Galaxy S9+ Black Crush and Gradient Banding Issues

[Tibial]

That's totally my issue. It's as if there isn't enough colour depth or something. There's gradient banding everywhere and crush all over the place. White balance is excellent for the first time, but everything else is just off.

Exactly. White balance is the only good thing with my display. Sadly, it feels like a massive step backwards in every other aspect. Colour saturation with adaptive mode is duller, I can see some minor light leak over the edges and the display exhibits ghosting when switching fast from a bright to a dark scene or vice versa.

I'll get my replacement tomorrow. If it's the same story, I'll be sticking with my trusty S8.

 

[waveuk]

Here's an ultra low light comparison (ISO 6400 without a tripod hence the awful quality):
https://abload.de/img/dscf6323ofswp.jpg

You can clearly see the S9+ struggling compared to the S7. :/

Can you share what image/app is that to do the same test?

 

[Toss3]

Mine is pretty crappy too (low light shot without a tripod so sorry about the crappy quality):

Another horrible example:

 

[Chris_c81]

I've been experiencing the same thing (S9+ Hybrid). My wifes S9 doesn't have the problem. Went in to a local Samsung Experience store today who acknowledged the problem (took it out back to a dark room). They raised a ticket but couldn't exchange in store as its the S9+ Hybrid and for some unknown reason, it has to be done via the online shop. So I spent over an hour on to the UK based team and the Manilla based team having to re-explain the problem over and over again to eventually be told "use the pre paid return label, send it back via DPD, we'll ship you a replacement within 14 days".

I can't be without a phone for 14 days. Already sent my old one back as part of trade in. Plus, I'm not convinced that the new one will be any better having read the entirety of this thread.

 

[Tibial]

I've been experiencing the same thing (S9+ Hybrid). My wifes S9 doesn't have the problem.

Who knows how many affected devices are out there then. It could be another fiasco like last year's infamous S8 red screens.

Surprised by the tech support response. You have to send them back the device yourself and wait? In my case they are sending me a new device tomorrow to swap with.

Maybe you should give them a call again and chase them up for this. It's totally unacceptable.

 

[Chris_c81]

Who knows how many affected devices are out there then. It could be another fiasco like last year's infamous S8 red screens.

Surprised by the tech support response. You have to send them back the device yourself and wait? In my case they are sending me a new device tomorrow to swap with.

Maybe you should give them a call again and chase them up for this. It's totally unacceptable.

US?

 

[Tibial]

US?

No, UK.
But I'm assuming Samsung should have the same policy for customer support? I could be wrong but maybe worth a try to ask them for this option.

 

[Chris_c81]

No, UK.
But I'm assuming Samsung should have the same policy for customer support? I could be wrong but maybe worth a try to ask them for this option.

Did you purchase yours online from the Samsung store? Is it the S9+ Hybrid?

I'm confused why they'll happily send you a replacement first, yet I am being asked to return and wait!

 

[Tibial]

Did you purchase yours online from the Samsung store? Is it the S9+ Hybrid?

I'm confused why they'll happily send you a replacement first, yet I am being asked to return and wait!

I've purchased through the online Samsung Store as part of the Samsung Upgrade Programme.

It is the S9+ Single SIM. For what is worth I've heard that there are some delays for Dual SIM phones though. Maybe this is the case here but ask them.

 

[Chris_c81]

I've purchased through the online Samsung Store as part of the Samsung Upgrade Programme.

It is the S9+ Single SIM. For what is worth I've heard that there are some delays for Dual SIM phones though. Maybe this is the case here but ask them.

Could I ask which number you called please mate? This is unacceptable. Can't understand how two customers with same issue are treated differently.

 

[Shay Shahar]

I got my replacement... new s9+, still have the problem but much less noticeable compared to my prev s9+. Samsung IL says it's a software bug and should be fixed via OTA

 

[Chris_c81]

I've purchased through the online Samsung Store as part of the Samsung Upgrade Programme.

It is the S9+ Single SIM. For what is worth I've heard that there are some delays for Dual SIM phones though. Maybe this is the case here but ask them.

You 100% sure they're sending out a new handset BEFORE you've returned the faulty one? I only ask as I'm in direct email conversation with Samsung now and they are swearing blind that the tech department issue replacements using the same process (return old, assesment period, replacement ships, turnaround 14 days).

I got my replacement... new s9+, still have the problem but much less noticeable compared to my prev s9+. Samsung IL says it's a software bug and should be fixed via OTA

In a way, thats good to know.

 

[Tibial]

Could I ask which number you called please mate? This is unacceptable. Can't understand how two customers with same issue are treated differently.

03307267467. Double check it but it's simply the technical customer support from their website.

Samsung IL says it's a software bug and should be fixed via OTA

A software bug that affects devices in different degree? I'd like to believe Samsung but sounds a bit off.

 

[Jesus Delgadillo]

Ok new experiment
Watch this on YouTube and pause at 1:36
See the funny looking brown background squares?
https://youtu.be/gCcx85zbxz4

Now open play store and look for the movie and watch the trailer and pause at 1:30.
Do you see the same pattern?
View attachment 281106

[url]https://image.ibb.co/cWNpAH/20180319_004116.jpg[/url]

Does this mean I have the issue too or no?

 

[Tibial]

You 100% sure they're sending out a new handset BEFORE you've returned the faulty one? I only ask as I'm in direct email conversation with Samsung now and they are swearing blind that the tech department issue replacements using the same process (return old, assesment period, replacement ships, turnaround 14 days).

I've got a UPS update that my handset is arriving tomorrow. I give the courrier my current handset along with the box and all accessories that came with it and he hands me a new one.

They also gave me a call this morning to reconfirm details like IMEI, model number, address etc.

This is very unpredictable behaviour from tech support... Makes me wonder how would they respond if the new handset is also faulty.

If they tell me I have to wait for next time I'm cancelling my upgrade in a wim.

 

[Itsa_Me_Mario]

View attachment 281089

Another try to demonstrate the problem.

Top image is S9+ bottom S8. Apart from the fact that the S8 image is much more natural with colour reproduction, notice the significant loss of detail on the hand and fingers in the S9+ display. The entire thing is covered with a greyish smudge.

I don't know if this is the black crush other members refer to but there is definitely a problem with my unit and how shadows are displayed in general.

wow

 

[waveuk]

In this image I cannot see 1 and 2 only so I guess mine is not that bad.

 

[waveuk]

It is a software issue. Check this video.

https://youtu.be/vIt363ZtWtQ

Using and app called screen balance fixes the problem. I have tried and it works.

 

[MooMooPrincess]

I don't have the black crush but I do have black smear and THIS SCREEN IS SO DIM. At 30% my pixel 2xl is super bright. My s9+ at 30% so freaking dim.

 

[goji26]

I don't have the black crush but I do have black smear and THIS SCREEN IS SO DIM. At 30% my pixel 2xl is super bright. My s9+ at 30% so freaking dim.

Had the same issue. Makes me wonder how much these reviewing agencies were paid to say the S9 has the best screen.