How to Change the Pixel 2 XL Display Color Modes

This guide explains how to change the Pixel 2 XL display colors and why you might want to. Google’s new phone has a lot to offer, but the display has been a big topic of discussion. Reports of dull colors, poor viewing angles, and other problems continue to surface.

One issue with Google’s new phone is the colors on the screen. They’re simply not as bright, vivid, and saturated as a Samsung Galaxy or the latest iPhone. It’s not bad, but it looks dull and boring in comparison. That’s what we’ll help you fix.

Read: 15 Common Pixel 2 Problems & How to Fix Them

The latest November Android Oreo update for the Pixel 2 XL introduced new color management modes. These improve the overall look of the Pixel 2 XL. Basically by cranking up the saturation and showing a full-color gamut on the screen.

How to Change the Pixel 2 XL Display Color Modes

Google designed the Pixel 2 XL to show accurate and true-to-life colors. Which is why the phone is using the sRGB color mode. This outputs colors on the screen that look as close to real life as possible. And while that’s great for some aspects, it’s not what most expect out of their smartphone display.

Following all the backlash and complaints, Google added three different options to the display settings menu. Here’s how to find and change them.

Instructions

To start, we simply need to navigate to the settings menu. Pull down the notification bar and tap the gear-shaped settings button near the top right. Then, follow the images and step-by-step instructions below.

• Pull down the notification bar and hit the gear-shaped settings button
• Find and select Display
• Tap on Advanced to see more settings
• Scroll down and select Colors
• Choose from Natural, Boosted, or Saturated

These three options will drastically change the overall look of the Pixel 2 XL, and how colors get displayed. It’s set to Natural by default, which is the accurate but boring colors many owners complain about.

Boosted increases saturation and vibrancy by 10-20%, and makes colors pop and seem more vivid.

However, the third option is probably what most owners will choose. Select Saturated to make the Pixel 2 XL screen look like the iPhone X, Galaxy S8, or the original Pixel XL. This has bright, crisp, and over-saturated colors. Red is almost too red, and orange glows extremely bright.

Other Details

These are the only three options you have on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. Following the November update, we quickly changed our Pixel 2 XL to saturated mode, and have enjoyed the outcome. That being said, it’s a little too saturated. The perfect alternative would be if Google gave us full control over the color spectrum. Similar to what we’ve seen on the Galaxy S8 and other Android smartphones.

If the Saturated mode is too bright for you, try boosted instead. It’s not as dull and washed out as the natural settings, but still gives the phone bright and vivid colors when you’re playing games or watching movies.

Let us know how you like the changes in the comment section below. Is this enough to make you enjoy the Pixel 2 XL, or are you hoping for another update with more controls? While you’re here, take a look at these 20 best Pixel 2 XL cases.

Google Fabric Cases

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First up is an official case directly from Google. These are available at its online store, and they're made almost entirely from fabric. It sounds weird, but the result is a case that's amazingly soft and comfortable to hold and use. Then, the inside has a hard polycarbonate shell that keeps the phone safe and resists damage from drops.  Google lines the inside of these cases with a soft microfiber too, so the metal and glass stay nice and new. Also, before you ask, most cases should work with the Active Edge squeeze feature for the Google Assistant. As long as the case isn't too bulky, it will register the squeeze.  Personally, fabric cases are my favorite over the past year, with Incipio (on this list) making one of the best. Google's are expensive, but they're made inside and out by Google, just like the phone.  Buy it Now for $40

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