Spots and splotches on screen

[copasetic]

Ok so I have the Razr spots on screen problem. The store thinks they are from glue used in the manufacturing process. Motorola seems to say they are "part of the normal manufacturing process" and exist on ALL Droid Razr models (Currently there are 4). Ouch. If this is the case, sending it back for another and another won't help. Unless enough customers complain, they may not listen. True, posting in user (only) forums won't get their attention. I was curious if anyone else has tried to contact them? My one replacement so far was a LOT worse than the original, but if other brands don't have this issue, well...and to pay $300 for it...

Let me google that for you

 

[MA2GA28]

I see you found the thread on the issue in the Razr forum.

The thing about this 'issue' is that its not really an 'issue' at all. Noticing it takes some very specific conditions and the user has to really look to see it (kind of like looking at those 3D images that were popular in the late 90's). The pictures people post on there are set to be able to take those types of shots in the dark, so it exaggerates the 'issue.' I love that someone posted a You Tube video about it, and for re-creation, tells the viewer to take a picture of something black w/o flash, then go into a completely dark room, turn screen brightness down, and look for the splotches.

If, somehow, you notice these 'splotches' during normal use or if you want to try to find a device with smaller/less noticeable splotches, then by all means, change out your device. Otherwise, most people don't plan on staring at a black screen with 0% brightness all that much, so most will probably be OK with the side-effect of manufacturing.

 

[B. Diddy]

Are the splotches only visible when the screen is dimmed? If so, then I don't think it's a defect, as this also happens with other phones when dimmed (I have seen it on my old Droid Incredible and Xperia Play). If your screen is on normal brightness, and if you still see splotches, then it might be a problem.

 

[thabears23]

Yea i have them too only when I go to a dark screen or something loading up

 

[MA2GA28]

Are the splotches only visible when the screen is dimmed? If so, then I don't think it's a defect, as this also happens with other phones when dimmed (I have seen it on my old Droid Incredible and Xperia Play). If your screen is on normal brightness, and if you still see splotches, then it might be a problem.

Here is what you need to do to see the splotches:

- Turn your screen brightness to 30% or less (the lower the better).
- Go into a very dark room. The less light, the better.
- Look at a black screen (booting up the phone works, but doesn't last long). If you want, take a picture of the wall in a dark room at night w/ no flash and look at that.
- If you look really hard, you should be able to see spots of varying sizes on the screen.

On my screen, I only have some small spots scattered at the bottom of the screen. Some people have larger spots. But, in essence, the above scenario is the only time you'll actually notice or see them (unless you're looking for them). There's a LONG post on the Razr forum about them, with some people having gone through 4 (yes 4) handsets to try to remedy this 'problem' that affects ALL SAMOLED displays (even non-Razr).

 

[RHChan84]

I have them too. But only with a black screen and it's dark with brightness under 50%. But as soon as something else is on the screen besides black, it's gone. I thought my phone is defective but I tried to see it again under different conditions but only on black screens.

 

[z32-z33]

I also have them on my screen, I returned it and got a new one. Still have it on my new phone but not as bad as my first Maxx. Trying downloading the Dead Pixel app it makes it alot easier to see the splotches.

 

[Phadunkin]

If it has no effect on the quality of the screen, the sensitivity of the screen, or the longevity of the phone.. then I honestly will not take it into account when I pick my new device [which I decide on March 28th.]

 

[paul-c]

It has no effect on the screen in day to day use. It's just a minor side effect of the SAMOLED screens. Odds are you won't notice it unless you're really trying to. I don't notice it personally. Definitely won't put the longevity of the phone in jeopardy, though.

 

[RHChan84]

It's one of those issues that isn't an issue unless you want it to be an issue. It doesn't bother me. But to some, it bothers you.

 

[copasetic]

I see you found the thread on the issue in the Razr forum.

The thing about this 'issue' is that its not really an 'issue' at all. Noticing it takes some very specific conditions and the user has to really look to see it (kind of like looking at those 3D images that were popular in the late 90's). The pictures people post on there are set to be able to take those types of shots in the dark, so it exaggerates the 'issue.' I love that someone posted a You Tube video about it, and for re-creation, tells the viewer to take a picture of something black w/o flash, then go into a completely dark room, turn screen brightness down, and look for the splotches.

If, somehow, you notice these 'splotches' during normal use or if you want to try to find a device with smaller/less noticeable splotches, then by all means, change out your device. Otherwise, most people don't plan on staring at a black screen with 0% brightness all that much, so most will probably be OK with the side-effect of manufacturing.

I realize what you're saying, but the logic could also be used for cars with wipers that don't work well. " It's not a defect. The wipers are there. Just don't take it out whenever it rains and you'll be fine. Many customers drive only in pleasant weather so this shouldn't affect you much at all."

I've been through a dozen smartphone models, and have used them all in low light conditions. While some have had different screen issues, using "Negative brightness" setting has never done this.

 

[MA2GA28]

I realize what you're saying, but the logic could also be used for cars with wipers that don't work well. " It's not a defect. The wipers are there. Just don't take it out whenever it rains and you'll be fine. Many customers drive only in pleasant weather so this shouldn't affect you much at all."

I've been through a dozen smartphone models, and have used them all in low light conditions. While some have had different screen issues, using "Negative brightness" setting has never done this.

I don't think your point translates with that example. Wipers not working is an operational defect and would need to be fixed. That'd be like a button not working on your phone and saying, "just don't use that button." The appearance of these splotches is not hindering usability at all or affecting the typical use of the phone in a negative way. If you can tell me one way this 'defect' is stopping you from using this device the way its intended, then I'll recant the argument. But, the truth is, its not stopping anyone. Its nit-picking an issue that needs very specific, non-regular usage in order to replicate. Its more like how some tempered/treated glass on cars get that 'spotty' look in certain light situations. Yes, you can see it in certain conditions, but does it hinder you from seeing out of the window? Nope.

I say if that issue bugs you or others enough, return the phone and get another model. Simple as that. But, the idiom "The grass is always greener..." does apply in this situation.

 

[bluwtr49]

Interesting, here is a problem I didn't even know that I have. Ok, I went into the closet looking for splotches and couldn't find any.....am I doing something wrong or do I need an app. Took a picture and saw some spotches in front of my eys after the flash went off. Is that what the OP was talking about??

 

[dontlookatme]

Interesting, here is a problem I didn't even know that I have. Ok, I went into the closet looking for splotches and couldn't find any.....am I doing something wrong or do I need an app. Took a picture and saw some spotches in front of my eys after the flash went off. Is that what the OP was talking about??

The op is talking about the screen having blotches. If u put it on camera mode and ur in a pitch black room. Then u can see blotches on ur phone. I had a major blotch problem on my first RAZR. Now I don't see as much.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk

 

[tlacour]

This reminds me of way way back in the day. I had a PDA (before they were phones or smart) with a really small scratch on the screen. It was off in a corner and could only be seen when the screen was off. I was complaining to my pre-ex-wife and trying to justify getting a new toy. She looks at the screen and says she doesn't see a scratch. I tell her you can only see it when it's off. She says, " why you looking at it when it's off?" Never noticed it again.

 

[B. Diddy]

For what it's worth, I've seen this phenomenon on my previous HTC Droid Incredible as well as the Sony Xperia Play. I think it's safe to say it isn't a defect.

 

[MA2GA28]

This reminds me of way way back in the day. I had a PDA (before they were phones or smart) with a really small scratch on the screen. It was off in a corner and could only be seen when the screen was off. I was complaining to my pre-ex-wife and trying to justify getting a new toy. She looks at the screen and says she doesn't see a scratch. I tell her you can only see it when it's off. She says, " why you looking at it when it's off?" Never noticed it again.

Remind me of this classic exchange:

Jerry: And get this. He tells me there are no houses anywhere in Tuscany to rent.
George: You renting a house in Tuscany?
Jerry: No.
George: Then what do you care?

 

[socarwolverine]

I realize what you're saying, but the logic could also be used for cars with wipers that don't work well. " It's not a defect. The wipers are there. Just don't take it out whenever it rains and you'll be fine. Many customers drive only in pleasant weather so this shouldn't affect you much at all."

I've been through a dozen smartphone models, and have used them all in low light conditions. While some have had different screen issues, using "Negative brightness" setting has never done this.

Isn't it more like saying the paint on the inside of your fuel door is discolored? You only notice it when you need to fill up (or reboot in the phones case), it doesn't hamper your use of the car at all (or your phone), and you probably didn't even notice it til someone else told you about it. Same solution to both problems, don't go looking for it every day and you'll be happier with what you have, instead of trying to convince yourself this minuscule issue is a "defect".

 

[copasetic]

Isn't it more like saying the paint on the inside of your fuel door is discolored? You only notice it when you need to fill up (or reboot in the phones case), it doesn't hamper your use of the car at all (or your phone), and you probably didn't even notice it til someone else told you about it. Same solution to both problems, don't go looking for it every day and you'll be happier with what you have, instead of trying to convince yourself this minuscule issue is a "defect".

I dare say there may be no suitable example at all. It all comes down to opinion and personal preference.
If the rubber seal between the screen and the body of your phone had a bulge on one corner, and a gap that was quite visible, would you replace it? It certainly woud not affect normal phone operation. Better yet since we are on the example of cars how about a blemish in the upper right corner of your windshield? you only saw it when you look out to the right. during normal everyday driving wasn't there but it was a big spot in the windshield and corner.

Then again, there are stores that specialize in selling "seconds" at a loss/discount, but often have no visible defects in manufacturing. Yet they do not meet 100 percent of quality control specifcations (a seam here or a thread there, affecting the entire lot).

 

[MA2GA28]

I dare say there may be no suitable example at all. It all comes down to opinion and personal preference.
If the rubber seal between the screen and the body of your phone had a bulge on one corner, and a gap that was quite visible, would you replace it? It certainly woud not affect normal phone operation. Better yet since we are on the example of cars how about a blemish in the upper right corner of your windshield? you only saw it when you look out to the right. during normal everyday driving wasn't there but it was a big spot in the windshield and corner.

Then again, there are stores that specialize in selling "seconds" at a loss/discount, but often have no visible defects in manufacturing. Yet they do not meet 100 percent of quality control specifications (a seam here or a thread there, affecting the entire lot).

You're still pulling bad examples. If the screen has a bulge in a corner, that would be an operational defect, as that raised corner could get caught on things (putting it in your pocket, gliding a finger across the screen, etc), would cause the screen to bow unnaturally, may let dirt/dust in between the inner and outer screen, etc. Plus, its something you would notice constantly. In itself it may not be considered an operational issue, but it would cause operational issues. I already pointed out a windshield issue that fit the scenario, so not sure what type of 'blemish' you're talking about. If its one you notice and blocks your view out that one spot, again, that's an operational issue causing a blind spot. If not, try bringing that car to the dealership and saying, "There's a blemish on my windshield that I barely notice and causes no problem for me. Fix it!" Then, see how hard they laugh at you.

I'm a consumer that's all about quality and value. Does this 'issue' on our phones affect any of that? Nope. So, if you are a consumer nitpicking about it, then you need to get a hobby in my opinion. There are better battles to fight than trying to get Moto to replace X number of screens on these phones due to an item that is barely noticeable and doesn't present itself in typical, everyday use.