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M2 Air - Acceptable Screen Uniformity?

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Nervous_Wreck

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jan 29, 2023
6
0
Hi all,

I purchased a Macbook Air M2 about three months ago now.

Loving the machine and a huge upgrade from my 2011 Macbook Pro.
I've got a quick question to ask regarding screen uniformity.

I've only now just noticed a slightly greyer/dull spot on the screen, visible mostly on plain white backgrounds, scrolling through Google search for example.

It's on the left hand side of the screen, slightly above half way down from the top.

Overall the display is fantastic, it also exhibit's hardly any light bleeding which is great. I guess it's a case if when you notice these things you just always know it's there.

With everyday usage I do forget about it as my eyes are naturally viewing the centre of the screen.

From my research it's most likely a classic case of slight DSE.

Is my display within build quality tolerance, should I just accept that not all displays are perfect?

I've attached a few images and videos demonstrating the dull spot on the display. Upper left hand corner.

https://imgur.com/sQ6NgR1

https://imgur.com/WzHbyub

https://imgur.com/a/AwK9ai5

https://imgur.com/a/tYA3wFu

Thanks in advance any thoughts would be great!
 
I don't think that is a typical LCD panel uniformity issue - it appears to be a marking or defect on the panel overlay/coating. I've seen that before, but on the right side. It looks like a smudge that you want to wipe off, but of course, you cannot. The only remedy would be to exchange the MacBook Air (if it bothers you).
 
Nervous_Wreck said:
Hi all,

I purchased a Macbook Air M2 about three months ago now.

Loving the machine and a huge upgrade from my 2011 Macbook Pro.
I've got a quick question to ask regarding screen uniformity.

I've only now just noticed a slightly greyer/dull spot on the screen, visible mostly on plain white backgrounds, scrolling through Google search for example.

It's on the left hand side of the screen, slightly above half way down from the top.

Overall the display is fantastic, it also exhibit's hardly any light bleeding which is great. I guess it's a case if when you notice these things you just always know it's there.

With everyday usage I do forget about it as my eyes are naturally viewing the centre of the screen.

From my research it's most likely a classic case of slight DSE.

Is my display within build quality tolerance, should I just accept that not all displays are perfect?

I've attached a few images and videos demonstrating the dull spot on the display. Upper left hand corner.

https://imgur.com/sQ6NgR1

https://imgur.com/WzHbyub

https://imgur.com/a/AwK9ai5

https://imgur.com/a/tYA3wFu

Thanks in advance any thoughts would be great!
Click to expand...
I really don’t see anything on your first shots but that last video where you’re scrolling I can see the shadow, my wife called it a cloud, that remains in place toward the left side of the screen as you scroll. Looks like what I saw on my M2. If you go to the thread that was linked to above you’ll see my image with almost the identical shadow in the same location.

As I mentioned in that thread I believe Apple had (has) a bad batch of screens. Mine was replaced quickly with no hassle and the replacent MBA is perfect. I chose a blank light colored desktop, I think it is called Gold, which made it easily visible and took it into an Apple Store. 15 minutes later I was walking out with my new one. I’d get it replaced if I were you. You will always be looking for it and will never unsee it.
 
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papbot said:
I really don’t see anything on your first shots but that last video where you’re scrolling I can see the shadow, my wife called it a cloud, that remains in place toward the left side of the screen as you scroll. Looks like what I saw on my M2. If you go to the thread that was linked to above you’ll see my image with almost the identical shadow in the same location.

As I mentioned in that thread I believe Apple had (has) a bad batch of screens. Mine was replaced quickly with no hassle and the replacent MBA is perfect. I chose a blank light colored desktop, I think it is called Gold, which made it easily visible and took it into an Apple Store. 15 minutes later I was walking out with my new one. I’d get it replaced if I were you. You will always be looking for it and will never unsee it.
Click to expand...
Thanks papbot!

Everyday use makes it hardly noticeable in most cases, the issue is I won't be in a position to straight swap if they do notice it as a defect, as my machine is a few months old now.

I guess they would offer a repair at best?
 
Nervous_Wreck said:
Thanks papbot!

Everyday use makes it hardly noticeable in most cases, the issue is I won't be in a position to straight swap if they do notice it as a defect, as my machine is a few months old now.

I guess they would offer a repair at best?
Click to expand...
If you have AppleCare I think they would still replace it. I have to assume they know they had a bad run of screens. If nothing else then a replacement of the screen would probably be offered.
 
papbot said:
If you have AppleCare I think they would still replace it. I have to assume they know they had a bad run of screens. If nothing else then a replacement of the screen would probably be offered.
Click to expand...
I'm not entirely sure Apple staff are remotely aware. I'm sure most people just use their M2 Airs and not even notice what we see. Unfortunately I do not have Apple Care, a repair would be the only solution... I'm starting feel that I can live with it, rather than going through all the hassle.
 
I've had the exact same issue over three brand new M2 Airs, all replaced with a new one within the 14 day return window spanning from Dec to Jan (because my config seems to always be backordered).

I've tried to live with it but honestly I can't unsee it. I'm going to have to try one last replacement. Wish me luck!

BTW, thanks for the link to the other thread about this issue. It's good to see I'm not the only one (I was starting to lose my mind).
 
I dont know how reliable will miniLED screens be in the long run(3+ years, after most warranties have run out), but, perhaps 14.2" MBP would be a better bet, if youre tired of lottery?
 
I just took delivery of an M2 Air and am completely blown away by it. But last night I felt like I had a really large area of the display showing a big swooshy dse smudge. I use Ulysses and in dark mode it was really obvious, that was when I noticed it. But then, this morning I couldn’t spot it. Need to investigate more. Does this issue exacerbate over time if it is dse? It might be the viewing angle but I will investigate more. Only had it for one day so will definitely return if worth it, as I plan on keeping this Mac a long time, it’s brilliant.
 
Matt Leaf said:
I use Ulysses and in dark mode it was really obvious, that was when I noticed it. But then, this morning I couldn’t spot it. Need to investigate more. Does this issue exacerbate over time if it is dse?
Click to expand...
From my experience, it's much easier to see the smudge at night with artificial light. In daylight, it's still there but much less apparent unless you're looking for it.

I didn't know what DSE was until your post. I now know what to call this thing. The fact that you are also seeing the same issue tells me this is just an on-going M2 Air issue, which is disappointing.

Apple isn't allowing me to get another exchange so I'll just have to return this and lose the promo I had when I bought it. It's just not worth spending this kind of money for this inexcusable low quality screen uniformity. Shame on Apple. I'm honestly discouraged from buying from them again and I've been a Mac user for almost 20 years.
 
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Same boat here, bought a new one and I’ll return my current one if it’s any better. I’m so sick of this process, before this I had the gross yellow 12 pro screen issue.
47D5EC80-5B39-431D-9748-051EFF55EA56.jpeg
 
xtremesniper said:
From my experience, it's much easier to see the smudge at night with artificial light. In daylight, it's still there but much less apparent unless you're looking for it.

I didn't know what DSE was until your post. I now know what to call this thing. The fact that you are also seeing the same issue tells me this is just an on-going M2 Air issue, which is disappointing.

Apple isn't allowing me to get another exchange so I'll just have to return this and lose the promo I had when I bought it. It's just not worth spending this kind of money for this inexcusable low quality screen uniformity. Shame on Apple. I'm honestly discouraged from buying from them again and I've been a Mac user for almost 20 years.
Click to expand...
yeah i would be pissed off too if i drop over 1k and getting the same quality panel as a 300 bucks chromebook.
 
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