S21 Ultra screen not as bright as it used to be?

[gray2018]

Has anyone had this issue with their S21 Ultra? I've been using the device since around October 2022, so basically two years. I purchased it from Ebay originally, and it was refurbished. It looked brand new and it has always been great.

However, I did notice recently the screen seems to be less bright than it used to be. I've compared it to my Note 20 Ultra, which should in theory, shouldn't have as bright of a screen. It looks like it does in a lot of cases, though.

It's kind of driving me bonkers. I haven't really had any other issues with this phone, and it's definitely up there in one of the best phones I've ever used. Definitely top 3. The design of the phone is super unique, and one I highly doubt we'll see again.

I don't really want to upgrade honestly because it does everything I need, and I don't really care about newer ultra phones with their boxy design and emphasis on the S-pen, which I don't care about.

I have noticed this issue in the past with other Samsung devices. Perhaps there is an app I have installed that is causing the brightness issue. And no, I don't use auto brightness.

 

[Roadijeff]

I haven't noticed any decrease in screen brightness with my S21U. I bought it new 3.5 years ago. Did you go into the Settings > Display and check the settings?

 

[gray2018]

Yes. There's nothing out of the ordinary. The S21U appears noticeably less bright now than my Note 20 Ultra, which it shouldn't. I don't use adaptive brightness.

 

[BerryBubbles]

I realize that this isn't what your asking, but oddly enough, my Note20U was brighter than my s22U & is brighter than my s24U. (I don't use adaptive brightness.) I bring out the Note20U about once a month & I'm am always amazed how nice it looks. That being said, I've never taken the time to research why.

I hope you find a solution.

 

[gray2018]

Yeah, it wasn't always! Thank you.
It does look pretty good though, the Note 20U.
That said.... I think my screen on my S21U is just toast. I did a complete factory data reset to remove everything, and uh... It doesn't really look any different.
This thing used to be so bright it would almost burn my eyes.
So, dunno what to think about that really...