The Galaxy S24 series started selling in Kenya a couple of weeks ago, and it’s possible that potential buyers are yet to get their hands on these beauties. But despite their incremental improvements over the Galaxy S23, the Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+ and S24 Ultra are well-positioned to be top Android contenders this year. However, early adopters of the Galaxy S24 family have uncovered a concerning trend of bothersome display defects related to color banding.
Numerous reports across Reddit and online forums describe a grainy texture marring the S24 displays, particularly noticeable on dark or gray backgrounds. One user even examined their Galaxy S24 Ultra under a microscope, revealing inconsistent subpixel intensity at low brightness settings. Further complaints cite horizontal bars appearing on the display at low brightness and excessive color banding in gradient images.
While some users have reportedly secured replacement units free of the grainy texture, others haven’t had much success. On the other hand, the origin of the horizontal bars and banding issues remains less clear and could potentially be corrected through a software update.
Notably, OLED panels, even in high-end smartphones like the Galaxy S24 Ultra, can exhibit uniformity issues at low brightness. However, these flaws take away from the premium experience promised by the Galaxy S24’s hefty price tag. Fortunately, the mounting reports have caught Samsung’s attention. The company is now actively investigating the Galaxy S24 display problems, raising the possibility of a software update to address them, especially the banding problem.
Despite these setbacks, the Galaxy S24 displays introduce significant advancements. A peak brightness of 2,600 nits, higher PWM refresh rate, and Corning’s Gorilla Armor glass offer substantial improvements in brightness, flicker reduction, and reflection control. While Samsung works on a fix, potential Galaxy S24 buyers are advised to be aware of these potential display issues and thoroughly inspect their devices upon purchase.
