My iPhone Screen Has the iPod touch "Negative" Disease

[MacVicta]

My iPhone screen is exhibiting the problems that are described by iPod touch users. I thought it was normal until the outcry.

I watched The Number 23 on here and the dark scenes were unbearable. Washed out with the same "negative" effect. I have to tilt it upward in order to get a halfway decent view but when it comes to scenes with good light/web browsing and all, I can look at the screen head on.

I know about the 5 vs. 7 screen dilemma. I did the Field Test check and I've got a series 7 screen. So what should I do, keep exchanging until I get a 5?

[MacVicta]

iPhone Owners Experiencing Display Issues, Too?

We aren't saying that this is a widespread issue just yet, but a (rightfully) annoyed tipster has informed and shown us that his "refurbished" 8GB iPhone seems to have the same "negative black issue" that some iPod touch owners are currently grumbling about. Granted, he admits that the photo makes things look a little worse than they do in person, but the problem is still apparent. So, dear readers, are any of you experiencing iPod touch-like display issues on your iPhone?

http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/21/iphone-owners-experiencing-display-issues-too/#comments

[Dim]

Yes, I have the issues with my iPhone. I purchased it a week ago. Looks like it was manufactured week 33.

What is this field test you're referring to?

[MacVicta]

http://blogs.zdnet.com/Apple/?p=711

You can find out which panel your iPhone has by dialing *3001#12345#* then tapping Call from the Phone application. This will put iPhone into “Field Mode” where you can select “Versions” to find out what version of the LCD you have. (FWIW, “Field Mode” doesn’t work on my 8GB iPhone, all I get is an error saying “Error performing request. No network service.”) Check that, I missed the last asterisk.

If the LCD screen information starts with a “5″ the panel can appear sharper, brighter and shouldn’t exhibit any sort of a grid pattern (like the one on the right). If it starts with a “7″ your iPhone could have a slightly dimmer panel (like the one on the left). Some “7-series” iPhone owners have reported a checkered pattern of white dots on their iPhones and/or a strange grid pattern. Others have reported a lower GSM signal strength.

[MacVicta]

I also have an 8gb refurbished model, btw. Thought I could save a few bucks but it looks like some (or a lot) of these are series 7 screens that were returned for the "negative effect" issue.

[kloan]

I just got a new 8GB iPhone and yep it has the negative black issue. Unfortunately for me I'm in Canada so there's #### all I can do about it. Darks scenes in movies looks like crap, and it doesn't matter if it's turned sideways or not, it's the same no matter what.

It's a 7 series LCD.

[roxics]

I have a 4gig iPhone I purchased at $299 after the price drop. It also has the "7" series screen and the same problem.

Here is my screen:
http://roxics.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/iphone_screen.png

Now I bought it from an AT&T store and it's the 4gig model and I didn't get any Applecare when I bought it. So what are the chances I can walk into my local Apple store with it and get it fixed or exchanged?

Also my phone is jailbroken, will that have any weight on the exchange policy?

[CitizenTony]

I have this issue. I first bought a touch at Best Buy when it came out, but it had the negative screen. I returned it, and got a refurbished iPhone, which had the same issue. In dealing with an Apple Phone Rep. we decided to try buying another one, and returning the first one, but the new one just arrived and has the same issue.

That's 3 for 3 and I don't know what to do now. I really like the thing, but nothing that costs this much is worth this much effort.

BTW, when I took the first iPhone into the Apple Store in Plano, TX. The "Genius" adamantly said there was no issue and that the phone was fine. He said there was nothing he would do about it. Great customer relations there. There was also a 1 hour wait, in the middle of the day on Thursday. Two other iPhone issues, and multiple iPod and iMac problems. I'm thinking their QC has slipped far too much.

[kloan]

A lot of so-called 'geniuses' that work in Apple stores are smug c***s****** that don't know s*** about anything. It can be a real test of patience.

[CitizenTony]

I have this issue. I first bought a touch at Best Buy when it came out, but it had the negative screen. I returned it, and got a refurbished iPhone, which had the same issue. In dealing with an Apple Phone Rep. we decided to try buying another one, and returning the first one, but the new one just arrived and has the same issue.

That's 3 for 3 and I don't know what to do now. I really like the thing, but nothing that costs this much is worth this much effort.

BTW, when I took the first iPhone into the Apple Store in Plano, TX. The "Genius" adamantly said there was no issue and that the phone was fine. He said there was nothing he would do about it. Great customer relations there. There was also a 1 hour wait, in the middle of the day on Thursday. Two other iPhone issues, and multiple iPod and iMac problems. I'm thinking their QC has slipped far too much.

Spoke with the phone rep. again about my 2nd iPhone and it's screen. She got in touch with the Dallas Apple Store and made me an appointment to go in tomorrow morning. She said not to leave until I get a good phone if I have to open every box there. My only concern, what if their entire shipment is bad. If so, I think I'm taking my money back and running as far as I can.

I'll update tomorrow.

[CitizenTony]

Went into the Apple Store in Dallas, TX as instructed by my phone rep. They took my bad, unactivated iPhone into the back to do a restore, came back out 15 minutes later with another iPhone saying he read the notes and just replaced it. Same negative issue on the newest phone (which, by the way, was already activated). I said no deal, and he got a manager.

While waiting I checked out their iPhones on display, and all but 2 had the issue. The manager said there was nothing they could do, so I showed them the good phone on display and the bad phone in my hand, which was obvious now. They finally acknowledged that there was a "slight" difference and that they'd speak to the GM. They went away, came back, said it was within spec and there was nothing to be done.

I verified, official response is that this is within spec? They both replied, yes.

As I left I called the phone rep, and will update when I hear from her, but as of now, I think I'm out. Too much trouble for a phone.

[ikovalchuk17]

I want to get a Iphone, but I dont want to end up with these sort of screen problems (I've already been through it with the touch). Is there anything I can look for in the store on the box of the iphone to tell me if it is good or not (like serial #)?

Thanks in advance

[roxics]

CitizenTony I went through the same thing at my local Apple store a few days ago. Tried three news phones and they all had the same problem.
I'm under the impression now that all the new phones released after the discount have this problem and even some before. Those lucky enough to get old stock get the better screen.

I guess we now know what the price cut really entailed.

But with that said, the 8gig model I ended up with has the same problem but it's much better then my first 4gig I bought.

[kloan]

There are reports that the new update fixes it... if yours isn't unlocked, care to test it out?

I finally found one with a good screen, and man what a difference! Everything about it is just easier on the eyes.

Week 37, 7459072

[Dim]

CitizenTony I went through the same thing at my local Apple store a few days ago. Tried three news phones and they all had the same problem.
I'm under the impression now that all the new phones released after the discount have this problem and even some before. Those lucky enough to get old stock get the better screen.

I guess we now know what the price cut really entailed.


Personally, I think the bad screens came first. Reports of iPhones as early as week 29 or 30 had these negative issues. My week 33 had it also. The iPod touches began week 36 and started getting corrected within a couple weeks. I think the same can be said for the iPhones as well.

Why? Well, here's my story:

So I "bricked" my iPhone, week 33 which had the negative issues, last night. Yes, I'm an idiot but there were 3 reasons I tried the update:
1) Several people with unlocked phones reported no problems. Apparently this was false.
2) I am still within my 14 days, so could likely return it (with restocking fee most likely)
3) I restored my iPhone and activated the original AT&T SIM before hand. Apparently that wasn't enough.

So I ran to the Apple store and bought another iPhone, week 38. Before applying the 1.1.1 update, I noticed the screen looked much better. That Jay-Z album came up crystal clear, for example. The update applied with no problems.

Took the old "bricked" one back today (the 14th day since buying it). He waived the restocking fee and gave me a full refund. So I haven't wasted anything except gas and have a new week 38 with a great screen.

I'm a happy (and lucky) camper. :cool:

EDIT: Forgot to mention, the week 38 iPhone has LCD Panel ID 7459072

[kloan]

Good stuff man, so far everyone says that this panel is good. It does have lots of lazy pixels (the kind that shimmer or sparkle at certain angles.. gotta look real close) but they're not noticeable with normal use.. might see one or two faintly when there's dark scene, but definitely not worth trying to find one without, because I highly doubt there are many out there that are PERFECT.

All in all, it's much better on the eyes, eh? I just couldn't stand to use my previous one.

[Dim]

Yeah, I didn't realize how much detail I was missing in photos, even. Didn't even know the calculator and weather settings screens had a textured background, hehe.

I think I saw a few of the "lazy" pixels you're talking about when the screen was all black but I don't even notice it otherwise. I'll take that over the poor contrast anyday.

[kloan]

Yup, me too. I'm in love with this thing now. Best. Gadget. Ever. :)

[roxics]

Boy you guys are making me jealous now. From everything I've heard up until now the 7 series screens (aka all the new ones) are junk. That it was the people who got the older 5 series screens that got the good ones. But from what you are saying I guess that's not the case.

This sucks, I went to the Apple store and the guy who helped me was really nice, but after three bad iPhones he wasn't going to open every new iPhone in the store. He and I just assumed all the new screens must be like this. So I walked out with an iPhone that has a better screen then my last one, but not as good as you guys are talking.

There is a new Apple store opening close by me in mid October, I think I'll wait and talk to someone there about it. If anyone is going to have stock of the newest made iPhones it will be them.

Hey any chance you guys can take a photo (or screenshot if you have it jailbroken) of your weather and calculator screens so we can see the texture you're talking about? Now you have me really curious.