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Other This years screen lottery (17, 17 pro, 17 pro max and air)

NotApplicable said:
Mind linking these lab test results for the current gen of displays, as well as the 16 and 15 and 14 gen? I’m assuming you have the links more easily available than I would be able to find them, since you seem to be intimately familiar with them!

I’ll be interested to see their empirical test results of many panels (statistically significant sample size) from each supplier for every generation, including uniformity which Samsung anecdotally does worse at.
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I see what you’re trying to do here, setting the bar at “show me PhD level, peer reviewed, large sample lab data for every generation.” Come on. Nobody has written a university thesis on iPhone panel differences, and Apple certainly doesn’t release side by side datasets for us. That doesn’t mean the differences don’t exist.


There’s plenty of data out there: DSCC reports, The Elec, teardown specialists, DisplayMate tests, and yes, endless user reports. It is no secret thatApple dual sources from Samsung and LG, and its no secret those panels aren’t identical. Two manufacturers, two sets of techniques, two cost structures. That’s not a conspiracy, it’s supply chain reality.

And frankly, when large numbers of users consistently report greener/yellower tints, dimmer HDR, or more off-axis shift on LG panels, brushing all of that off as “anecdotal noise” is just ignoring reality. Anecdotal evidence matters when the anecdotes all say the same thing.

So no, there isn’t a PhD on this, but there is enough public information and enough consistent user experience that pretending LG and Samsung panels are indistinguishable is just denial.
 
Furrr said:
I see what you’re trying to do here, setting the bar at “show me PhD level, peer reviewed, large sample lab data for every generation.” Come on. Nobody has written a university thesis on iPhone panel differences, and Apple certainly doesn’t release side by side datasets for us. That doesn’t mean the differences don’t exist.


There’s plenty of data out there: DSCC reports, The Elec, teardown specialists, DisplayMate tests, and yes, endless user reports. It is no secret thatApple dual sources from Samsung and LG, and its no secret those panels aren’t identical. Two manufacturers, two sets of techniques, two cost structures. That’s not a conspiracy, it’s supply chain reality.

And frankly, when large numbers of users consistently report greener/yellower tints, dimmer HDR, or more off-axis shift on LG panels, brushing all of that off as “anecdotal noise” is just ignoring reality. Anecdotal evidence matters when the anecdotes all say the same thing.

So no, there isn’t a PhD on this, but there is enough public information and enough consistent user experience that pretending LG and Samsung panels are indistinguishable is just denial.
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I simply asked for the data you directly cited, which I quoted. Either it exists or it doesn’t. Looks like it doesn’t.

Test results from single samples multiple generations ago mean nothing. Show the evidence, any evidence. You’re the one referencing it to bolster your claims, so where is it?

I’ll wait. I’m hoping you actually have some relevant data, aka not from iPhone 13, because it would certainly be interesting to get a gander at. But I suspect you’re blowing hot air. 🥱

Literally, please link any independent lab testing of modern LG and Samsung LTPO displays head-to-head. You said it exists.
 
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Damn it, got a GH3 panel. My 16PM had the same panel, and I didn't realize it wasn't great (better than the phone it replaced) until the 17PM, which looks better. I have the green shift but panel uniformity and color viewing directly is good. Like most, not sure if it makes sense to trade it out unless the local Apple store gets some stock. I'm sure the best LG is better than the worst Samsung. Paying this much should give you the best.
 
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NotApplicable said:
I simply asked for the data you directly cited, which I quoted. Either it exists or it doesn’t. Looks like it doesn’t.

Test results from single samples multiple generations ago mean nothing. Show the evidence, any evidence. You’re the one referencing it to bolster your claims, so where is it?

I’ll wait. I’m hoping you actually have some relevant data, aka not from iPhone 13, because it would certainly be interesting to get a gander at. But I suspect you’re blowing hot air. 🥱
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So everyone posting here is crazy and is seeing ghosts? Come on man.
You are being fanboy-ish stuborn.
 
iphone3gnj said:
Damn it, got a GH3 panel. My 16PM had the same panel, and I didn't realize it wasn't great (better than the phone it replaced) until the 17PM, which looks better. I have the green shift but panel uniformity and color viewing directly is good. Like most, not sure if it makes sense to trade it out unless the local Apple store gets some stock. I'm sure the best LG is better than the worst Samsung. Paying this much should give you the best.
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I would keep that if I were in your shoes. Especially if the colors are accurate and the uniformity is good.
 
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Furrr said:
That’s not accurate.


Multiple teardown reports and supply chain analyses have confirmed that LG panels are generally considered a lower tier option compared to Samsung’s. Samsung uses LTPO OLED with more advanced materials (including deuterium-based blue emitters) that improve brightness and lifespan. LG panels, while serviceable, don’t reach the same peak brightness, efficiency, or uniformity and that’s exactly why Apple pays less for them.

The claim that “there’s no proof” doesn’t hold up. Publications like Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), The Elec, and multiple teardown specialists have documented the performance and supplier breakdowns. Apple’s strategy has long been dual sourcing: Samsung for higher spec, LG for volume and cost.

For the iPhone 17 Pro Max, estimates show that roughly 60–65% of panels come from LG. This isn’t “trust me bro,” it’s consistent with years of sourcing reports.

So yes, while both pass Apple’s quality control, there is a technical and cost difference, and it’s not just internet myth.
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I've searched on DSCC's site and also in general, cannot find any article (recent or otherwise) comparing Samsung vs LG OLED specifically in the iPhone 16 or 17 series. As the other person said, please provide a link showing this data, I'm genuinely interested.

My LG 17PM and wife's Samsung 16PM are identical in terms of brightness and color. Hers has a little less off-axis shift and goes pink whereas mine is slightly blue/green.
 
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Harthag said:
Also posted in the other thread for the 16/16PM. My 17PM is LG GH3 and is perfect. I can’t remember the last time I got a keeper on the 1st try.
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My wife got a 17PM and the screen is bright, maybe brighter than my 17 Pro G9N even and uniform. But really depends on lighting conditions. About as uniform as my excellent G9N to be honest, not seeing anything glaring horizontal or vertically.

I'm not a huge fan of the tint off axis, and it's not as bright off axis either, (And not going to tell her that ;) since I am picky as heck ) but straight on and thereabouts with some margin it looks totally pristine.
And it looks more impactful than the GVC Air I had and returned (because I couldn't get on with the Air) which I also had no issue with other than brightness concerns since that one was appreciably dimmer than my 16+

...I'm really glad she didn't get a green blob bottom third monster, I wouldn't be able to say 'yeah its great' seeing that gradient, or or straight on uniformity thing, it shifts uniformly.

--

Once again I'm a total believer that LG alone doesn't mean crap at all, or a bad Samsung = wow its Samsung so you're set. It really comes down to the individual panel regardless of manufacturer. It's just an interesting extra bit of info. And the grey on dark mode look cooler than mine.

I'd be happy with her exact unit if I were to get the Pro Max, even with off axis concession.

I'm getting better at spotting LG or Samsung without looking it up too, for really subtle differences. But we're both going to enjoy our devices
 
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By the way, can someone share a picture of what they consider a ‘bad screen’? I feel like the level of nitpicking is pretty subjective, and I’m just curious to see what everyone defines as a bad screen.
 
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I just checked mine and it has a GVC panel (LG). It’s not perfect, but it could definitely be worse. The bottom part looks slightly brighter than the rest of the screen, though that might just be me being overly picky.

IMG_0009.jpeg
 
fel10 said:
I just checked mine and it has a GVC panel (LG). It’s not perfect, but it could definitely be worse. The bottom part looks slightly brighter than the rest of the screen, though that might just be me being overly picky.

View attachment 2557430
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Looks like a par , no disrespect

Could be better could be worse. Not awful though.

Also hard to tell sometimes with photos when it’s on the fence
 
Yes, the discussion goes beyond “Samsung good LG bad” and each individual panel performs differently.

From a general point of view based on my testing, Samsung has better max brightness and colors tend to “pop” (however this is subjective), but there are issues with pink tint with TT/NS on, and brightness gradient between the top and bottom of the display (very distracting when scrolling). Almost like the top 1/3 of the display has the brightness cranked up and text moves from a lower brightness area to higher when scrolling.

LG is generally good with uniformity along the entire display but as demonstrated in pictures in this thread and the 16 Pro brightness thread, there sometimes is a sliver of a bottom area of the screen being higher in brightness relative to the rest of the display, even when looking straight on. The green shift can also be very significant to the point that 1/3 of the bottom turns neon green when tilting slightly, like texting with one hand or placing it on a MagSafe charger stand and sitting close to the phone.

Not every panel has these defects and I am sure there are some great LG panels out there. It’s just frustrating that we are paying premium prices for these phones with these screen issues.
 
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qwertylol111 said:
I have two 17 Pro Max, one with a GH3 and one with a GVC display. I also have a 16 Pro Max with a G9N display.

I can say that in my case, the G9N and the GH3 are very similar in terms of warmer tones, black levels, color vibrancy and brightness. While the GVC one is more white, bit worse black levels and a bit brighter.
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What colors are they?
 
thadoggfather said:
My wife got a 17PM and the screen is bright, maybe brighter than my 17 Pro G9N even and uniform. But really depends on lighting conditions. About as uniform as my excellent G9N to be honest, not seeing anything glaring horizontal or vertically.

I'm not a huge fan of the tint off axis, and it's not as bright off axis either, (And not going to tell her that ;) since I am picky as heck ) but straight on and thereabouts with some margin it looks totally pristine.
And it looks more impactful than the GVC Air I had and returned (because I couldn't get on with the Air) which I also had no issue with other than brightness concerns since that one was appreciably dimmer than my 16+

...I'm really glad she didn't get a green blob bottom third monster, I wouldn't be able to say 'yeah its great' seeing that gradient, or or straight on uniformity thing, it shifts uniformly.

--

Once again I'm a total believer that LG alone doesn't mean crap at all, or a bad Samsung = wow its Samsung so you're set. It really comes down to the individual panel regardless of manufacturer. It's just an interesting extra bit of info. And the grey on dark mode look cooler than mine.

I'd be happy with her exact unit if I were to get the Pro Max, even with off axis concession.

I'm getting better at spotting LG or Samsung without looking it up too, for really subtle differences. But we're both going to enjoy our devices
Click to expand...
I’m OK with some off-axis shift as long as it’s not excessive or pink. Hate pink shift / tint. All the Samsung screens I had last year, including my wife’s 16PM, shifted to pink, however slight, and had minor uniformity issues that were obvious in low brightness and night shift.

I feel like the good LG screens are very good screens with perfect uniformity and slightly more off-axis (blue) shift than Samsung. Like my 17PM. The bad LG screens are trash and shift to pink and / or heavy green and blue. It’s crazy as I only experience this with iPhones and not Samsung or Pixel flagships.
 
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Picked up a 17 Pro to replace my 17 PM today. Just couldn't deal with the size but otherwise liked the GH3 panel on my PM. Browsed through most of the PM models in the store and almost every one had a green shift vertically with the top towards you so I'm assuming they're all LG panels. My 17 Pro has a G9P and I think it's a typical Samsung panel that I'm used to. I color grade a lot of photos and the only detail on the GH3 that I didn't like was how it presented skin tone to be slightly more yellowish (that and the green color shift). GH3 was slightly brighter than the G9P at max brightness but also lower min brightness at the low end. For some reason I think I'm less affected by PWM with Samsung panels, idk if it's because all my past iPhones were Sammy displays. The only thing I can say for sure is that Samsung panels almost always have a better viewing angle.
 
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Harthag said:
My suggestion- keep it and enjoy. To me the most important factors are uniformity and lack of blotches / uneven tint when using true tone and night shift. This latter issue rears its ugly head at night or in low light areas, you think you have a perfect screen and then bam, horrible orange tint on 1/3 of the screen. You could get a screen with no vertical shift but horrible uniformity. You could get a screen with terrible multicolor shift when tilting the phone side to side. You could get dead pixels. I've experienced all of the above over the years and it sucks.

If your only issue is some off-axis blue/green shift it isn't worth the hassle of exchange hell and is the least concerning of all issues.
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Amen to your first sentence. As many know on here I’m very fussy with panels, but particularly with concerns exactly like yours. The GVC panel on mine is a breath of fresh air from Samsung panels I’ve owned in iPhones in the past for sure. Really happy. Slight green tint when tilting or not.
 
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Harthag said:
I've searched on DSCC's site and also in general, cannot find any article (recent or otherwise) comparing Samsung vs LG OLED specifically in the iPhone 16 or 17 series. As the other person said, please provide a link showing this data, I'm genuinely interested.

My LG 17PM and wife's Samsung 16PM are identical in terms of brightness and color. Hers has a little less off-axis shift and goes pink whereas mine is slightly blue/green.
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I also find the LG panel on my 17 PM brighter and less “yellower” than the Samsung on my 16PM, even at very low brightness levels.
 
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