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Unlike most flagship devices these days, Google made the somewhat puzzling move to forgo any sort of gold color option for the release of the Pixel and Pixel XL. We’re sure that was mostly intentional as manufacturers love to add new colors later in the life cycle to create new buzz for a phone. That being said, the most interesting color option for the Pixel is by far the “Really Blue” model. But the deep, electric blue color contrasted by a stark white front was something that didn’t sit well with a lot of folks who may have considered the color had it come with a black front. We’ll admit, the blue on white looks a lot like an old Apple iPod. So how the heck did we end up with a black front on our Really Blue Pixel?
Black and blue
You may remember last week we told you guys about the mobile phone repair service uBreakiFix partnering up with Google to offer official HTC OEM replacement displays in the event yours ever breaks. Even though our display was still in pristine condition, we figured this would be the perfect time to create the Really Blue Google Pixel of our dreams and needless to say, we jumped on the opportunity to swap our white display for a black one.
Before (white), After (black)
The process went relatively smooth. We called up uBreakiFix on Friday and they told us we’d have to put a deposit on the part which had to be ordered, but would arrive the next day (as long as it was ordered before 4PM). Not too bad. The entire process — with parts and labor — would run $130, in which we paid half up-front, then the rest after the work had been completed. I asked if it would be possible to keep the salvage the white display housing as a sort of back up (in case I ever broke the black display) and although UBREAKIFIX told me it’s something that they would be possible (labor to install it would only run about $50), they informed me that the process of removing a display almost always ends in cracking or shattering. Bummer.
The next morning we received a call that the part had come in, dropped off our Really Blue Pixel and within an hour, the phone was ready for pickup. Unfortunately the white display was damaged in the process, leaving me with only the black. It is what it is.
Should you do it?
While the display functions and looks identical to the original white display that came on the Really Blue Pixel, it seems the process of removing the display may not have been the most delicate. We noticed a few very small chips and scratches around the blue metal housing of our Pixel, so it wasn’t exactly a 100% flawless application. They’re pretty small and tough to spot otherwise (even in photos), but it’s something we wish we would have received warning about before hand. Because of the small blemishes to the frame of our Pixel, it’s tough to recommend swapping out the display unless you really need it.
uBreakiFix also told us that they will soon be able to order full metal replacement housings for the Pixel (all colors), so if yours ever gets dented up, scratched, or dinged, you can also take it to them for repairs. To see if a uBreakiFix is available in your area, just perform a quick search on Google Maps or head on over to their website here.
UPDATE: uBreakiFix reached out to us and let us know that the small blemishes around the frame of the phone were in no way indicative of their usual quality of work, and that they would be replacing the entire metal housing free of charge. We really appreciate them going out of their way to make amends and look forward to doing business with them in the future.
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