you're on graphene in a different comment, and the 8s are supposed to get 7 years of hardware support from Google, whereas the 6 has 3 out of the promised 5 years remaining. The 8s also have hardware memory tagging support from graphene, which isn't available on the other models due to the processor architecture supporting it.

I've owned a 6, 7 pro, and 8 pro. By far the fingerprint reader has been the best on the 8 pro. Seems they solved the long waits from the 6 and 7 series.

Not to mention the flat screen as well as DP Alt mode (usage for this apparently coming in Android 15).

If you're on more of a budget, keep in mind that the a series are really close to the normal models, with small downgrades like wireless charging & IP rating, but can be decently cheaper. The pixel 7a came out in May last year, you may be able to get a slightly better deal if you wait for the Google I/O announcement.