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Doug Lerner2 Author

Level 4

1,366 points

iPhone 7 Plus display dingier than iPhone 6 Plus display

I just upgraded from an iPhone 6 Plus to an iPhone 7 Plus. The first thing I noticed was that the display on the iPhone 7 Plus seems to be "dingier" than that of the iPhone 6 Plus. It's not as bright for the same setting. At maximum setting the iPhone 6 Plus is noticeably brighter, and whiter.

I thought the iPhone 7 Plus was supposed to be brighter than the iPhone 6 Plus. Is there something wrong with my new iPhone do you think?

All the settings are, I believe, the same. I restored from a backup of my iPhone 6 Plus I saved in iTunes this morning.

MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013), i5, 512 GB SSD, 16 GB RAM

Posted on Nov 12, 2016 3:27 AM

92 replies

Csound1

Level 9

60,033 points

Dec 5, 2016 7:11 AM in response to Doug Lerner2

Then you can return it for a refund or replacement (if you purchased it 14 days or less ago)

Here is the return policy for Japanese Apple Sales:

Sales and Refund Policy

We fundamentally believe you will be thrilled with the products you purchase from the Apple Store. That’s because we go out of our way to ensure that they’re designed and built to be just what you need. We understand, however, that sometimes a product may not be what you expected it to be. In that unlikely event, we invite you to review the following terms related to returning a product.

For any other undamaged product, simply return it with the original receipt (or gift receipt) and original packaging and included accessories within 14 days from the date you received the product. If the item is returned within this timeframe, we’ll exchange it or offer a refund based upon the original payment method (except cash, where we may be required to process your refund via a Bank Transfer. See below for more information).

Please note the following: • Products can be returned only in the country in which they were originally purchased.
The following products are not eligible for return: electronic software downloads, subscriptions to the Software-Up-To-Date program, Apple Store Gift Cards, and any Apple Developer Connection products.
For returns to an Apple Retail Store for cash, cash equivalent, and cheque transactions over ¥25,000, Apple will refund by bank transfer. However, please note that we will only remit refunds to a Japanese bank account where the name of the bank account holder matches the payor’s name/information.
Should you wish to return ten or more of the same product, you must return to the Apple Store where originally purchased.
In the case of items returned with a gift receipt, Apple will offer you an Apple Gift Card.
Opened software cannot be returned if it contained a seal with the software license on the outside of the package and you could read the software license before opening its packaging. As an exception, you may return Apple-branded software if you do not agree to the licensing terms; however, you may not retain or otherwise use any copies of returned software.
Apple provides security features to enable you to protect your product in case of loss or theft. If these features have been activated and cannot be disabled by the person in possession of the phone, Apple may refuse the return or exchange.

Doug Lerner2 Author

Level 4

1,366 points

Dec 5, 2016 12:41 PM in response to Doug Lerner2

I hope others who have posted constructive and supportive comments here, and those who find themselves in the same situation as me, don't let the person who crashed the thread with harassing notes detract from the discussion.

Lest you be confused by his posts:

1. My goal is to get the display issue resolved. He tried to disrupt the discussion and cause a digression by attempting to define our choices as either (1) selling or (2) returning our iPhones. I think the real choice is (3) getting Apple to provide the iPhone with the specs and quality as advertised, which as you can see from my posted side by side photos they did not, so far.

2. His posted note about the Japan Apple Store return policy isn't relevant because everyone who lives here gets their iPhone bundled in their major carrier contracts.

But the main point, to clarify to anyone who may have been distracted by the last few notes remains the same as it has been.

https://www.apple.com/iphone-7/ it says, in addition to the new phone being 25% brighter, that, "...what you see will be noticeably more brilliant and vibrant. Because we all deserve a bit more brightness in our day."

That isn't true with my iPhone 7.

And from other responses here, I see others are in the same boat. Again, thanks for your confirmation. It's useful to know it's not just me.

I'm trying to get one that looks as advertised. Some people have been able to, even if it takes multiple exchanges. It appears Apple has a manufacturing problem with certain batches of the iPhone 7. All I want is Apple to help me get a good one.

Csound1

Level 9

60,033 points

Dec 5, 2016 12:41 PM in response to Doug Lerner2

2. Regardless of whether obtained from a carrier or not Apple return policy applies.

Csound1

Level 9

60,033 points

Dec 5, 2016 12:41 PM in response to Doug Lerner2

Doug Lerner2 Author

Level 4

1,366 points

Dec 5, 2016 12:55 PM in response to Csound1

You are incorrect. Apple support here told me so specifically. Your information is just not accurate.

Csound1

Level 9

60,033 points

Dec 5, 2016 1:03 PM in response to Doug Lerner2

You are welcome to believe whatever you want to.

Doug Lerner2 Author

Level 4

1,366 points

Dec 6, 2016 6:12 PM in response to Doug Lerner2

Well, some possibly encouraging news. My persistence in sending emails to various people at Apple, including my side-by-side photos might be paying off.

I just received a phone call from an Apple executive office and they agreed with me that my iPhone 7 Plus display did not look as advertised, compared with my iPhone 6 Plus and they are escalating this with their engineering team and said they would call me again tomorrow.

So at least Apple is not ignoring this now and maybe something will happen.

Other people have reported that after multiple exchanges they did finally end up with as-advertised brighter iPhones. And I've read some technical articles about how there is some manual per-device visual backlight LED calibration that takes place during manufacture to achieve a certain color gamut (which, if true, is astonishing). So it does seem likely that there are per-device variations in display quality.

I'll report back after hearing more.

omar0555

Level 1

12 points

Dec 10, 2016 10:51 AM in response to Doug Lerner2

I bought an iPhone 7 from Saudi Arabia and I've the same issue.

Waiting for your reply for your problem.

I hope your problem can be solved soon.

Doug Lerner2 Author

Level 4

1,366 points

Dec 10, 2016 2:00 PM in response to omar0555

I hope so too! I sent in more photos they asked for on Friday and am waiting for a response - hopefully on Monday. I will post here as soon as I have an update!

omar0555

Level 1

12 points

Dec 10, 2016 4:24 PM in response to Doug Lerner2

Waiting you ...

Thanks

Dec 13, 2016 5:16 AM in response to cobestl84

iPhone 7 displays are generally calibrated to look warmer, about 6500K instead of the previous 6900K, so the 7's white is actually more accurate!

Doug Lerner2 Author

Level 4

1,366 points

Dec 13, 2016 5:26 AM in response to Mr. iPadfan

It's not just the hue (which I have to disagree as to whether it's a more natural white). It's also obviously dimmer.

It definitely is not 25% brighter, and not "more vibrant and brilliant" as advertised. It is the opposite. Darker and duller looking.

Everyone who sees my iPhone 7 Plus side by side with my iPhone 6 Plus agrees.

I'm still waiting for a reply from the Apple liaison who emailed yesterday to say the engineering team was still looking into my photos.

Since some people report getting truly brighter iPhones, I'm still hoping this is a manufacturing glitch with certain batches.

Anielito

Level 1

4 points

Dec 13, 2016 4:42 PM in response to Doug Lerner2

I have the same problem with the brightness. I compare it to my 6s plus and it is a big difference. I will go tomorrow to change it.

Doug Lerner2 Author

Level 4

1,366 points

Dec 14, 2016 7:08 AM in response to Anielito

Good luck with that. I'm curious about your results. The latest for me is that the Apple VP liaison again replied and said she is escalating it with the engineers after getting a newly requested photo of my home screen, and I am waiting on their next reply.

I imagine if you exchange them enough times you'll get one that is as-advertised. I'm hoping to avoid a bunch of exchanges and have Apple just find me a good one without me expending all that time and effort.

I'll report back when I hear more.

Dec 15, 2016 5:58 PM in response to Doug Lerner2

My new iPhone 7 is dim and yellowish compared to my 2 year old iPhone 6. There is a clear difference. I'm on my second device now and still no luck. I've heard that the 'glue' on the LCD takes a few days to dry thus causing a slightly yellow tint to the display? I'm going to take my 7 and 6 into Apple in London today and see what they have to say.

iPhone 7 Plus display dingier than iPhone 6 Plus display