A couple of weeks ago concerned Google Pixel 5 owners started reporting what seemed to be a very serious issue with the American phone maker's new handsets. Many people have called it Gapgate.
As that terrifying name suggests, users have spotted a gap between their phone's screen and surrounding frame. This seems to vary in width from one handset to another, from hairline to, if not exactly a gaping chasm, then certainly a slightly larger gap.
Pixel 5 users are naturally concerned that these gaps are a manufacturing flaw that could compromise the phone's IP-rated water and dust resistance capabilities. It's news that no owner wants to see after dropping $699 / £599 on the phone at launch.
Some of these gaps can be seen in the below images:
Google, looking to address Pixel 5 owners' concerns, has investigated the issue and just shared their findings with the Pixel community.
Over on the Google Support forum, Google Community Specialist David Pop states that:
"Hi Pixel Community,
We’ve had a chance to investigate units from customers and, combined with our quality control data from the factory, we can confirm that the variation in the clearance between the body and the display is a normal part of the design of your Pixel 5. There is no effect on the water and dust resistance or functionality of your phone. We will work with customers on an individual basis to address any concerns they may have."
So, there you have it – the gap between the screen and the frame is "a normal part of the design of your Pixel 5" and that this gap has "no effect on the water and dust resistance or functionality of your phone".
Phew! That is absolutely the awesome news Google Pixel 5 users wanted to hear, and what we here at T3 wanted to hear, too, as we were strong fans of the device on review.
Now that this issue has been cleared up, if you fancy picking up a Google Pixel 5 then be sure to check out the below chart, which has today's very best prices on the handset.
To discover exactly what the Google Pixel 5 offers as a smartphone, be sure to also take a look at its official trailer below, which runs through its highlight features, which includes next-gen 5G connectivity.
