New N4 -- Do you have this LCD issue?

**musichem** · 02-08-2013, 09:18 PM

I ordered my N4 the day they reappeared in the Google store. I was configuring it, but noticed dim wavy areas near the top of the screen. I've attached 2 images below. It is difficult to capture the issue with a camera, but I tried. I used a screen test app to get a consistently lit white screen and took a photo with my DSLR. I made a second image in which I drew arrows pointing to the dim areas. It is as if the LCD just isn't lit correctly in those areas. You can only see it if you click on the large versions of the images.

There is a distinct lack of consistency in the brightness of the screen in the top 5 mm. This is not noticeable when covered by the black notification bar, but is very obvious when watching a full screen video or app, especially in dim lighting. It is very distracting. None of my other devices (N1, iPod touch, Samsung Exhibit, etc.) have had a screen issue like this. I posted a couple of days ago in the "I've Requested a Replacement" thread, but that seems to have died.

So today, I phoned Google support, and after describing the issue, being transferred to a "specialist," and describing the issue again, I was told that this is not worthy of a warranty replacement. I suppose that I can begin a "buyers remorse" return, since it hasn't been 15 days yet, but that's not hat I wanted. What I really want is a Nexus 4 that I can be happy with. I've been waiting for a true Google phone since I was an early adopter/purchaser of the original Nexus 1, and I was really excited about this phone. But I plan to have this phone for a long time, and I will be continually disappointed with the screen on this one if I keep it.

Is this poor quality control "normal?" Do any of you notice this on your N4? If this is typical, I certainly could not recommend purchasing this device, and will be very disappointed.

Thanks,
Michael

**Malnoth** · 02-09-2013, 06:07 PM

I'm not seeing that exact issue on my nexus 4.
If you are truly unhappy with it, I would return it within your 15 days.
However, I am experiencing a different issue with my screen.

I have a rev 11 nexus 4, 16GB.
I recently noticed this odd pattern on the screen. It is visible even when the LCD is turned off.
When the screen is on, I can also see these vertical lines/bands. They are especially visible on dark gray backgrounds.
I notice the pattern more when there is a reflection on the screen.

Image of phone (screen off):

Snippet that I added contrast/gray scale (screen off):

Image of screen: (not my picture, but issue is the same)

Does your screen do the same thing?

**jimrebello** · 02-09-2013, 06:13 PM

The first one is the actual touchscreen matrix on the phone I think. I see this grid as well. You shouldn't see this with the screen on though. I think it has to do with the screen being against the glass.

I only see this grid in certain lights, and with the screen off.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Android Central Forums

**nexus4auir** · 02-09-2013, 07:03 PM

Malnoth

Yeah, that's just part of the screen engineering. I never notice it while using the phone except rarely and only under certain light and angle conditions.

OP

I get that along the top of my screen too. However, I would have never noticed it unless you pointed it out to me and without using Screen Test App. Caveat is I've only had this phone for a week.

**Malnoth** · 02-09-2013, 07:18 PM

Thanks guys!

**nexus4auir** · 02-09-2013, 07:37 PM

OP

Do you see that banding along the top while viewing this thread with the white backdrop? I can't but if you do and it's obvious, I would say you might have a problem.

**musichem** · 02-09-2013, 08:51 PM

Originally Posted by nexus4auir

Do you see that banding along the top while viewing this thread with the white backdrop?

Thanks for the reply. I can't see it under the black notification bar, but I notice it when the screen is all lit, like viewing a web page in landscape orientation. And I've so far been unable to convince the Google Play representatives that the warranty should cover this. I received a return authorization email, but it states a 15% restocking fee. That's a big price to pay if my point is just to order a replacement--which could possibly have the same issue.

**nexus4auir** · 02-09-2013, 10:28 PM

Originally Posted by musichem

Thanks for the reply. I can't see it under the black notification bar, but I notice it when the screen is all lit, like viewing a web page in landscape orientation. And I've so far been unable to convince the Google Play representatives that the warranty should cover this. I received a return authorization email, but it states a 15% restocking fee. That's a big price to pay if my point is just to order a replacement--which could possibly have the same issue.

I didn't even think about the notification bar, actually. I rarely use landscape so it's no surprise that I didn't notice this as frequently as someone who does.

I see it too on this page in landscape mode. It's such a minor issue though and so barely noticeable. I do respect your stance though. Why should that defect be there for such a premium product?

I'll take a look at my friends' nexi to see if they get the same but I'm willing to bet my phone that it's unavoidable and a universal feature. I say don't waste your money on a replacement.

Strange thing is I noticed this exact same defect with the Nexus S, only worse. Why? That's a Samsung product with an AMOLED screen. Something must be common between them.

**Nakajima Natsumi** · 06-04-2013, 01:18 PM

Originally Posted by musichem

I ordered my N4 the day they reappeared in the Google store. I was configuring it, but noticed dim wavy areas near the top of the screen.

I ordered a white one and received it yesterday. In fact, my nexus4 has the same issue as yours. Since I can also see it in my colleague's Nexus4, it might be a common issue.
However, I am not a perfectionist. I think I can deal with that.