I've come to the following conclusion about this LG vs Samsung debate
1.) LG has better whites and better colours, the kind that really pop and make you go wow, that is a nice screen.
2.) Samsung has slightly yellower whites, more dumbed down colors. No IR in any situation.
3.) in cases where you dont reproduce IR which is most of the time, the LG is better.
4.) The IR really only shows up on a specific range of greyscale images.
The IR is an issue, it shouldnt happen. but comparing the screens for me I'm going to stick with the LG and its downsides because I find it to be sharper, more colorful and more pleasing on the whites. I plan on seeing what this year's roll out on the new RMBPs shows; I'm assuming they will not be changing the screen or form factor, but instead will do a small refresh to the internals, and possibly source updated screens from LG/Samsung/Whoever.
Assuming they pool the upper clamshell, eg 2013 and 2012 macbook pro retinas have the same part, or they refresh the part being used in their supply chain for RMBP 2012, I will then look at changing out the screen for IR (which is easily reproducible) in hopes they have rolled out a screen that is as nice as the LG minus the IR (i'll keep an eye on these forums to see what people are saying)
For now, I'm super pleased to be back with an LG.
I have gone through these screens thanks to this issue and some others that cropped up along the way
1.) July, LG
2.) August, new replacement, still LG
3.) September, In store clamshell replacement for screen, Samsung
4.) Mid September, Another in store clamshell replacement for screen, Samsung, due to dead pix (and top case because tech dented the macbook)
5.) December, entire computer was replaced because of new intermittent issues after top case replacement) my replacement came with a freaking LG (back to square one)
funny enough, after using the samsung screens for 2 full months, and going back to LG, my first impression was WOW. The LG really was that much nicer. I had them side by side for like 5 mins before being completely satisfied that I was lucky to get an LG back as it is just such a more pleasant screen.
I remember being slightly dissapointed by the reds of the samsung.. but getting used to it. After getting my replacement machine in december which came again with an LG, I decided to quit wasting my time for this issue and put up with LG for now. The IR for me that shows up almost never is worth the better whites and colors of the LG.
I realize its not great, but i have 3 years warranty on this thing, and Apple knows this is an issue. I'll call my rep in a year's time when hopefully the have better options. They already upgraded my cpu from 2.3 -> 2.6 on the latest machine as a gesture of good will for the BS i put up with so i'm confident they will take care of me when the time comes.
This is the unfortunate price of being an early adopter, and its not right that Apple puts us through this, but hopefully as someone who has experienced about 5 of these panels both LG and SAMSUNG this stuff is helpful to you
