The iPhone 12 Pro, with its stunning OLED display, promised a superior visual experience. However, some users have reported concerns regarding Amoled Grey Uniformity, noticing inconsistencies in color and brightness across the screen, particularly when displaying grey backgrounds at low brightness levels. This article delves into this issue, exploring what grey uniformity is, user experiences, and what you should know if you suspect your device is affected.
The discussion around amoled grey uniformity isn’t new, and as one user, ousmanefrommontréal, mentioned, experiencing slight variations in screen temperature, with one side appearing warmer and the other colder, is a subtle yet noticeable issue in dark environments with minimal brightness and grey backgrounds. This observation highlights the sensitivity of OLED displays and the conditions under which uniformity problems become apparent.
Another user, elprincipe06, pointed out the concept of the “OLED lottery,” suggesting that display uniformity can vary significantly between devices due to manufacturing processes. They illustrated this with before-and-after images of screen replacements, showing different levels of uniformity on 5% grey images in low brightness.
Before replacement iPhone screen showing grey uniformity issue
Another before replacement iPhone screen with grey uniformity problem
These images vividly demonstrate the potential variations in display uniformity. The “before replacement” examples clearly show unevenness, with darker and lighter patches across the screen when displaying grey.
In response to these observations, benjaminfromdarmstadt, the original poster, confirmed experiencing a similar issue, noting a darker grey on the right side of their screen compared to the left. After going through two iPhone 12 Pro devices, they found their third unit to have significantly improved uniformity, suggesting a noticeable difference in display quality between different iPhones of the same model.
Third iPhone display showing better grey uniformity
This image, comparing the third iPhone (left) to the second (right), visually confirms the user’s description of improved uniformity. The left screen appears much more consistent in color and brightness across its surface when displaying grey.
Elprincipe06 further elaborated on the manufacturing aspect, explaining that OLED screens are often cut from large sheets, and uniformity can decrease as you move away from the center of the sheet. This manufacturing limitation could contribute to the “OLED lottery” phenomenon, where some users receive displays with better uniformity than others. It’s not solely an Apple issue, but a characteristic inherent to OLED technology across various devices.
While some users like Johnathan Burger suggested returning the phone if dissatisfied, and others like jay1001 found such advice unhelpful in the context of potentially widespread issues and multiple replacements still exhibiting the problem, it is clear that amoled grey uniformity is a real concern for some iPhone 12 Pro users.
Understanding AMOLED Grey Uniformity
AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode) displays are known for their vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios. Each pixel in an OLED display emits its own light, allowing for precise control over brightness and color. However, variations in the manufacturing process can lead to slight inconsistencies in the light output of individual pixels or areas of the display, especially when rendering subtle shades of grey. This inconsistency manifests as grey uniformity issues, where a grey image may appear uneven, with patches of slightly different shades or color temperatures.
Why Grey Uniformity Matters
While uniformity issues may be less noticeable with bright, colorful content, they become more apparent when viewing grey backgrounds, especially in low-light conditions. This can be distracting when browsing websites with grey themes, watching dark scenes in videos, or using apps with grey interfaces. For users sensitive to display quality, or those who frequently use their devices in dark environments, amoled grey uniformity can impact the overall viewing experience.
Testing Your Display for Grey Uniformity
You can easily check your iPhone 12 Pro for grey uniformity issues by displaying a 5% or 10% grey image in a dark room at low brightness. Many websites offer display test images, or you can simply search for “5% grey image” online. Observe the screen carefully for any unevenness, patches, or color banding.
Dealing with Potential Uniformity Issues
If you notice significant grey uniformity issues on your iPhone 12 Pro, you have a few options:
- Return or Exchange: If you are within the return period, you can return the device. Exchanging it for another unit might be an option, but as user experiences suggest, there’s no guarantee the replacement will have better uniformity due to the “OLED lottery.”
- Acceptance: Understand that minor variations in grey uniformity are common in OLED displays and may not be considered a defect. If the issue is subtle and doesn’t significantly impact your daily use, you might choose to accept it.
- Professional Assessment: If you are unsure whether the uniformity issue is within acceptable limits, you can seek a professional assessment from Apple Support or an authorized service provider.
Conclusion
AMOLED grey uniformity is a factor to be aware of when using devices with OLED displays, including the iPhone 12 Pro. While some degree of variation can be expected, significant uniformity issues can detract from the viewing experience. By understanding what grey uniformity is and how to check for it, you can make informed decisions about your device and manage your expectations regarding display performance. While the “OLED lottery” exists, being informed empowers you to assess your screen and determine if it meets your standards.
