yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] GibMcFragger:
Damn. That's some crazy lens flare. I'm heading to Hawaii next week, and I'll be taking my S9+ (if it shows up on time). I hope the lens flare isn't going to ruin all my pics.

My Note 8 does it at certain angles, I just use my hand as a lens hood on the side that the sun is coming from.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
Yeah, it's bad. Just communicated with Samsung Support on Twitter and they blamed the dual aperture. Suggested I try different angles and tap to focus. Smh. Guess enough people will have to complain before they realize there's an issue.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] GibMcFragger:
lol Well, if it is the dual aperture, it's a design/manufacturer flaw.

They basically just fed you the "You're holding it wrong" Apple reply, lol.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] skivnit:
Thought it was a rainbow. How did you get it to show? As none of my pics have that but it hasn't been sunny here
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] sireniankyle:
Yeah the 1st photo I took outside had lens flare. I'll deal. I got the phone for the stereo speakers and speed. Not the camera.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] cpufrost:
While it may not eliminate all of it, you do have something on the outer glass covering the lens. It needs to be cleaned with a lens pen. That's what's causing those little o shaped artifacts. Because of the tiny aperture and very wide (F 1.5), these objective element must be kept optically clean as if it were a laser optic! That's exceedingly difficult since its exposed. My suggestion is to purchase a lens pen and keep it with you if the best quality pictures are important. One can really see this at night when capturing dark scenes with bright pinpoint sources such as headlamps and streetlights, etc.

My biggest issue with camera phones (they all have it!) is the internal reflections producing ghost images. It's really apparent at events (i.e. concerts) with multiple bright points of light. Bathes the image in little blue-green dots everywhere.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
It was all from the sun. I had issues with my pics no matter which way I stood.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
Was the flare similar to mine?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
The pic with the circled artifacts was the first pic I took. The lens was clean toothe best of my knowledge. The following pics didn't have and of those artifacts pop up. Nevertheless, I'm concerned that there is a design flaw. I've owned many phones and have never had such an issue with taking pics with the sun. I was tweeting Samsung support and said the light penetrating into the lens was the reason for the terrible pics. Idk.. the phone is very new so we'll see how many do or don't come forward with this issue. All I know is the afternoon sun was just at the right height to cause the angle that the camera didn't agree with.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] cpufrost:
It's possible as with wider apertures and very bright out of frame light sources striking the periphery of the aperture you will see this. This can't be avoided even with pro gear hence the use of bulky hoods.

The idea of a two step iris, even in its rudimentary form, is a new frontier for mobile devices and this could be a glaring limitation if not annoying. Just as when driving one uses a visor or their hand, you may have to improvise and provide some shading to limit these artifacts.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
Used hand as a shield

Well, took some more pics and the results are terrible. I even had it in video. I used my hand as a shield and away went the lens flare. I even rotated the phone to were the modules were on the opposite side as I normally use the phone during picture and video taking. I think that made it worse. I'm just disgusted.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
Another example of me shielding the sun.

Sorry but they were flipped during the upload process.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] sireniankyle:
Delete
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] sireniankyle:
I'll just share
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Natureboy72:
Nothing yet for me, keeping my fingers crossed.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
Thank you for sharing. The speakers and speed are great! I messed with the phone before it was released and thought the speakers were ok. When trying them when I recieved the phone i was very impressed. I take a ton of pics so I don't think I can tolerate this camera issue.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
Fingers crossed!
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] sireniankyle:
Yeah if I only bought it for the camera, it would be an issue that I would have difficulty justifying. I so rarely use the camera, that it wasn't a big deal. Coming from an S8+, the speakers blew me away. They are on par with my Tab S3.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
Well, I've had a few others say they have the same issue from another post. I submitted pics and info to Samsung support. They said they will be passing along the info to their engineers.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] skivnit:
I cant reproduce it
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] skivnit:
More pics
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
What color is your S9+?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] skivnit:
Black 64 exynos
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
Which color did you get?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
I just realized most your pics looks like your in the shade and one is directly at the sun. I don't get the flare directly at the sun. When I'm standing at an angle from the sun is when this flare mostly happens.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] lucianus_luciferus:
Do you have a case on the phone?

If so have you tried it without the case?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
No case on the phone as I stated in my original post.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] GibMcFragger:
None on mine, but I have a case on that protrudes out further than the camera slightly. That may be cutting out the flare.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] lightninbug:
Blue Snapdragon TMobile
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
Which case are you using?

Ok, thanks.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] sireniankyle:
black
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] jpbl1976:
Maybe JJ Abrams was the one who tuned their camera /s...

I haven't noticed anything yet -- although I've had mine for 3 days and haven't really put the camera through its paces.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] h3ck:
Not saying there isn't a problem, but have you guys tried with the sun behind you as is usually the optimal way to take a photo. Cuz I can get a point and shoot to do this if the sun is not where it should be per optimal lighting angles. Same as not shooting a photo of someone with the sun behind them (darkens subject). Just asking.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
I took the phone out and not even paying attention to the location of the sun. I took several shots went inside and noticed many were messed up. Went back out and snapped pics with S9+ and note 8. Note 8 had zero issues just like I figured. Camera has been great since I've owned it. The S9+ pics were terrible again. Over the years I've owned many phones and the only camera that gave me a consistent lens flare issue was the pixel xl. That phone's lens flare was very minimal compared to this. I've been use to aiming my phone in any direction without any issue. Only way I can prevent it is to shield the camera module with my hand. If the sun is behind me I don't have an issue. Most of my lens flare shots are with the sun off to my side and not directly into the sun.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] GibMcFragger:
A cheap clear Rinke Fusion Crystal case.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] xoneatom:
Mm, I haven't noticed anything like that yet. I've only had it for 2 days so I'll probably going to have to keep an eye on.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] GibMcFragger:
Just curious. To those having flare issues, what sensors do you have in your phone, Samsung or Sony? Also, case or no case?

Mine has Sony, and I use a case. I have no flare issues (so far).
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
Sony. I get it with or without case.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] crik91:
I have this problem on my S9+ when using the second cam(live focus mode). The portrait are really really bad.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
My main case is the same. The other Ringke case I have has very slippery edges.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] GibMcFragger:
This one seems fine. It's nice and thin, and not slippery.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] imitenotbecrazy:
No flare here from what I've seen. ATT S9+
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] h3ck:
I've been seeing some of the parallels being drawn here. If we can determine whether people with non black phones and no cases are having that majority of the problems, it could be the super metallic finish of the phone actually impacting the photos.

I have a coral blue phone but it had a case that surrounds the lens area and I haven't experienced any lens flare aside from normal photography ones.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] arnes_king:
How to know which sensor it is?

In Samsung Phone info app in camera it shows something SLSI_SAK2L3_FIMC_IS
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] NasTraDooMis:
Ya, what the heck ? :(

[IMG="Lens flair !"][/IMG]
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] GibMcFragger:
Under the camera info? I believe that means you have a Samsung sensor. Mine shows "SONY_IMX345".
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] skivnit:
Exynos has Samsung's while SD has Sony sensor
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
Nice ride!!
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
Samsung support hasn't been helpful. I clearly have shown that it's not a software issue with being able to stop the flare with using my hand as a shield. They still keep giving me super basic ideas to try and help. 1: Clear the camera's cache and data. Then after that step, (2) reset the camera settings in the app. Which I'm suprised they didn't realize step 2 was reset by doing step one. Then the third email suggested a factory reset. After these steps I still have lens flare. I said that others are having this issue as well and they threw in that they haven't had anyone else complain. Their next suggestion is for me to call in. That's where I originally started and was told by tech support there wasn't anything they could do. My replacement is being delivered tomorrow. While I'm waiting for it, I'm calling them and see what fun I can have.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] lowspeed:
I thought I Was crazy... but isn't this picture just horrible?

https://imgur.com/a/FW0sr
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
Did you use the food option in that pic? Yes, it looks terrible.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] lowspeed:
No, Auto.

The white table is totally overexposed.

You can't even tell the edge of the plate.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
Not good. I've heard some complaints about overexposure and pics being blown out.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
New replacement phone

My new replacement phone has the same issue as my original phone. Just took the pics and now I know it's just not a fluke thing. Idk why many others aren't running into the same issue. Guess it's still a tad early since the release of this phone but there is definitely an issue.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
MKBHD'S review video of the S9+. At 8:19 there was a decent amount of lens flare. For some reason no mention of it.

Samsung support has even said that, Thanks for getting back to us with that, Alex. I would say that this is going to be a result of the specific geometry of the lenses on the camera. You could be right about the exact cause - so this will likely be the same on all S9 models.

^Tim

Unfortunately, I am giving up on this phone.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] tobias14:
today we have clear sunny sky here so I took the opportunity to test the camera and luckily all good
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Hulkgone:
You have to lock-in the focus or the auto-exposure because it uses F1.5 indoors most of the time and in poor lighting conditions! :)

---------- Post added at 03:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:08 PM ----------

Every software related issue or bug can't be fixed with a soft or hard reset, in fact resetting the device can actually make the issue worst or make the issue reappear in the long-term! I know that there was an update for camera stability and other enhancements. Some updates or fixes can have bugs in them!

---------- Post added at 03:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:14 PM ----------

I know the iPhone x has a vertical dual camera set-up and it suffers from extreme lens flare! The Note 8 has a horizontal dual camera set-up so this doesn't affect it as much, but the Note 8 does suffer from lens flare to a certain degree! The lens flare on the Pixel XL were due to issues with quality of the lens and optics! The s9 has a vertical dual camera set-up that it's some what centered!
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
Thanks for the example. The lens flare happens when the sun is more off to the side and not when it's directly in front (above) of you. My pic was directly at the sun and was fine. I go at an angle and it's terrible. Did you move around and change up angles of the way the sun was shining on you?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Hulkgone:
Also it could possibly be something with your house that reflects on the camera lens when the sun is shining at it! I took a photo of a plate and the reflection of the sun was hitting the plate which got into the second lens causing some visible flare!
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
I don't want to sound like a jerk, but have you taken the time to read through this thread? Just a few posts up even? I am certain it's not something reflecting off my house. My house is behind me in most my pics. Plus, dark vinyl siding isn't going to cause an issue with my photos. I'm not the only one that has posted pics with lens flare. Plz read through the thread. Thanks.. why don't you share your pic with the flare when you can.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] chuckwp:
I think it has something to do with the distance between the lens from the glass protection.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Hulkgone:
I taken tons of photos in different lighting conditions and haven't had this issue! I have a case on my galaxy s9 plus (T-Mobile) lilac purple
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] chuckwp:
I attached an image for people to understand where the sun position needs to be to see it. The veiling flare is not just something that appears when your back is to the sun or your under a tree. You can replicate it with a flashlight also. As long as the sun is at a 30 to 45 degree angle from the camera and out of view, you will get it 100%. The thing is, you will probably get this issue with a lot of different cameras too. Did the sourced company forget reflective coatings?

[IMG="S9+ Flare"]https://i.imgur.com/ZZVWo79.jpg[/IMG]
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
I wish I knew. I really like the phone but I can't accept paying so much for a phone with this issue. It has flare during videos and the telescopic lens. I even put electrical tape to limit the amount of light that hits the glass. It did cut down on the severity of the flare. Maybe there is to much distance or a lack of protection coating.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
Thanks for the info. I don't own any fancy cameras to know how common this is on a dslr. As far as a smartphone camera, I've never ran across such terrible lens flare and I've owned many many phones. The only one phone camera that gave me issues was the Pixel XL. The lens flare was minimal compared to the S9+.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] GibMcFragger:
I'm currently in Maui, and have taken a ton of pics at all angles in both bright sun, and lower lighting. Out of about 50 pics so far, only one has flare.

It was a low light sun rise pic. The sun caused flare because it was straight on, and far brighter than the rest of the scene. Any camera would do that. Other than that, not a single pic has flare.

I have a thin, clear Rinke case on mine.

I am loving this camera so far.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] specialveloce:
Now in Holland in the afternoon at 4 PM and the sun sun is at 45degr. I also have lens flare. This is inherend to the lens or glass in front of the lens which maybe is not muti coated. I say it's a gap in the market.

When I sun roof my lens for the picture the files show the difference.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G965F met Tapatalk
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/cud7k65rgoustwr/20180321_091627.mp4?dl=0

Video is even terrible.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
Some other issues are popping up over the S9 and S9+. I'm really surprised, especially after going through two S9+, I haven't seen any reports of the lens flare. I know others have had it. Heck, even one of Androids biggest YouTubers had it shown on his review video. Head scratcher for sure. Idk if I roll the dice again and third time is a charm? Or most of the phones really do have an issue? I just hate when you get invested in a phone, $50 screen protector, cases, almost sold note 8 and stuck not knowing what to do. It's a dang good phone besides the flare. Second one had black smudges but only on power off/restart screen.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] fight4glory94:
Well...

Okay. I've just experienced this and it is absolutely horrible. I've had this phone (S9+) for 3 weeks and had no issues with it whatsoever. Today I thought to take a photo outside and below is the result.

[IMG="Lens flare"]https://imgur.com/a/5dzf9[/IMG]

I'm pretty much shocked. The difference from yesterday is staggering. I have horrible horizontal lens flare on all street lights, something which I've never had.

[IMG="Image2"]https://imgur.com/a/wfsRj[/IMG]

This was taken yesterday.

[IMG="Image2"]https://imgur.com/a/Q6nmG[/IMG]

This was taken in the same place as the first picture.

Anyone has this problem? Is it possible that this is just a software issue? I was so happy with this phone that I feel almost heartbroken now (lol).

EDIT: I'm a junior member and the forum rules don't allow me to post links...I don't know how to attach the pictures, as the
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] dia_naji:
Took this picture yesterday on a sunny day. I can also confirm that I have the SONY_IMX345. Black T-mobile.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] rampagealba:
I don't see any visible lens flare in your photo sample!
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] TheMadScientist:
This thread has been cleaned.... Now keep it on topic and watch the language
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Shayan025:
Faced same issue on my s9+, terrible lens flare.

They replaced my phone but new phone still has the same issue..
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] lakshay2015:
Should I cancel my s9+ and get a Pixel 2 XL?

Hi guys, I just ordered the S9+. But after reading the issues related to lens flare, should I cancel my order and get a Pixel 2? Pls suggest.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
If you originally picked the S9+ I'd stick with your order. If yours has this lens flare issue you can return it, if it's not a headache to do so. If you stick with the S9+ plz let us know how the camera is.. thx
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
Did you keep your order?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] lakshay2015:
Yeah, I kept my order. Its been a day and camera is fine, but in a day or two I'll check for the lens flare as well.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] jdunker26:
Here's my issue. I'm posting two pictures here...tell me which one is the S9+ and which one is the Pixel 2 XL. They both were taken in auto mode. I selected the same area on the cat in both pictures.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] stevedensmore:
If the issue is overblown highlights, the first one was taken with your S9+.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] jdunker26:
The one with more detail and brightness is the Pixel. The S9 has no detail of his hair or color.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] stevedensmore:
From a photography standpoint, the second image is better.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] rampagealba:
Either you moved while taking the photo or you have beauty mode turned on! I get really great detail in photos in every lighting condition...
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] jdunker26:
Def did not move, I made sure it kept stable. On the Pixel it doesn't matter if I move, the thing just cranks out awesome pictures. Where is there a beauty mode toggle?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
I'm glad just a few have mentioned having lens flare. I finally just was refunded from returning my two devices that they received 3/21 and 3/22. When I sent the pic of MKBHD'S lens flare pic at 8:19 mark in his review video to Samsung support in Twitter, I never heard another word from them. I find that very interesting. I'll just see if something good comes along, if not, I'll try the note 9. I have 3 new full kit whitestone dome glass protectors if anyone interested. Pm me. Thanks
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] jdunker26:
So you sent yours back? I have my Pixel 2 XL boxed up to go back as we speak. I really like the speakers on the S9+, along with many other features. I just can't get over how bad the speakers sound on the Pixel 2 XL. The camera issues on the S9 are definitely making me want to take the Pixel out of the box though. Samsung will not address any issues on Twitter. Seems they're ignoring everyone.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
I sent the first one back after a couple days and the replacement one immediately once I found out it had the same issue as my original one. I've own plenty of phones to know when something's not right and I'm not going to pay $1,000 for a phone that I can't take pictures out in the sun. Yes, the speakers sound very good. My replacement one I bought had black screen blotches too. S9+ just wasn't meant for me. I'm totally happy with what I have.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] jdunker26:
Totally agree with you. When phones are this expensive they should not have these issues. I was able to get my Pixel 2 during their $200 off promotion a couple weeks ago. Makes it easier to keep IMO.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Van_28:
Hi guys, i just received my S9 and im having troubles with the camera.

As you can see, there is clearly an issue with lens flares, both indoor and outdoor. Seems different from what i've seen in this thread, do you think i should return my S9 and try with another one? Thanks and sorry for my english.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] lowspeed:
I've noticed that wiping the lens even when it seems clean, makes a big difference.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] s0nixx:
I don't have the issue. Might be something wrong with your unit.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] droidrev71:
I'm still waiting on my full refund from both my devices I've returned.. rediculous!!! They received my returns over a month ago..I'm not trying a third one. I'm waiting for something new, g7, htc u12 or note 9.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] tobias14:
Now I've encountered this issue as well