Samsung recently started the rollout of the One UI 6 update, based on Android 14, for eligible smartphone models. The One UI 6 update brings several new features to Samsung’s Android 14 skin and has been received by a few models. Those who have installed the recent update encountering an issue with the pixel shift feature on OLED screens, posing a risk of screen burn-in. According to media reports, this issue was initially raised on the social discussion platform Reddit by some affected users.
Some users have noted that One UI 6.0 lacks the screen burn-in protection feature, potentially causing long-term image retention problems on OLED screens. Typically, modern phones with OLED panels incorporate a feature that shifts pixels for certain UI elements to prevent displaying the same image consistently on the same group of pixels, says a report by SamMobile.
It should be noted that Pixel shifting is a widely employed method to prevent screen burn-in issue on OLED screens, and it has been a consistent feature in Samsung Galaxy lineup of phones since the introduction of the Galaxy S3. However, phones operating on One UI 6.0 appear to lack this feature, particularly for the status bar. This observation was brought to light by Reddit user dragosslash (first spotted by Android Authority), and subsequent Reddit users have confirmed this absence.
For example, if the elements in the status bar and navigation bar (battery icon, clock, home button, back button, and multitasking button) remain static on an OLED screen without shifting, it may result in screen burn-in. Screen burn-in is a common drawback of OLED panels where extended display of the same images/UI elements causes degradation of the organic material within pixels, thus, resulting in diminished brightness. This, in turn, gives rise to issues such as image retention, patches, and other related concerns.
It should also be noted that phones using One UI 5 retain the screen burn-in protection feature. However, with the new Android 14-based One UI 6, several Samsung users have noticed that status bar icons are no longer shifting positions, that they should.
Earlier in November, the community manager for Samsung Community forum released timeline for the One UI 6.0 update, specifically for the European market. It is important to note that release dates for all compatible devices may vary for all global markets/countries. The update has already been rolled out to the Galaxy S23 series, with upcoming releases planned for the Galaxy A14 5G, Galaxy A34, Galaxy A54, Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Flip 5, and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 among others.