SINGAPORE:

A startling surge in complaints regarding vertical green lines on mobile phone screens has been reported in Singapore. According to the Consumer Association of Singapore (CASE), as of November 14, 2024, a staggering 31 complaints have been filed, more than doubling the 14 complaints received across the entire year of 2023. In stark contrast, only four complaints were reported in 2022.

This alarming trend has prompted CASE to investigate further, revealing that nearly all complaints — 48 out of 49 — were directed towards the South Korean tech giant Samsung. The sole exception involved a complaint against the Chinese smartphone manufacturer OnePlus.

What's Behind the Complaint Spike?

Many affected consumers have reported that the dreaded vertical green lines often appeared soon after software updates. Mr. Melvin Yong, CASE president and Radin Mas Member of Parliament, highlighted that some users also experienced pink or white lines across their screens.

Tech review experts, including those at TechRadar, suggest that these green lines may stem from hardware issues like faulty connections. Some speculate that software updates could lead to overheating, exacerbating existing hardware flaws or triggering new ones. Physical damage, such as dropping the device, could also result in similar screen problems.

Which Models Are Most Affected?

Reports indicate that the Samsung Galaxy S21 series is particularly vulnerable, with the Galaxy S21 Ultra and S21 FE models frequently cited. Moreover, models including the Galaxy A73, Galaxy M21, Galaxy S22 series, and Galaxy Z Flip 3 have also been linked to the issue.

A spokesperson from Samsung reassured consumers that product quality remains their top priority, although the damage to their reputation could be significant following these complaints.

Interestingly, it's not just Samsung that is facing scrutiny. Other manufacturers like OnePlus, Oppo, realme, vivo, Xiaomi, and even Apple have faced similar complaints related to their AMOLED display devices, suggesting that the issue may be linked to a particular display technology rather than solely to one brand.

How Can Users Address This Issue?

For those experiencing the green line issue, experts recommend a simple first step: restarting the phone. If the issue resolves, it may have been a temporary software glitch. However, if the problem persists, the display is likely affected and service center intervention will be necessary.

Samsung advises users to visit authorized service centers, and many customers with devices still under warranty can expect free repairs or replacements, barring visible damage. In a proactive move, Samsung India announced that select Galaxy phone users could receive a free one-time screen replacement, while OnePlus has offered a lifetime screen warranty for specific customers.

Preventive Measures: What Can You Do?

Unfortunately, experts warn that there is no guaranteed method to prevent the appearance of green lines. However, some sources, including Tom's Guide, suggest delaying software updates or performing them in cooler, well-ventilated environments to minimize overheating risks.

As discussions around this technology dilemma continue to grow, affected consumers are urged to stay vigilant and proactive in seeking solutions. Could this be a glitch in the technology that’s affecting your device? Stay tuned as we continue to unravel more on this developing story!