yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Nexus 7 General] mateorod:
I am no freak about a perfect device. But I heard some noise around the forum that you couldn't return through Google Play after 15 days (I am not sure if this is true, not the point...) so I called Google and asked about the flicker. I told the nice lady it was quite noticable on low brightness settings, and that I was happy to wait for an update if it was a software issue.

She told me in no uncertain terms that it was a known hardware issue, and that they wanted to get it fixed immediately. She had an RMA on it's way in five minutes.

I'm not trolling or speculating. She knew exactly what I was referring to and when I suggested that it could be software, she shot me down directly and began processing the RMA before I asked.

If you have flicker, go ahead and send it in. Sounds like Google wants you too. They'd rather you have the best product possible so when you show your friends they are amazed and want one.

The 7 returns people are for sure specious and trollers. But the issue exists, get it replaced. Mine was at the house in 2 days, perfect device as far as I can tell.

Now off to relock my bootloader...
[Nexus 7 General] DualSportDad:
What is the hell! I bought a Google play unit to replace the one I bought from staples that had screen flicker. When I got the one from Google play it had bad screen separation. I called them and I was told they'd be emailing me a link that would allow to process my exchange. That was on wed at noon.
[Nexus 7 General] C64c:
Hello all, try using an app called "Lux"
[Nexus 7 General] Skyrocket2Paradise:
Putting tape over one of the wifi connectors on the back cover solved the screen flicker for me. Still getting a replacement though in the next few days when They are ir back in stock around me
[Nexus 7 General] The Jones:
Exactly. Working perfectly now without screen flicker. So it is definitely a software issue and hopefully Google can patch it soon.
[Nexus 7 General] khaytsus:
This?

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vito.lux.free

Worth a try, but since turning off auto brightness doesn't help, I seriously doubt this will help...
[Nexus 7 General] dmalovic:
Just to chime in, for me the 3rd time was the charm, and the unit is working as expected. Still did not check the headphones though :). But when I opened it, the plastic protective wrap was wrinkled on the left edge, indicating the unit was either dropped or hit very hard. You can see the dent in the aluminum trim around the device. I am not even thinking about returning it, as everything else works

Really sad Google, and we are still sticking with you. And a packaging advice. Put the device into the box SCREEN DOWN, so you get more protection!
[Nexus 7 General] veeman:
Almost all devices come facing up. It's more presentable and welcoming.
[Nexus 7 General] Nascar Dog:
It's actually a painted plastic frame around the glass.
[Nexus 7 General] potentiality:
The way one of mine bent would at least imply a metal versus plastic as it didn't flatten down versus fold. It might be zinc vs aluminum.

---------- Post added at 08:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:11 AM ----------

IF it was a software issue, it would effect every unit. It does not. If it was a software issue hobbling the WiFi antennae with tape would not help to fix. It does.

Programs like lux or screen filter and others just mask the problem. Its still there but your brightness is probably set higher on the backlight beyond 30%.
[Nexus 7 General] WizeGuyDezignz:
I still laugh at the people who believe it's a software issue. It's definitely not and that logic doesn't even make sense in the first place.
[Nexus 7 General] qwerty123321:
Lux doesn't fix it..It makes it harder to notice the flicker.

I've mentioned this like a month ago when Nexus 7 was first released.

It is a hardware problem, I dont get why you people keep trying to convince yourself its not.
[Nexus 7 General] Skyrocket2Paradise:
so is it agreed that I should get a c7 to have no screen flicker? I have a c6 and mine has it...no one in my area can replace mine with a c7 just more c6's so ive been holding out.
[Nexus 7 General] piepie22:
I just tested lux doesn't fix the problem. It mask the problem with high brightness. When you tone down the brightness 30-40% average, the problem returns.

Will have to give the masking tape a try.
[Nexus 7 General] Nascar Dog:
It's a gamble.

I got a C7 with no flicker but other have reported C7's with flicker.

Wait for a C8 :confused:
[Nexus 7 General] wynand32:
I don't think it's possible to predict when they might fix the issues. C8 just means a unit was made in August, not that it's a different hardware build. If they implement a new build in the middle of August, some C8's will be good and some will be bad. Same for September units, October units, and whatever.
[Nexus 7 General] kenyee:
They know...just wish they'd tell us, but then by telling us, it'd be publicized and then everyone would want to do it, even the ones that don't see the issue :p
[Nexus 7 General] ipskang:
I have c7 nexus but there is no flickering. Although i I haven't used used it a lot . I have watched transformers, xda app, gmail and few other apps.
[Nexus 7 General] lahan52:
My first one was C6 and it was flickering, decided to return it and try my luck.

got replacement yesterday C7 and it was worst, I think this one was really broken since it was flickering even on main screen.

Today 3rd replacement C7... has same problem + if I press screen slightly it's touching internal screen... :(

All of them were tested with wireless off/on, GPS on/off, 0% brightness, 20%ish brightness, auto brightness.

didn't make any difference still flickering on video/map/chrome.

I think I'll wait for C8 or C9 or software patch or maybe even Nexus 7S :)
[Nexus 7 General] mi7chy:
It's all hit or miss with C6 and C7 because I've gotten good and bad from those batches.
[Nexus 7 General] Fatal_Enigma:
After reading this thread I checked my device in the dark and can confirm slight flickering every so often. I haven't used the tablet in the dark very much so far but may do in the future and can see this becoming an annoying problem. Are there many people with no flicker? I'm hesistent to return this because it has very very little screen lift and no other issues I can see so I'm worried if I get another it may have these other issues. What should I do?
[Nexus 7 General] mi7chy:
You didn't notice it before you read it about it here. It's more of a placebo and me too effect so just keep it and stop trying to look for something you didn't notice before.
[Nexus 7 General] webad_13:
Well honestly I first noticed it and I thought that it might be my eyes that are flickering :). But over time when you read in the dark it becomes very irritating and you start anticipating each flicker. I thought this might be worth checking out and that is how I found this thread.

Since many people went on the RMA route and even Google wants to replace such devices immediately I decided to call them up since the screen was slightly separated on the left side as well.

Got a replacement now, C70 (slightly older serial) that has a bit of a yellow tint to it - tint is not noticeable unless you have a device with very clear (blueish) screen next to it. It actually feels better on the eyes. Also I couldn't notice the flicker on this one and screen seems in place for now.

My advice is to get the defective devices replaced when you can. In any case you get a new device before you manage to return the other. And even if the new one is still defective - well get that one replaced as well.
[Nexus 7 General] Skyrocket2Paradise:
where is everyone getting the c70's from ?
[Nexus 7 General] webad_13:
I got mine through Google Play - but actually found out from TNT guys that it is sent from Computer 2000... Both devices are C70 - ordered 2nd and 4th of April.
[Nexus 7 General] origin_of_symmetry:
I noticed last night that my 2nd replacement (after 2 with the screen separation) has this screen flickering issue when using the kindle app at night. I'm going to try sone of the comments suggested, such as adjusting the brightness and installing Lux to see if that helps.

Screen separation was definitely a hardware problem and a deal breaker for me and from most of the comments on this thread, it appears this is software. I have no other issues apart from this and if I can resolve it myself, I'd be happy with that. I'm used to Android software foibles on my Galaxy S2!

If it doesn't work, it'll be another call to Google I suppose. I'm getting a bit bored of receiving new tablets with faults though. Mine's a C70 by the way.
[Nexus 7 General] WizeGuyDezignz:
I don't know how many times it needs to be said, but the screen flicker is NOT software related. It is 1000% hardware related. For two reasons:

1. If it was software related, 100% of Nexus 7's would suffer from it. They don't.

2. I went through 6 replacements until I got one without flicker. It's running the same exact software as my other 6 and the same as everyone else is running.

Bottom line...it's hardware. Just do your exchange now because no software update in the world will fix it.
[Nexus 7 General] sirscrubsalot:
Can anyone share once more (sure it's discussed here but overlooked through scanning the replies) on how I could replicate this: just to see and test? I'm at the lowest brightness but didn't notice anything obvious upon loading pages or panning in/out via google maps.

I did speak to google via phone, and as the previous poster said - the tech told me that BOTH the screen lifting AND screen flicker, are indeed a hardware issue (not software).
[Nexus 7 General] curry67:
lol way to many posts about nothing on this website. I believe the screen flicker is from the automatic brightness feature if you turn it off it goes away but there's definitely a flicker when its on.
[Nexus 7 General] khaytsus:
It is NOT the automatic brightness, as said MANY times in this thread. Take it elsewhere....
[Nexus 7 General] bushpilotwannabe:
That does not explain the flicker that appears when you're on a specific (e.g., 10%) brightness setting, which is most noticeable when pulling data over WiFi. Not all devices are doing it, but many are.
[Nexus 7 General] mariolouis:
My xperia x8, x10 mini, x10 mini pro, xperia arc had the same problems initially. They all were fixed every after software update.

Even Cyanogenmod has settings tweak to reduce flickering when set in low brightness.

I really believe it is caused by software. Backlighting LEDs are controlled by software via pwm. The pwm may be conking out and not producing enough voltage when there is high current draw from the wifi. But it don't do that when watching videos where the most current draw should be taking place. Probably because of the Tegra 3 energy-saving feature when watching videos, but I really can't tell. I am pretty sure they'll come up with a fix either set hysteresis not to adjust logarithmically, reduce wifi tx/rx power maybe, adjust voltage to pwm, etc. There are many ways to skin the cat so to speak.
[Nexus 7 General] origin_of_symmetry:
Appreciate your comment but point 1 isn't technically true. I have a Samsung Galaxy S2. The first one had the BSOD which I was told was a hardware issue by my network, so I got a replacement which had the same issue. Not every S2 had it, but quite a few did as reported on this and other forums. It was a fairly big issue back then. I took advice from this very forum to install some software to fix the issue and since then, its been fine so your argument that its not software related because not everyone has had it is inaccurate in my opinion. Not every S2 owner had BSOD either!

Saying this, if installing third party software doesn't resolve the issue, I will of course be sending it back.
[Nexus 7 General] jab416171:
Mine was flickering as well, especially on automatic brightness (although it was also doing it on manual brightness). I really hope it's a software issue and they can patch it. It makes the tablet nearly unusable.
[Nexus 7 General] nerfman100:
If this is a hardware problem, then that's terrible. However, I always keep my devices on highest brightness, so it won't affect me.
[Nexus 7 General] androidkid311:
Hmmm...in that case I think I will hold back on a nexus 7 until its fixed.
[Nexus 7 General] oldspook:
I'm beginning I should cancel my order for a N7 until they confirm these problems or fix them.
[Nexus 7 General] rmm200:
Man you folks like to worry a lot...

If I got a device with a bad display - I would send it back for replacement.

All new devices have a certain number of bad ones - hopefully very low.

You should have read all the whining on the Nook Tablet forum when there were ghosting issues...

Google is big enough, and has an image to protect. They will do the right thing if there are any problems.
[Nexus 7 General] oldspook:
As far as I know, Google Nexus don't have a local network of service/stores like Apple does. If I had ever gotten a defective Apple produce (I didn't), I could take to the Apple store near me and get a new replacement on the spot.

Sending defective products back for replacement is a pain, one I don't want to take a chance with. It almost always results in long delays and resentment.
[Nexus 7 General] rmm200:
Unfortunate analogy for me. Apple lists two locations in Oregon, both about 200 miles away. And I seriously doubt if they repair anything on site.

My Motorola Milestone had a bad display. Sent it in and had a replacement in about a week, and it has worked perfectly for the last year. Love that phone...

Only choice out here for local support is Barnes and Noble - and if you read many of my posts you know how I feel about them.
[Nexus 7 General] oldspook:
There is an Apple store 10 miles from where I live. My Granddaughter dropped her iPhone 4 the day she got it. It cracked the glass back but everything worked fine. She made an appointment at the Apple store, took the phone there and in 20 minutes they had her out with a new back installed and a complete diagnostic on the phone. They did charge her $29 because it is not warranted against dropping.
[Nexus 7 General] suchavibrantthang:
Sorry you already lost me at "My Granddaughter dropped her iPhone 4 the day she got it."

Sent from my SGH-T959
[Nexus 7 General] sealskej:
I was switching auto brigtness couple times and issue got away. Hope this will help other people, who has the issue as well.
[Nexus 7 General] scoopman:
Mine does exactly the same

I have a nexus 7 that does pretty much the exact same thing as you described.

Only happens in chrome when pages are loading and with low screen brightness.

Google now (which also has a lot of white in the screen) as brighter screen brightness do not seem to exhibit the problem so I bet it is just a software bug tat needs to be fixed
[Nexus 7 General] jeff94:
Can you or anyone with this issue post a video of it? Is it only on lower brightness settings?
[Nexus 7 General] adiliyo:
Mine also has the issue, raising the brightness a little seems to have eliminated it, so m fairly certain that it is a software issue.
[Nexus 7 General] unclesem:
I have same issue as well.

Also only in Chrome . And also start to disappear after playing with brightness.

Hope it is just one of software bugs like yellowish screen on galaxy s2
[Nexus 7 General] expertzero1:
make sure you contact google so they are aware of it lol
[Nexus 7 General] adiliyo:
I think flicker may not be the best word to describe this, it like is more like the screen is trying to adjust brightness but doesn't know how to adjust it. It looks like a software issue so hopefully they fix it soon
[Nexus 7 General] TahrirSquare:
I am starting to think people reporting this issue actually work for apple. They all seem to have zero thanks.
[Nexus 7 General] Dangraef:
I have been having this exact same issue on my rezound ever since the official release of chrome. I'm thinking since there are numerous people saying this is happening just in chrome we can rule out this as a nexus 7 issue. This thread should be removed or renamed as to not scare people off.
[Nexus 7 General] sahaskatta:
Does anyone who attended I/O know a contact number to get support? I think the accelerometer is broken. My screen almost never rotates. (Yes, I've enabled rotation from the dropdown notification bar.)

FYI, my screen flickers sometimes as well. It's not a problem when watching videos or most tasks. However, it is rather annoying on certain white/gray pages.
[Nexus 7 General] adiliyo:
Its a real issue for sure, but I'm fairly certain its a software issue that can be corrected via an update.
[Nexus 7 General] masterg0g0:
Good discussion, I am going to try to control the wifi power. Anyone has a recommendation for an app from the market

---------- Post added at 08:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:49 PM ----------

reporting I think I might have solved my screen flickering problem, using wifi TX power I have reduced the Db level and flicker has reduced so much if not totally stopped.
[Nexus 7 General] caddy_escalade:
I myself have been through three of these with both screen separation as well as flicker. I decided to just get my money back and wait and see if Google makes a statement about when we can expect to get one that works. I work at company that deals with Asus a lot and I spoke with someone there today and was told that they are aware of the issues and are working on it. I asked if the tablets that are sent into service are the being repaired or replaced and was told that they are being repaired. He suggested that I wait for a fix instead of buying a defective unit and sending it in for service. Hope this helps some of you guys.
[Nexus 7 General] kenyee:
Any chance you could get your Asus contact to let you know when they're shipping the fixed ones off the assembly line? :D

Would be nice to know the serial# when it's officially fixed...
[Nexus 7 General] caddy_escalade:
That was the one piece of information that he didn't have.
[Nexus 7 General] potentiality:
You need root. Not everyone will know or want to do hat. Second the wireless card in here is crap anyways or suffers some bad drivers. I have seen it on two different networks "pulse" its signal strength. Going from like 70 to 90 or even loosing signal for a few moments. In one case, it was right under the hotspot . If anything it needs more power.

---------- Post added at 01:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:31 PM ----------

1.You have backed up what we say you even admit not every unit suffered. You found a software solution to a hardware problem... congrats. However that still means your hardware isn't up to par compared to other units.

---------- Post added at 01:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:36 PM ----------

AGAIN posted just a few above you. IF it was software it would effect every unit. IT DOES NOT. Why also would you want to reduce the transmitter power if your watching a networked video? I already have issues now with the signal.

It is backlight flickering. Not screen flickering.
[Nexus 7 General] Metallice:
Yeah just like every device can run at the same voltages without issues and can be set to the same maximum clock speed no matter what. Its not like software controlling hardware can interact with different hardware differently or that some hardware is more tolerable to software issues than others. Right.
[Nexus 7 General] The Jones:
Indeed. As someone who develops software that runs on millions of different pieces of hardware, I can say for certain that a software issue will not always be experienced by every piece of hardware in the same way. Consider the fact that hardware has tolerances which affect its manufacture where software does not in the same way. Software may be developed to work with hardware made up of many components within a certain range of combined operating values but when the hardware goes to mass production, all possible variations of those tolerances may be exposed to users, many of which will never have been tested.

It is undoubtedly true that some people experiencing screen flicker have a hardware issue. It is also fair to say that a software update can resolve the issue for the majority - those without actual hardware faults. Indeed, wasn't there screen flicker on the One X on its release which HTC fixed in software.

The good news for me is that with Lux, I dont ever see flickering any more. Software fixed my issue whether my N7 has a hardware fault or not.
[Nexus 7 General] potentiality:
Lux didn't fix it. Read a few pages back. It just masks it. Some set it with low brightness (the backlight) an it still happens.

Here you go

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=30090607&postcount=361

And taping the antenna fixes the issue because its software???? The guy who posted about ASUS confirming it is trolling? The people at Googleplay who know about it don't exist!!?!
[Nexus 7 General] boneskid1:
office depot picked up my nexus the other day and now i begin the wait for this issue to be cleared.

and a short note to the dreamers of this issue being fixed by a software update......IT IS NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN.

it was proven by a fellow member after he put electrical tape over the solder joint for the wi-fi antenna and it stopped the flickering, so quit fighting that its software and its all going to be okay with an update, if it was software 99.999999% of the devices would encounter the issue and google/asus would have already pushed a mandatory ota update for screen flicker.

and quit bring up the one x it may have a tegra 3 cpu but it is a totally different device and with it most everyone experienced the flicker.
[Nexus 7 General] WizeGuyDezignz:
I completely agree and this is what I've been saying the whole time. Some people are so thick headed.

The only reason why Lux is helping is because it masks the problem like people have been saying. I went from units with major flicker on all light backgrounds to a unit with none at all, even on Maps. It's not a software issue.

I think some people are probably past their 15 day Google return/exchange period and they want to believe that a magical software update will fix their problem.
[Nexus 7 General] kiewee3:
I have a second c6 with a screen flicker problem. I'm waiting for a c8 to come in stock around me.
[Nexus 7 General] boneskid1:
this is the truth. and the people being over the 15 day return period is a high possibility.
[Nexus 7 General] kenyee:
To be fair, they can probably work around it in software by lowering the transmit power limits but this would lower the range/speed...

Still wish they'd let us know what serial# the actual hardware fix is in...
[Nexus 7 General] WizeGuyDezignz:
To be fair, that wouldn't be an adequate fix since they would be crippling the device.
[Nexus 7 General] adamhlj:
Just got my second replacement. Haven't noticed any flicker. This may be the keeper.Huzzah!!
[Nexus 7 General] kenyee:
For most people (who are near their wifi points most of the time), it probably would be adequate. They can just chalk it up to "some devices don't get as good a wifi signal" since some phones also aren't as good as others at wifi.

adamhlj: what serial# is it please? Still trying to get a feel for when fixed ones get into the pipeline...
[Nexus 7 General] boneskid1:
tbh there isnt really a way to tell what devices aren't flickering just yet.

as many of the serial#'s that are posted with or without the flicker don't follow a pattern.

if you dont get what i am saying here is what i mean.

each month devices are made and have a number so say in january x device begins production and the serial numbers for the devices start with A and go from there each month becoming the next corresponding letter.

but in this case with the nexus 7 people are getting devices that were manufactured early on and have no flicker and others get hot off the line n7's and the have the screen flicker.

so after my rant, i would wait a couple more weeks if you can and just come back and check this thread every so often. i am going to wait so i can get a quality n7