yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Chris_c81:
Well it appears pretty global. Affecting S9+ from UK, Europe and USA that I know of. Appears to be affecting both Exynos and SnapDragon variants.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] mikapharm:
Why samsung didn't acknowledge the problem till now ?

All the major websites didn't write a world about it

I fear that its global but not affecting all units
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] coolguy949:
If you use your phone while laying in bed at night, you will see this issue depending on the content. My phone will be at 0 - 10% brightness. Dark images, videos, UI elements, etc that have gradients or blend colors to black show it most prominently. I can understand why some don't see it at first but once you see it, you can't unsee it. I've found that videos show it the most on people's hair. Their hair will look pixelated and have almost an oil+water effect.

Someone here I believe posted this video link and it shows the problem for me. Look at her hair at 0:17, for example. But remember, you need to be in a dark room at the lowest brightness to really notice it.

https://youtu.be/Y8HB8g0VRpw

Also, this video still is the worst for me. Look at all the artifacting around the object. It should have a clean glow around it.

https://youtu.be/wg1tWXtH1zg

If I watch it in a normally-lit room, it's harder to notice. In the dark, it's very apparent.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Galaxo60:
Same thoughts, I can only reproduce it at bedtime, in my room with no light. Otherwise, the screen looks fantastic.

:highfive:
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] coolguy949:
Same here mostly. However, I am in my living room now in low light due to rainy weather and I see it when I look at the images in the first post of this thread. My brightness is set to around 20%.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] pieces of cake:
This issue isn't going to be fixed guys. Don't get your hopes up. Just be happy that the next Samsung flagship phone is always right around the corner and they'll have another chance to fix the issue the next time around.

Easy for me to say, as I always jump from S+ model to Note model the moment the next is released. I expect to be ordering the Note9 in a little over 6 months.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Chris_c81:
Thanks for your help! [emoji23]
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] mikapharm:
Anyone from samsung contacted u again ?

I started to panic that it is hardware not software related and not affecting all people

This is in my rom in complete darkness is this what you have also or it's stronger at my phone
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] pieces of cake:
This right here. That's what my home screen wallpaper looks like in anything less than full brightness. Pretty weak!
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] coolguy949:
Guys, I think I've made a breakthrough. I went to the AT&T store next to my house to see if I could replicate the issue. I found two S9+ models on the floor. One had the issue and one didn't. I started thinking it could indeed be hardware related until I decided to try checking the software version. It turned out the one that without the issue was running an earlier software version (Feb 14th build I beleive). I decided to run the software update on the device. When it was done and rebooted, it now had the issue! I am now thinking this is a software issue that was introduced with the latest software update (mine says Feb 28th build).

Anyone here have a pre-update S9+ that we can validate this with?

I also noticed my screen is slighly more pink than other S9+s. I really don't want to play phone lottery but I am thinking of swapping mine. Even though I only really see the pink at an angle, it has been bugging me but I'm worried about getting a device with other issues (touch, etc).
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] trenzterra:
I suspect it could be software too. I went to over ten stores yesterday and could not reproduce the issue on the s9+, even though when placing my phone side by side I could still clearly see the gradient. Will go back and check out the build versions.

---------- Post added at 02:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:15 AM ----------

Ah, so that is black crush. I had the same issue on both my s7 edge and s9+ and thought it was just a compression artifacts. Had to load it up on my desktop screen just to tell the details.

Honestly I'm not too bothered by it. I hate AMOLEDs with a passion but unfortunately everyone is moving away from LCDs. The issue now with the s7 edge and s9+ is clearly far less annoying than this: https://xdaforums.com/galaxy-s6/general/getting-replacement-s6-due-to-screen-t3074865/page5 where I tried to replace 5 devices all with the same issue. Back then you weren't worried about whether there was black crush but whether the grey colours showed up evenly in low light.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] mngdew:
Just watched the Black Panther trailer on S8+ and S9+ side by side in a dimly lighted room. They both look exactly the same.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Toss3:
You're either not seeing it or just using too high a brightness setting for it to be obvious (or the ambient light is too bright for you to notice it). If you don't think your device suffers from it please post a picture taken with a camera.

---------- Post added at 09:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:21 AM ----------

I had the issue even on the earliest firmware (January). I could install that again just to be sure, but it's a real pain installing everything from scratch.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] trenzterra:
What brightness setting are you using? At minimal brightness I can't even see **** on the screen (basically any darker region is black) even in absolute darkness. Then at higher brightness the issue is gone. So...
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] qbasob:
Wow, that could explain some things. For example, I don't remember having that issue from the beginnig. I've bought S9+ in pre-order and only after few days I noticed that horrible quality in low light. I was like "Wait, that video wasn't looking that bad in low lighting, was it?" And that could be after OTA I received some time before that.

Another thing - everybody is saying S9 is not affected. Only S9+. But 2 days ago I cheched my bosses S9 in low light and it had same issues as mine S9+. But he received OTA just before I've checked. Maybe S9 was OK because it received OTA a week or so later than S9+? Can anybody with S9 after OTA update can check if problem is now visible on their devices?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] 10feethigher:
Is there a way to downgrade firmware? Does ODIN work for non rooted devices?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Galaxo60:
You guys are panicking way too much for this issue.

Soon it will come a fix, or a recall; it doesn't matter what comes first, still we are not losing anything. Worst case scenario, you RMA and get a new one.

I don't know why the scandal for something that is only noticeable in really specific situations.

We need to be patient with Samsung, they already acknowledge the issue, which was our first priority; now is a matter of time until they come with something.

I don't think Samsung want to bury this issue taking in mind they are contesting the best screen in any smartphone so far.

Just chill out, let's be patient and try to post here useful things or Samsung statements regarding this.

:highfive:
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] qbasob:
Worst case scenario is that the new one will have the same problem, and Samsung will ignore it.

For me this is normal phone usage, not specific situation. I'm using it in my bed with all lights out, when my wife is asleep, for 1.5 - 2h every day.

Could you show me any official message in which Samsung ancknowledges this issue? I've only saw some generic emails from Samsung support.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] 10feethigher:
No u
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] BlackBird_666:
I received the update build# G965FXXU1BRE6 here in Kuwait. (S9 Plus Exynos)

I played HDR and 1080p videos from youtube and Netflix, I can say my screen is looking much better. In a dark room with low brightness on screen and did not notice any black crush.

Before the update Black Panther and Alien Covenant trailers were horrible on my S9Plus, now they look really good.

I can confirm the update has fixed my screen
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] tlekmetta:
Black crush was fixed but black smear still go on.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] cdneto:
Firmware development for June is final ARF4 (Snapdragon) and BRF2 (Exynos).

Samsung Members Concierge in Brazil told me sending the device to them, but if it's only software fix, why that procedure? They're kidding right!?

We just want OTA :(
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] crossdeath:
Did you check on smart switch?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] shaggyskunk:
The 1st tier (level) of support is pretty clueless -They probably don't even know about the issue - They're default recommendation for most issues is: "We can't diagnose the problem without physically inspecting the device, please visit the nearest Samsung Service Center".... Just wait for the OTA - Replacing the screen won't do anything ??

Sent from my SM-G965W ??
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] MelquiXDA:
Please report in Samsung community topic too

https://us.community.samsung.com/t5...rs/Black-Crush-blending-S9/td-p/295192/page/4

---------- Post added at 06:02 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:01 AM ----------

Please report in Samsung community topic too

https://us.community.samsung.com/t5...rs/Black-Crush-blending-S9/td-p/295192/page/4
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] BlackBird_666:
You think they'd be aware of what samsung does but I can guarantee you that they have no clue.

I visited Samsung Store here in Kuwait when I first noticed this black crush. They asked me to leave the phone with them and they will replace my screen, when I saw them dealing with this problem in front of me I had no confidence in them. I walked out and glad I did walk out without getting my screen replaced. I made many phone calls to samsung regarding this black crush they had no clue.

In the end what it took was a software update!
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Techboy217:
Received the update yesterday now I'm in love with my phone the crush still there but dramatically improved hope they will fix the black smear as well still noticeable at low light if any one check the photo from alien covenant zoom it and them move left and right you will noticed really annoying well i hope they will find solution for that:rolleyes:
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] jazzzzzzz:
Oh..! Atlast this is fixed right???

I have bought a refund from them 2months ago itself,they took 3 months to fix the issue,shame on you samsung
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] mwboost:
I didn't see much improvement at all. Testing before and after the update. In all light conditions and brightness levels. The crushing and banding is still almost on par with my Pixel 2 XL. Worse in some cases. Can hardly see up to 8 on the numbered squares in the crush tester video.

My 2XL shows more squares as does my wife's S8 which shows the beginning of the top row.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Huey85:
Some people were patient enough to wait it out. At least they admitted the fault and worked on releasing the fix.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Craphead:
I came to think that part of the problem here might be that a lot of people seem to have a colour cast to their display but in many cases they don't even notice it. My display for example had too much green by default, so I set the green-slider in the display options all the way to the left (least green). The white looks A LOT better by doing so. I experimented a bit and it seems that the (for me) very little colour banding that remained after the BRE5 update seems to get worse the worse the colour cast is. So maybe those still suffering from banding might want to check if they have a colour cast and if so try and remove it to see if it improves the issue. Could also be one of the reasons why a lot of people reported that some shades of grey appear very green-ish.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] MelquiXDA:
Waiting for a fix for Snapdragon S9+
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Toss3:
Wait, why? :confused:

---------- Post added at 09:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:43 AM ----------

Banding is definitely improved as I have shown with pictures to prove it (that square test image is weird and I wouldn't recommend using it). Samsung did increase the black crush unfortunately with the update, but some black crush is preferable than the horrible banding we had before.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] mwboost:
I can't stand both lol. Never really had this problem in the past. I'm surprised my 2 XL looks better at times now over the S9+. Will have to do some more comparing and maybe even play with the colour settings.

---------- Post added at 08:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:54 AM ----------

Well my 2XL is looking better black crushing and banding wise. Looks like I'll stick with the pixel lol. Even after the update there is blotchyness everywhere when watching videos. Especially on lighter colours.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] v_square:
Or did I? Wouldn't have posted if it wasn't BRE5. Duh.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Craphead:
Well while we already have seen pictures proving that the BRE5 update does indeed fix the issue (for the most part at least) I am still waiting for one of those who claim to have received the correct update but still seeing no change to go ahead and post some pictures to prove that, too. So how about you do that then?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] mwboost:
I saw no improvement after the update. It's worse than my 2XL still. I don't have any pictures to show it but why would I lie? Lol.

I'm not using the S9+ at the moment because of that. While watching videos I even see a constant pulse of blotchyness on lots of colours unfortunately.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] mwboost:
After update...

No different...

Top S9+

Bottom 2XL

Both at 1440p and close as possible to a similar brightness. I see this everywhere in almost everything I watch. Blacks, greys and so on.

Also the banding in Bixby and power off. Wallpaper itself isn't too bad but has some.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] -Vulture-:
What youtube video is this scene from your first shot from?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Craphead:
Not saying anyone's lying here, still it's good to have pictures that show the extent of the issue, not only for documentary purposes (maybe some people from Samsung actually DO read threads like this after all??) but also so we can compare them. For that purpose it would be nice if as Vulture already said you could tell us what video the above screenshots were taken from and under what conditions (dark / dimly lit room, screen brightness) you made them. Thanks for taking the time to make and post these pictures btw.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] mwboost:
https://youtu.be/Q0wbyQRRQJA

Watched in dim light and brightness was about 50-60% I think.

I was also watching a few phone reviews and even then I could see odd patches pulsing.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Craphead:
Interesting, I can see some slight banding in that vid, too, but it's nowhere near as bad as in your screenshot, on my device it looks a lot more like it looks on your Pixel 2. However I gotta say that apart from the banding the colours look way off compared to your Pixel. Like I said before I believe that a colour cast might even worsen the problem. My guess is that when you compare a completely white screen on both devices they are gonna look somewhat different, too. If you manage to remove the color cast maybe it would also decrease the banding
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] -Vulture-:
Ok, I have checked the Video on my S9+ and my Lenovo Tablet (LCD screen) on full brightness.

I can see slight artifacts (blocks) like on your Pixel 2 picture, but thats Youtube compression I think.

Otherwise it looks exactly the same as on my Lenovo tablet which also slightly shows the compression artifacts with a LCD screen.

I dont know why your S9 looks so bad, but mine doesnt.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] mwboost:
Ah ok yeah true. Yeah not sure why it comes up soo much more on the S9+.

Might play around with some settings. If I lower the brightness the blacks just get way too black.

---------- Post added at 08:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:03 PM ----------

Yeah I'll try and have another play around with it and see how i go.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] mwboost:
Bit of an update. In accessibility settings I used the vision>colour adjustment >tritan(blue-yellow) set to weak.

It seems to of reduced my problem a little. Compared to my previous pic. It does seem to mute some blues in the phone only the tiniest bit but nothing drastic. Almost the same as our 2XL now. Bit happier I guess lol.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] -Vulture-:
Ah ok. This picture looks mostly like my S9+ i would say. What you still see are compression artefacts from youtube. Nothing to worry about anymore. :)
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] mwboost:
Yeah it's not bad. I tried the advanced colour settings /sliders along with warm and cool but they didn't do much. This seemed to of helped the most.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] SkiLopSaRo:
Hello, I was about to buy the S9+ and as I was reading here and there about the phone, I read about this issue, which is really holding me back. After reading a few pages on this topic, although Samsung realeased the BRE5, I see people saying that the problem still persists. I am really confused and I wouldnt want to spend around 800€ (EU Exynos model btw) and having to deal with this. My concern is bigger as I often watch videos and stuff in a completely dark room before I sleep etc. I would appreciate if someone could help me sort out the current status of this situation. Thanks in advance.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] -Vulture-:
In short (on my S9+) the issue was present before the latest BRE update and now its gone. The only artifacts i can see in dark videos are caused by Youtube compression. I see them on my S9+ just a bit as do i on my Lenovo tablet with a LCD screen. No banding on wallpapers or anything like it. From my point of view im very happy with the screen, its brightness is just awesome outside.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] mwboost:
I've read that the June update has improved it some more?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Ollieden:
I've just checked my phone manually for a update and it's there. Won't download it just yet incase it doesn't improve it or makes it worse lol or it brings more problems else where. This forum has gone very quiet which means most are happy again I guess.

---------- Post added at 08:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:16 AM ----------

where did you read that ?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] mwboost:
On the Android central forums. I'm wondering though maybe they got may and June all at once. As I haven't heard anything about the June update having a fix yet. Mainly the May.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Ollieden:
Brf3 and bre3 is what I'm seeing in the update Info and I've got bre3 installed after last update so must just be security
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] mwboost:
My last one was May and was BRE5 /BRE3. Apparently the June is AR4 something. Though I think they're numbered differently for some.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] cdneto:
For Snapdragon model the firmware ends with ARXX, then we hope they fix color blending with June security patch :confused:
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Ollieden:
I'm tempted to update it but hoping it don't make it worse again.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] brockyneo:
I've updated cannot really tell no difference so I'm assuming it hasn't made it worse as far as better someone will have to check with better eyes then mine lol
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] room511:
I got the latest T-mobile update.

I guess it's a bit better.

To be honest I stopped looking for the issue. If it is there I'm not bothered by it.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Ollieden:
I've updated no change from what I can see. Happy still
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Craphead:
I am pretty sure that for most S9+ devices the June update was a mere security-related update. However depending on if and which software branding your device has, it might be the case that the improvements regarding the display have been included in this update and not in the previous one. For example the devices from Vodafone Germany received the display update only within the June update. However the changes that have been made should be the same as for the branding-free devices.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Craphead:
Apparently there is yet another June update for S9 and S9+, it is not yet being rolled out OTA but can be downloaded via Smart Switch. Maybe this one will bring some further display improvements.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] mwboost:
Hmm I'll have to check it out guys?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] coolguy949:
Still seeing the issue with the latest AT&T on ARF4 but like the person above, I've learned to live with it. Anyone else getting dropped calls with the new update?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] shaggyskunk:
Don't know for sure about US variants - But the June 4th OTA was about 364 Meg - Sounds a little big for just Security Patch update - Previously on my S8+ Oreo 8.0 Security Patches were ~ 50 Meg...And our July OTA Update was scheduled for the 2nd of July and has been pushed to the 9th of July ?

Sent from my SM-G965W ??
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Craphead:
The first June update was only 60mb for me, but like I said, depending on the customization version of your device the size might have been different. The OTA for the free (DBT) devices was 60mb but the one for the Vodafone devices was over 300, thats because like I said Vodafone only adressed the display issue in the June update, not in the May one.

The SECOND June update (BRF8) however certainly was not security-related, haven't seen an official changelog yet though. But after watching some new series episodes I think they may have improved colour banding as well as black crush even further, looks pretty f*ckin awesome.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] shaggyskunk:
If you already received the 2nd June OTA - There should be a link like the one I posted below - Just edit the link for your device model number.

The interesting part about the link below is that it's only showing the update from March - Samsung Canada removed any reference to the June 4th OTA... Not exactly what I'd call "transparent" on Samsung's part as no explanation was given at all!

http://doc.samsungmobile.com/SM-G965W/RWC/doc.html
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Craphead:
http://doc.samsungmobile.com/SM-G965F/DBT/doc.html

The link for my device shows all the updates, however it says nothing about display improvements but it neither does for the BRE5 update and as we all know that one DID bring a huge display improvement (at least for most users, that is)
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] s0nixx:
The new update BRF8 made it worse again. At least for me
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] mwboost:
I just received June 1st update and it's now the 1st of July.lol. This one was BRE3 /BRF3 I thought it was ARF something?

I already received a BRE5 /BRE3 for May.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] shaggyskunk:
Canadian SM-G965W S9+ looks like it's getting ARFB July 9th as of now - But that can certainly change in the next week or so ?

Sent from my SM-G965W ??