yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Toss3:
Probably a bit of both, but if samsung can adjust how the panel reacts to changing the brightness it could potentially be fixable (not sure how that would affect the battery performance though).

Need to do some more testing (if the display is capable of producing different shades of red green and blue at lower brightness levels).

---------- Post added at 02:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:30 PM ----------

Made a new test file (this time RGB 0 -> 30) and compared it to my S7 and both are pretty much equally capable which could potentially rule out a hardware defect (neither show any reds at below 30 at the lowest brightness setting). Slightly more banding in the green channel on the S9+. So this means it should be solvable (not sure what went wrong). This is actually quite weird as the green and reds are the ones that should be showing as the blue leds are the most inefficient ones.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Kostasl88:
So the problem remained, but what did they change on your phone?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Toss3:
Screen and battery.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Kostasl88:
I wouldn't like to open my new phone to be honest. Battery why?

---------- Post added at 03:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:13 PM ----------

And a little of topic question. Does anyone scratched his or her screen on S9/S9+ after 2-3 days of use?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Galaxo60:
As I already told you, those engineers have zero idea most of the times of that the real problem is.

They think that changing the whole parts where the problem is located is the best solution, so we can failry say that this is not a hardware issue at all.

Take the iPhone X screen for example: is also made by Samsung, but they were capable of putting a better calibration.

;)
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] crossdeath:
that's just samsung's practice after the note 7 disaster, they replace the battery as well to avoid any issues afterwards
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Toss3:
Think it's just something they do as they don't want to put a messed up battery back into the phone (they need to remove it in order to change the panel).

---------- Post added at 06:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:21 PM ----------

We still don't know as we already know it's a very common issue so it could just be that the new display was from the same bad batch. The only thing that gives me hope is the test image I uploaded as it looked very similar on both my S7 and S9+.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] BBEN66:
Not having this issue on my S9+ 256GB EU Version.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Craphead:
May I ask what video/pictures you used for testing and under what conditions (dark environment, screen brightness)?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] DemonSoul:
Highly but i highly doubt you don't, pictures or videos if you could
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] corallus:
[IMG="s6"]http://i66.tinypic.com/9jjgr7.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG="s6"]http://i64.tinypic.com/294qb0l.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG="s6"]http://i63.tinypic.com/4vph7t.jpg[/IMG]

Even a Galaxy S6 can reproduce better dark colours.

Honestly quite shocked by this.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Toss3:
So spent some more time with the new display and while the banding is still there it's nowhere near as annoying. New display also suffers from less black crush (can see the text in the files I created). So that's a plus at least. Might just sell my device and get the 256Gb version (the one I wanted in the first place).
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Toss3:
Would you mind posting some long exposure low light photos? We need some solid proof that there are phones out there that are perfect. Would be greatly appreciated! :good: If you only own a second smartphone just use the pro mode and set the exposure manually.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Techboy217:
Don't worry bro your not the only one I have s9 plus for a month now and I'm currently staying in the middle East it seems we have the same problem the funny part is went to Samsung store to show them the issue they said I'm the first one who complained about this I'm pretty sure all the devices are suffering from the same issue pixel 2xl had it most likely it's a software issue since you can toggled with an app hope they will release the software Soon really disappointed ok bought this device because of the display and it's my first Samsung ever use to be a fan of HTC devices think I'm going to regret changing my old buddy
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] bassgenerator:
Hi Buddy. Where can I get picture number 2 in full quality. I want to try. Thanks
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] corallus:
This one?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] ConnyHedgehog:
So I just went back to the Samsung Service Center in one of the largest cities here in Sweden and they have not recieved any information from Samsung about this. The regular chat and mail support still of course have no idea about anything. I've said it before, I still don't think this will ever get fixed. I hope I'm wrong of course, but if you have this problem, please contact Samsung directly. It will not get fixed until enough people contact them.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] abiftmd2008:
following this thread for a while because i there are some good deals available in my country.

Just wondering, will custom rom fix this issue? I know most of them are samsung based roms but if this can be fixed by the developer proofs that the issue came from the software not for the hardware. Just my 2cents hope you dont mind i jumped in and sorry if someone has mentioned this before.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] crossdeath:
Custom rom won't fix this issue, we need to wait for samsung to fix it with a software update
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] tekzonept:
Unfortunately I think your right
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] DemonSoul:
I'm still waiting for this guy
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Craphead:
My guess is that he went all silent because he eventually realized that he DOES have the issue...
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Kostasl88:
After a YouTube app update, I can see some slight improvements on black crushing. Not something major.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] fayeharuna:
i got the problem too when i watching movies in night.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] DemonSoul:
Bingo, like i said everyone has this issue so far, and the ones that say they don't they don't know how to replicate the problem
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Neo_Sk8eR:
Only have a few more days until my return window is up.....decisions decisions.......
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Toss3:
Was is the service center in Stockholm or Malmö? Been in contact with both and actually had my screen replaced in Malmö. Getting tired of Samsung's shenanigans as they specifically told me they had received multiple reports and were aware of the issue.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] ConnyHedgehog:
It was the Service Center in Gothenburg, where I also got the screen replaced on my first S9+. The first time I was there and got my screen replaced they told me I was the first one to come to them about the issue. Yesterday they told me that they haven't had many reports about the issue (I don't know if they mean that I'm still the only one or if they've had a few others).
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] MelquiXDA:
Replaced screen solved the issue?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] ConnyHedgehog:
Nope, same issue. I then returned my phone and got a new S9+. This one has a significantly better screen than the first phone, but it's still really bad compared to something like the iPhone X.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Sabertooth:
I found this issue in both the variants of GS9+.

---------- Post added at 03:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:29 PM ----------

In iPhone X, Apple tuned it further to achieve the best possible display. Wonder why Sam didn't in their own.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Sanduro:
Got my display replaced a while ago, but it didn't change anything. Sent it back to the service center, but after multiple calls and e-mails with both samsung directly and their authorized service center that took care of the screen replacement they've explicitly said that there is no issue and the screen is working as intended. No word on any potential software fix either. I was also forced to pay to get my phone back as there was nothing to repair, so I think I'm done with this trash company. Probably my first and last samsung phone, good riddance.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Toss3:
Their support really sucks, but they do produce the best hardware on the market, just wish their support and software teams actually knew what they were doing.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] shaggyskunk:
There's a Security Patch & Bug Fix Update Scheduled for June 4th for the Canadian SM-G965W & SM-G960W (S9/S9+) ?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Toss3:
For me at least my new screen is much better than my old one, but the issue at lower brightness levels still occurs. The green subpixels don't appear to be working correctly; they are either completely shut off or a bit too bright (there's no in between). This makes grays at lower brightness levels appear a bit green (green subpixels overpower the blue and red ones), causing some noticeable delay when the scene changes in darker parts of a video/movie/trailer due to darker shades of gray not being gray, but completely black. It also causes banding as the display fails to show darker shades of gray (grays need all subpixels to work simultaneously) and these instead become either lighter or darker than they should be. Again this is easily proven by using the test images I posted earlier.

Comparing my S7 that doesn't suffer from these issues to my S9+ it's apparent that the former actually suffers from more "black crush" as the lighter grays due to the brighter green subpixels on the S9+ results in a overall brighter image with more details in the shadows -- it just doesn't look great. Now, this could be working as intended as the green subpixels are the most efficient ones.

After sending my device in it doesn't bother me nearly as much and this is certainly something I can live with, but I would still love to hear Samsung's reasoning behind this if it is indeed working as intended.

You can use the following image to test it out yourself (it's really dark, but you should be able to distinguish how the green shades go from light green to completely black):

Here's how the two compare:

Especially the Magenta, Cyan, and Yellow (neither device shows them correctly, but on the S9+ it affects the grayscale a lot more if you look at the scale at the bottom; on the S7 it is gray and green on the S9+). Neither does a great job, but the S7 is certainly doing a bit better.

Weird part here is that neither show any red when reds are the second most efficient leds after the green ones. Both display plenty of blues though, when that is the least efficient and the led with the shortest lifespan by a huge margin.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Hankhan899216:
Only wanna tell that this is very useful.Thanks for taking your time to write this.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Toss3:
BRE5 is out and I'm downloading it right now! Will report back if I see any improvements (will take photos this time to rule out any placebo effects like last time).
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] toysican:
Hi, is there any improvement? is the problem solved?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Toss3:
While I'm downloading the new firmware a thought just entered my mind: what if the issues are a consequence of Samsung fixing the red tint on the S8? S7 looked a lot different before the Oreo update and now the S7 and S9+ look almost exactly the same (minor differences really), so this has lead me to believe Samsung uses the exact same calibration for each panel regardless of the model number. The S8 suffered from a red tint, possibly due to Samsung actually prioritizing efficiency over accuracy (a little bit at least), and due to that issue all the devices now suffer. At least at lower brightness levels due to Samsung having been forced to lower the brightness of the red subpixels. Wish I could test an S8 running a firmware before the fix and after.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] s0nixx:
Heres a screen from samsung forums and the guy says its been fixed. Could be a lie tho :)
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Toss3:
ISSUE HAS BEEN FIXED! I know some are going to be skeptical due to me saying this once before, but this time it is true. :) Uploading pics right now.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Flash701:
I've downloaded the update and it seems to be improved, but I'm not checking under the same conditions as I usually do.

Hopefully Toss can validate this once his update is applied.

Cautiously optimistic!
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Toss3:
So it appears they just turned down the green subpixels. :) Introduces a bit more black crush, but that is totally okay as long as the banding is gone! Props to Samsung for listening and doing something about it!
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] ssj100:
So the black crush is even worse now? Pity, as that's what I was noticing in real-world watching.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Toss3:
Most people referred to the banding as black crush, but that was the wrong term; black crush refers to a situation where darker shades of colors are not being displayed at all due to being converted to black. The Pixel 2 XL is a prime example of a device that suffers from horrible black crush. The S9+ on the other hand suffered from banding which has now been resolved. The display is much better overall now and that is a great thing! :good:
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] s0nixx:
I can say something only after I've seen it with my own eyes. Still waiting for that update
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] ssj100:
Thanks for the information. That clarifies things quite well. I suppose I should stop using the terms "black crush"! Banding it is. I don't have the update yet (usually a week later than you guys I think) but I'll report back when I do get it. I have a movie where I'll be able to check easily.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Chris_c81:
Worrying that they never addressed it...
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Steven13:
Am i lucky or blind? Did set the infinity background and low brightness.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Galaxo60:
A screenshot won't show the problem, it will be only noticeable in the screen and mostly in low light and with low brightness.

Over day, the phone has a perfect display, but when I'm watching videos or reading at bedtime, is really noticeable.

;)
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] th.android:
Exactly. A screenshot is good for testing purposes, it doesn't show whether the person who posted it is having the problem.

I'll post how it should be done.

First a photo of the screen showing a scene with the problem (focus on the black hair on this one):

Then (if possible) a photo with a device without the problem:

And finally, a screenshot so other users can test with their own screen and compare it with the previous photos posted:
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] trenzterra:
It's blocky because the wallpaper gradient is blocky. I downloaded the PNG from Sammobile and loaded it on the s7 edge with the same results.

I have tried loading Daredevil on Netflix (supposedly HDR) and have struggled to tell a difference between my s7e and s9+ at Min brightness and video enhancer off.

If someone could point out a problematic YouTube video at a specific position, perhaps that would be better. I could take photos of both screens side by side.

Edit: I tried on an LCD screen and finally know what you mean. Well this kinda sucks.. though so far I don't notice it in my videos maybe because my s7e had the same issue.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] dr.guru:
One week of use, never noticied this problem.

After reading this topic, I notice that the issue is definitly present, but it's not really bothering me.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Mehran14:
I Am From Pakistan And Facing Same Problem...Please Tell Me Is This Problem Solved By Software Update? Or Not If Not Then I'll Sell My Phone...Because In Pakistan Replacement Option Is Not Available. We Have Just 1 Option In Warranty Claim And That Is Only Repair Option, Sucks...If Anyone Found Any Clue Regarding This Issue Then Please Notify Us...Thanx
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] th.android:
Try the Black Panther trailer which is horrible during the night scenes and Deadpool 2 (photo attached above) on YouTube.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] dr.guru:
For people asking for a video sample, take a look at this youtube video, you'll surely notice the problem in all the dark scenes.

https://youtu.be/Y8HB8g0VRpw
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Nine9•:
I changed note8 twice for display issues. Under sunlight- the display's top half color was yellowish and bottom half normal. By this time when i got the 3rd one, my return policy/date (14 was over). I had to settle with that one. After few months of use i sold it n buy the s9. This time display is ok. Not facing that issue. But a new prblem back color blending / crush. I dont watch that much video on mobile, thats why it is not bothering me that much. But for $900 phone this type of quality issue isnt acceptable. Frustrating. And i think, samsung will not or can't solve this issue. After a few months they will focus to new device and forget the old customer. Thats why, everybody trust on apple, their service and quality control is top notch.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] IndDoc:
Oh! You got a source for that? And any way i can cool down the temperature?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] coolguy949:
Definitely noticeable for me.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Mehran14:
Samsung S9 Plus Black Crush Gradient Blending Issue..

So What Should I Do? Wait For Update From Samsung Or Sell Out My Phone? Because I Am Totally Puzzled..
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Toss3:
Contact Samsung and hope they solve it with a software update. No reason the S9+ shouldn't work as well as the S9. Looking forward to sreading Andrei's take on the issue (might get samsung's attention at least).

If they don't do anything I think it would be best if all of us joined in and started contacting all new outlets as that seems to be the only way to get Samsung to do anything (still giving them the benefit of the doubt).
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] illdini:
I'm not seeing a problem on my S9+ (Sprint SD 845). I do remember getting an update right after I set up the phone. Current software version is G965USQU1ARBG.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Dpk1:
I waited 6 months for samsung to fix this issue on my S8+ but they didn't (or couldn't perhaps)! So, it's your call.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] trenzterra:
I cannot reproduce this on the Black Panther trailer. Tests conducted in a dark area (i.e. under my table), taken with a Sony A6500 camera at ISO 6400 (hence it looks 'bright')

S9+ (top) vs S7 edge (bottom):

Min brightness

Max brightness

Others (can't remember the brightness settings)

Compared with my Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X, it's a world of difference, with the S9+ superior in all respects:

HOWEVER, I do experience the wallpaper gradient banding issue on the S9+. On the S7 edge it is there if you look for it but far less severe. It does not appear at all on the Note 4X. I went around several Samsung stores but couldn't reproduce it in store. perhaps the demo sets have a different firmware. I also notice the banding is less obvious when set to Adaptive Display -> Cool
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Chris_c81:
You need to be in a room where the ambient lighting is minimal. If it's during the day, you're best taking it in to a closet or similar to test. Otherwise, just wait for nightfall and try any room without light.

If you're testing in any other circumstance then what I've put above, chances are the ambient lighting is masking the problem.

You will not replicate the problem on display devices because you cannot demo them in the ambient lighting conditions required.

This is also probably part reason why reviewers haven't picked up on this issue as they will not go out of their way to test in those conditions.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] trenzterra:
You are correct. I tried a completely dark room but still couldn't replicate though. But the banding issue appears for me even in high ambient lighting in basic mode. But the retail units dont have this issue.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] devilrat:
Have you tried this easy calibration? According to video it will fix the crush issue :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=vIt363ZtWtQ
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Ollieden:
That's great news regarding banding how you tried out some of the test videos on here ? Plus your saying the black and green blocky blobs are alot better now ? That's the 2 issues I had bad banding and black and greens that were blocky on dark scenes in dim lighting
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Toss3:
The blocky green blobs are completely gone (except of course in videos with a lot of artifacts due to lousy compression) is what I'm saying. :good: Tested both the Hobbit video and the black panther trailer both of which now look almost exactly as they do on my S7!

EDIT: You can now improve the situation even further using the screen balance app!
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Ollieden:
Thats wicked I was starting to doubt Samsung but fair play they have sorted it. It's really bad on my phone so fingers crossed.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Ollieden:
I'm from the UK just downloading the update now. What I'm not getting in the update log it doesn't mention the fix like it did with the poor wallpaper would of thought they would mention it due to being such a big issue. I've just downloaded it and definitely alot better now the green and black blobs are alot better now the banding issue is there but nowhere near as bad , could only see the banding if screen bright in a dark room but if dimmed down barely noticeable.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Toss3:
The banding you are seeing is most likely just due to bad compression which is quite common if you are using Youtube as your source. ;) Marvel's trailers contain a lot of artifacts due to horrible compression (they apparently don't know how to upload a high quality trailer to youtube). Use the material found in this thread and you'll see that the issue is indeed fixed.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Chirag22ster:
Great news. Waiting for the update. India.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Ollieden:
The video on this thread where the bloke drinks a drink while looking in the mirror on page 51 still has banding.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] tekzonept:
Im gonna wait untill the ota update

Thanks Melqui
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] MelquiXDA:
https://www.samsungcentral.com/2018...ormance-improvements-with-may-security-patch/
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] g.buyukliev:
So you mean it's just as in this screenshot made on my MacBook Pro (which has an IPS LCD display too... not that it matters as it's clearly visible even on a screenshot :) )?

Don't you guys have a second device around you or it's just your S9's? How come you can complain about something without checking how it looks on other devices as well first?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Sabertooth:
New update sounds tasty. Did it bring batterylife improvement for the exynos Ver?