Galaxy S9+ Black Crush and Gradient Banding Issues

[Toss3]

I don't think that there should be any light leaks as oled screens do not have a backlight.

Probably not light bleed as seen on IPS panels, but a manufacturing defect around the edges so that light shines through when the oleds light up.

 

[Patje29]

https://www.sammobile.com/news/samsung-has-rolled-out-a-new-firmware-update-for-the-galaxy-s9/
Anyone received this one? Update for black crush, maybe. Looking forward if anyone could confirm.

 

[Jesus Delgadillo]

So should I exchange my s9+ or wait for an update? This is hiw move looks. Top, Note 8. Bottom, S9+. Today's my last day within the 14day period.

 

[Green Samot]

I'm in the same position, my 14 days are up today. I think it's software and will be fixed (at least I hope..)

 

[Kristian Nikolov]

There is a new software update rolling out. Haven't received it yet but the changelog includes an improvement to the wallpapers. Not sure if the display issues will be addressed. The size was about 300 MB I think.

 

[Jesus Delgadillo]

There is a new software update rolling out. Haven't received it yet but the changelog includes an improvement to the wallpapers. Not sure if the display issues will be addressed. The size was about 300 MB I think.

Is it the one with the March security update

 

[Kristian Nikolov]

Is it the one with the March security update

It's a second update with the March security patches. The build number is XXU1ARCC. Here is the article:
https://www.sammobile.com/news/new-galaxy-s9-update-now-available-in-more-markets/

 

[Toss3]

New update doesn't fix it.

So should I exchange my s9+ or wait for an update? This is hiw move looks. Top, Note 8. Bottom, S9+. Today's my last day within the 14day period.

They are all the same. Talked to samsung yesterday and they said they are still working on a solution. So who knows when, and if, they are ever going to fix it.

 

[Jesus Delgadillo]

I got it replaced.

 

[jproy12]

I got it replaced.

Is your replacement any better? I also sent mine back for a refund and I'll wait a bit to have a different batch for the phone...

 

[Jesus Delgadillo]

Is your replacement any better? I also sent mine back for a refund and I'll wait a bit to have a different batch for the phone...

Definitely better. This was out of a new batch from 2 days ago

 

[Reuben Chew]

Definitely better. This was out of a new batch from 2 days ago

How does yours look like now? I get roughly the same as the top comparison shot you posted on my current s9+. Btw couldn't tell any difference on the bottom comparison?

 

[Chris_c81]

Definitely better. This was out of a new batch from 2 days ago

"Definitely better" sounds like improved, but not fixed. Would be useful to know if you're still experiencing the issue in videos.

 

[P c L A Y E R]

Screen Balancen doesn't really fix anything. It only lightens up the dark end and that is why the black crush disappears. Black really is not black if you use screen balancer unles you reduce the White Balance value under 30 or something like that. For my unit It seems that value 40 is the lowest I can go without seeing crushing blacks. Black really is not as black It should he with that value jbut it is much better than the default 75 value for White balance.

HDR content seems to work ok though. Only problem I have with HDR is that it doesn't work on netflix HDR titles.

 

[AssassinX]

Are you guys keeping your phones or returning them? I'm down to my final day to return it to Best Buy. I'm thinking this is a software issue but I am worried that some are saying the issue is gone with a replacement phone. Are you sure? Seems every S9+ has it.

I use my phone at night a lot and this issue is quite obvious to me when watching YouTube or using social sites. It's not a complete dealbreaker but my S7 never had such a thing. I want to keep this device but not if there is a hardware issue. I would rather not deal with Samsung for warranty. Ugh.

 

[forSyn]

Are you guys keeping your phones or returning them? I'm down to my final day to return it to Best Buy. I'm thinking this is a software issue but I am worried that some are saying the issue is gone with a replacement phone. Are you sure? Seems every S9+ has it.

I use my phone at night a lot and this issue is quite obvious to me when watching YouTube or using social sites. It's not a complete dealbreaker but my S7 never had such a thing. I want to keep this device but not if there is a hardware issue. I would rather not deal with Samsung for warranty. Ugh.

IMO, return it. If it's a software problem that gets fixed, you're only out the inconvenience of buying it again later if you decide that's addressed the problems with the device for you. On the flip side, if it is just the way the device is, there's a very real risk you'll be stuck with it.

Actions will also speak louder than words. You and everyone else affected can complain all you want about this problem, but Samsung still hasn't offered an official response. I don't find that acceptable, and I'm guessing they won't find a ton of people returning their devices acceptable either.

It really blows, but this is a very expensive device and this kind of basic color sampling problem should not be happening on anything with its price tag.

 

[Reuben Chew]

Are you guys keeping your phones or returning them? I'm down to my final day to return it to Best Buy. I'm thinking this is a software issue but I am worried that some are saying the issue is gone with a replacement phone. Are you sure? Seems every S9+ has it.

I use my phone at night a lot and this issue is quite obvious to me when watching YouTube or using social sites. It's not a complete dealbreaker but my S7 never had such a thing. I want to keep this device but not if there is a hardware issue. I would rather not deal with Samsung for warranty. Ugh.

Return it if it bothers you that much.

 

[anon(1733)]

Maybe my logic is wrong but if the person above got a replacement device and its better it would seem it's hardware related. Unless the replacement device has some updated software.

 

[DrRazkov]

I've been told it's a software issue by Samsung staff via Chat on the Samsung Members app.

I had screenshots of the chat on the Samsung Community EU, I'll try link URL below. Initially I noticed that HDR playback wasn't working via the native video player and YouTube. But also later added on the black crush thing. I think the screenshot are on the 3rd page of the topic. Also have examples of HDR playback issue on the first page via a link.

https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5...ot-enabled-amp-Black-crush/td-p/441848/page/4


https://www.dropbox.com/sh/qv8kcho70ciu3dw/AAA5VfPd-hOsbqsXfEAYKdMHa?dl=0

Please the the link above for comparison photos, S8 on top and S9+ below.

Some are of the native video player showing Rise of the Tomb raider, Forza Horizon 3 4K HDR clips.

YouTube, both 1080p HDR with details in the photos of the different videos.

 

[Chris_c81]

Maybe my logic is wrong but if the person above got a replacement device and its better it would seem it's hardware related. Unless the replacement device has some updated software.

Nobody with any conviction, has said that a replacement has "fixed" the issue. That's the problem. Would be nice for those who have had a replacement to take some video or photographic evidence demonstrating the issue no longer exists.