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iPad Air screen defect?
- Thread starter xenaki
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My wife's silver 32GB wifi Air has this black/shadowing band down the left side as well. First six of serial#: DLXLJL
My space gray 64GB wifi Air does not show this shadowy band. First six: DMPLL3
Both devices have light bleed along the bottom (home button) edge, though it's not nearly as bad as previous experiences (iPad 2, 3). Both devices purchased at our local Apple Store.
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Reward Zone members get an extended return window. I think you have to be at least Premier Silver level for it.
My space gray 64GB wifi Air does not show this shadowy band. First six: DMPLL3
Both devices have light bleed along the bottom (home button) edge, though it's not nearly as bad as previous experiences (iPad 2, 3). Both devices purchased at our local Apple Store.
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Reward Zone members get an extended return window. I think you have to be at least Premier Silver level for it.
Just thought I would weigh in on this one.
I bought an iPad Air in Australia on launch day. Noticed the screen issue fairly quickly after unboxing. The left side was more yellowish, and darker than the right side.
Went to the Apple store for replacement. Got a swap with no questions asked. The staff also acknowledged the problem. The second unit, unfortunately also had the problem. The left side was warmer. Fairly obvious when using the split keyboard, as some others also mentioned. Later I also noticed that there was a darker stripe down the left (slightly away from the left edge). There were also darker horizontal lines across. These were fairly minor but occasionally noticeable during normal use.
Asked again for a replacement. This time the staff (another one) wasn't as friendly and denied that she could see any problem. But I got a replacement nonetheless. Sadly the third one has more or less the same problem. I think I will just live with it for the moment.
Here are some pictures that illustrate the problem. I took photos of my second and third units in a dark room using a Canon 5D Mark II. Pure white pictures displayed with brightness maxed out. It was immediately apparent from my camera screen that there was a darker stripe on the left. Increase the contrast in Photoshop it is even more obvious. As for color shifts, I max out saturation in Photoshop and the result confirms what I see with my eyes.
iPad Air, my first replacement, increased contrast
iPad Air, my first replacement, increased saturation
iPad Air, my second replacement, increased contrast
iPad Air, my second replacement, increased saturation
What I would suggest is that someone use some professional measuring device (like the one in the AnandTech's review) to measure the dE values of the screen at different positions. Then we will have a better idea of how good or bad the screen really is, compared to other IPS panels used in other places.
I bought an iPad Air in Australia on launch day. Noticed the screen issue fairly quickly after unboxing. The left side was more yellowish, and darker than the right side.
Went to the Apple store for replacement. Got a swap with no questions asked. The staff also acknowledged the problem. The second unit, unfortunately also had the problem. The left side was warmer. Fairly obvious when using the split keyboard, as some others also mentioned. Later I also noticed that there was a darker stripe down the left (slightly away from the left edge). There were also darker horizontal lines across. These were fairly minor but occasionally noticeable during normal use.
Asked again for a replacement. This time the staff (another one) wasn't as friendly and denied that she could see any problem. But I got a replacement nonetheless. Sadly the third one has more or less the same problem. I think I will just live with it for the moment.
Here are some pictures that illustrate the problem. I took photos of my second and third units in a dark room using a Canon 5D Mark II. Pure white pictures displayed with brightness maxed out. It was immediately apparent from my camera screen that there was a darker stripe on the left. Increase the contrast in Photoshop it is even more obvious. As for color shifts, I max out saturation in Photoshop and the result confirms what I see with my eyes.
iPad Air, my first replacement, increased contrast
iPad Air, my first replacement, increased saturation
iPad Air, my second replacement, increased contrast
iPad Air, my second replacement, increased saturation
What I would suggest is that someone use some professional measuring device (like the one in the AnandTech's review) to measure the dE values of the screen at different positions. Then we will have a better idea of how good or bad the screen really is, compared to other IPS panels used in other places.
WOW, fantastic post mate, you've summed up my issue perfectly. Does your serial number (on all 3, if you remember the other 2) start with DLXL?
I've been chatting about this on Whirlpool and it seems others with DLXL have similar issues...
Both of mine, the original and the replacement, started with DLXL.
I've been chatting about this on Whirlpool and it seems others with DLXL have similar issues...
Both of mine, the original and the replacement, started with DLXL.
The first Air I had (which I don't have a photo of) had a serial number started with DLXL. Same with my first replacement. My second replacement started with DQTL.
Backlight is most likely situated on the right of the device. Light guide is obviously struggling to create a uniform display as it guides the light to the left side. As devices get thinner, the job of the light guide layer in the LCD panel gets tougher. Any slight twisting or misalignment of the layer created uniformity issues.
So when you are conducting the panel lottery, it's really for finding an LCD unit with minimizing the issues outlined above. These issues are commonly found in the hyper thin Samsung Television sets.
You can see how the light guide works in this kindle illustration. In this case, light source is from the bottom and guides the light to the top of the device.
So when you are conducting the panel lottery, it's really for finding an LCD unit with minimizing the issues outlined above. These issues are commonly found in the hyper thin Samsung Television sets.
You can see how the light guide works in this kindle illustration. In this case, light source is from the bottom and guides the light to the top of the device.
I find the issue is most apparent in Safari, thanks to it's all white theme. When in landscape, the top bar showing the time/battery/wifi goes a murky grey, but when rotated it the other way goes uniform white.
I think it is not that anything will evaporate as the material is enclosed as you suggest. More likely, if this is true, the material will continue to polymerize and change from a tinted resin to a clear plastic. Just my guess.
I'll open mine at the store tomorrow (in store pickup). If there are no dead pixels or other obvious defects I'll probably lean toward accepting it. I'm not real picky about these things. If the defect doesn't appear in normal photographs or web pages it won't be a problem.
This reminds me of people checking out DSLR lenses. If you use a contrasty grid you can certainly find and measure pin cushion or barrel or chroma effects. It is good to know the severity of these effects but if they are not apparent in normal photographs then they are not hard to live with.
I'm not criticizing those who are determined to get a flat white screen, just my point of view.
DMPL here with dimmer light strip along the left. 64GB LTE Space Grey. Will probably wait for a month or two for supplies to iron out before going in for a swap. Looked back at my iPad 3 and realised its screen was a lot worse, heavy yellow tinting on the right corner and a huge lack of contrast vs the new Air, but I managed to live with it and only noticed this AFTER reading the thread lol.
Heck, I use my iPad in landscape mode 80% of the time, the strip lies on the top so its not that big of a deal. Add's a little to that 'translucency' effect in iOS 7 too
Movies aren't an issue either since the whole frame isn't used anyways.
Heck, I use my iPad in landscape mode 80% of the time, the strip lies on the top so its not that big of a deal. Add's a little to that 'translucency' effect in iOS 7 too
Movies aren't an issue either since the whole frame isn't used anyways.
This whole issue has convinced me to return my ipad as soon as it arrives. I know I will get ripped apart from some people on here for this but I just can't be dealing with this potential headache on another Apple product.
It is certainly disappointing that these issues keep happening and I am not prepared to accept sub standard at this price.
Flame away!
It is certainly disappointing that these issues keep happening and I am not prepared to accept sub standard at this price.
Flame away!
You know, I used to look forward to buying Apple products. Now I just hope like the blazes they don't have any trouble. It's stressful! Haha - FWPs.
Of the 4 new Apple products I've purchased in the past year (iMac, 5s, air, haswell rMBP) two of em have issues. The 5s and the iMac are brilliant. the rMBP has an uneven display and that's going back tomorrow, it has a yellow tint to the left and a dark tint to the right - it's a samsung I'm guessing.
Applecare will replace my rMBP screen - I'm not worried about that as I'll just get a new screen and that should mean they'll check it out, but I am worried about the iPad Air. They will give me a new one. Fingers crossed it's a solid unit.
Plus the ipad and the rMBP are used for my work, so it's lucky I've still got my ipad 2 and my old laptop otherwise I would be rooted.
Good luck everybody!
Edit: I doubt it has anything to do with the serial number DLXL. Mine is the other one DMPL and it has the murky edge/yellow left, nice right. I think it's samsung.
Of the 4 new Apple products I've purchased in the past year (iMac, 5s, air, haswell rMBP) two of em have issues. The 5s and the iMac are brilliant. the rMBP has an uneven display and that's going back tomorrow, it has a yellow tint to the left and a dark tint to the right - it's a samsung I'm guessing.
Applecare will replace my rMBP screen - I'm not worried about that as I'll just get a new screen and that should mean they'll check it out, but I am worried about the iPad Air. They will give me a new one. Fingers crossed it's a solid unit.
Plus the ipad and the rMBP are used for my work, so it's lucky I've still got my ipad 2 and my old laptop otherwise I would be rooted.
Good luck everybody!
Edit: I doubt it has anything to do with the serial number DLXL. Mine is the other one DMPL and it has the murky edge/yellow left, nice right. I think it's samsung.
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This whole issue has convinced me to return my ipad as soon as it arrives. I know I will get ripped apart from some people on here for this but I just can't be dealing with this potential headache on another Apple product.
It is certainly disappointing that these issues keep happening and I am not prepared to accept sub standard at this price.
Flame away!
50/50 what if its a good one
If you got it from Apple i would open it, if its a dud just get a refund. 1 chance.
Dont understand the obsession with Samsung - it is Apple that sets the quality standard at a price point most favorable to Apple.
Not happy - blame Apple
Guys I am new here to the forums but not Apple products. I've registered to post a reply about my issues as well.
My partner and I upgraded from our ipad 2. We didn't see the need to upgrade to a 3/4 due to the same exterior design. Once the air was released we were very happy to replace our older units.
During the first time using the AIR we thought there was something wrong with the screen colors but didn't pay too much attention to it since we did not have problems with our ipad 2.
After reading the posts, I had to double and even triple check our screens. Lo and behold, we have the same problems as well. We have the 16gb LTE versions in each color.
While holding the ipad air vertically as you would an iPhone, it is very apparent that the left side of the screen has warmer colors. The right side of the screen has much colder hue, making it more blue. It is definitely not what we would expect as we paid over $700 each with cases.
It is very unfortunate, but it appears that the QC has taken a nosedive.
I am headed out to NY for a business trip in a few days and don't have time to return it within the next week. How long do I have to return it for a refund and wait awhile longer till they have the problems sorted out?
Thanks for your support and I am sorry if it has happened to you as we'll.
My partner and I upgraded from our ipad 2. We didn't see the need to upgrade to a 3/4 due to the same exterior design. Once the air was released we were very happy to replace our older units.
During the first time using the AIR we thought there was something wrong with the screen colors but didn't pay too much attention to it since we did not have problems with our ipad 2.
After reading the posts, I had to double and even triple check our screens. Lo and behold, we have the same problems as well. We have the 16gb LTE versions in each color.
While holding the ipad air vertically as you would an iPhone, it is very apparent that the left side of the screen has warmer colors. The right side of the screen has much colder hue, making it more blue. It is definitely not what we would expect as we paid over $700 each with cases.
It is very unfortunate, but it appears that the QC has taken a nosedive.
I am headed out to NY for a business trip in a few days and don't have time to return it within the next week. How long do I have to return it for a refund and wait awhile longer till they have the problems sorted out?
Thanks for your support and I am sorry if it has happened to you as we'll.
Received my iPad Air yesterday and the screen looks amazing except for when the screen is black. It's suffering from light bleeding on two corners and this is very noticeable when watching movies.
Dont understand the obsession with Samsung - it is Apple that sets the quality standard at a price point most favorable to Apple.
Not happy - blame Apple
I think you misunderstood my post.
I was referring to the serial number which people were believing was an indicator. I pointed out mine was a different serial number and said I think my screen is Samsung. Thus it's not the serial numbers that are important, it's the screen supplier that seems to be the common link.
I'm quite certain you have 1 year from date of purchase to exchange your unit. I have done this for my iPhone 5 1 week before its warrantee was over after 11months and 2weeks use (due to faulty camera). Be warned though, your replacement units might still run into the same problem as it seems to be quite wide spread at the moment. Maybe best to hold off for a month or two until a new production batch comes off the line.
Great post and brilliant idea about upping the contrast to see the issue. I did the same below and while it isn't as bad as others like yours I will probably keep it since I don't really see it under normal situations even in safari. Plus I don't want to return it and end up getting something worse.
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Done a side by side comparison, Air on the left, iPad 3 on the right. Increased contrast and converted to black and white to compensate for different colour temperatures between the two. Screen brightness both at 50%. Red box indicates the region of interest where the iPad Air is affected. Worth returning?
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