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johnkree

macrumors 6502
Jun 23, 2015
296
294
Austria
So the pro doesn’t have this issue? This is like playing the LG OLED panel lottery. Might have to get a pro if this is only an air issue.
The pro has other issues like it is slower and some stated that the white isn’t that good... so there is no perfect choice...
 

Paul1980

macrumors regular
Nov 15, 2020
115
97
United Kingdom
So the pro doesn’t have this issue? This is like playing the LG OLED panel lottery. Might have to get a pro if this is only an air issue.
The MBP I had still had the same issues as the Air, although the redness was the opposite side. Didn't notice it in normal use just like I don't notice it on the MBA under normal use. My previous 2020 i5 MBP didn't have a perfect screen either, light bleed and uniformity issues.

The MBP definitely has its fair share of screen issues so I wouldn't go for the MBP just to avoid a problem that actually doesn't really exist, unless you look at your screen at full brightness in a pitch black room and then take a photo of it!

If you get a MBA and there is is a problem with the screen when using it in normal conditions, take it back. That also goes for the MBP too.

Im not trying to say some people in this thread don't have a problem, I just think if this was a wide spread enough of a problem, to the point that you should avoid buying a MBA, this thread would have hundreds, if not thousands of replies and examples of it.
 

guitarguy316

macrumors 6502
Sep 5, 2010
375
67
The MBP I had still had the same issues as the Air, although the redness was the opposite side. Didn't notice it in normal use just like I don't notice it on the MBA under normal use. My previous 2020 i5 MBP didn't have a perfect screen either, light bleed and uniformity issues.

The MBP definitely has its fair share of screen issues so I wouldn't go for the MBP just to avoid a problem that actually doesn't really exist, unless you look at your screen at full brightness in a pitch black room and then take a photo of it!

If you get a MBA and there is is a problem with the screen when using it in normal conditions, take it back. That also goes for the MBP too.

Im not trying to say some people in this thread don't have a problem, I just think if this was a wide spread enough of a problem, to the point that you should avoid buying a MBA, this thread would have hundreds, if not thousands of replies and examples of it.

Does that red tint not show on a white screen?
 

Paul1980

macrumors regular
Nov 15, 2020
115
97
United Kingdom
Does that red tint not show on a white screen?

Not one bit. The only time I see the red tint is when the room is dark, as in pitch black and the screen is uncomfortably bright. When I did the same with the MBP I had slight red tinting and light bleed across the top which you noticed on the movie boarders if the brightness was up too high.

I believe most, if not all panels will show imperfections under those conditions. As many have said, it’s the LCD lottery, regardless which model you go for. My MBA screen isn’t perfect but for me it’s just fine. If you look hard enough you will find problems with anything
 

0906742

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Apr 11, 2018
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Gotta pick your battles in the absence of having first pick at an assembly line lol
Yeah, but as seen in this thread, some who even was able to notice this issue, there was no difference in replacement machine they got. Often there is just difference who notice and what, and how much it bothers, this is what I have learned in generally with my previous gear after getting the same issue after replacement (sometimes even several).

id much MUCH rather a darker corner than a magenta one that has hue bleeding into it. It’s not something that catches my eye personally
Like I said it does not appear magenta, but just a hint of red in the blacks. Anyway I just compared one of the movies scenes you posted (Wolf of...) taking a photo of it and I notice that mine looks actually much better overall (no dimness at all). Also in photo of mine using the same scene is was nearly impossible to see redness in there. So I guess your unit maybe simply has so much dimmer right side it masks the issue mostly, as you said you prefer darker instead of this others in this thread have. I would post screenshot of mine but since it is from the movie, I'm not sure if copyright allow that these days?

Anyway just like two other persons in this page posted photos of the movie scenes, their black bars had even brightness and see red there is confirming this is the likely cause for what you see (meaning why you do not see red there).
 
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johnkree

macrumors 6502
Jun 23, 2015
296
294
Austria
Like I said it does not appear magenta, but just a hint of red in the blacks. Anyway I just compared one of the movies scenes you posted (Wolf of...) taking a photo of it and I notice that mine looks actually much better overall (no dimness at all). Also in photo of mine using the same scene is was nearly impossible to see redness in there. So I guess your unit maybe simply has so much dimmer right side it masks the issue mostly, as you said you prefer darker instead of this others in this thread have. I would post screenshot of mine but since it is from the movie, I'm not sure if copyright allow that these days?

Anyway just like two other persons in this page posted photos of the movie scenes, their black bars had even brightness and see red there is confirming this is the likely cause for what you see (meaning why you do not see red there).

In a German Macforum there is also a thread about this topic. Two interesting things came up there:
1.: One user posted a almost perfect MBA display. You can see some red shimmering in the corners but it's not anywhere near what's posted in this thread.

2.: Another user also has an iPhone XR and he posted a pic almost identical to mine. So there is a very big difference in what camera you are using. I assume the iPhone 12 makes pictures that are as near to the reality as possible while the iPhone XR is wildly exaggerating the red part.
 

0906742

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Apr 11, 2018
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In a German Macforum there is also a thread about this topic. Two interesting things came up there:
1.: One user posted a almost perfect MBA display. You can see some red shimmering in the corners but it's not anywhere near what's posted in this thread.
Are you referring to Macuser Germany forum?
If I understood correctly there was someone who has seen 20 units all showing this red glow? I'm not sure I understood that message correctly??? If so I think with my luck, exchange does not help since usually if there is like 20 faulty units in million device, I get at least two of the faulty ones. :)

I saw that one about perfect screenshot, but no additional posts from the same person after that. But if I understood that message correctly even that one saw red shimmering in some angles and I'm not sure how that photo was taken but looks a bit like from "good angle". Also depending on camera settings it vary how it looks in photos.

I'm thinking that those who are seeing this issue likely see it with replacements too, unless there is different type panels used in some batches. From what I've heard sensitivity to these kind of issues can be pretty individual. I mean night vision is very individual and even depending on what you eat can make a difference to that. Anyway interesting to hear if someone seeing this issue manage to find a new unit without it. I don't think I change my view on that until this happens.
 

Paul1980

macrumors regular
Nov 15, 2020
115
97
United Kingdom
I'm thinking that those who are seeing this issue likely see it with replacements too
Definitley agree with this. I think if it was pointed out to most people they would then notice it but not in normal use. Mine doesn't get in the way for normal use so im sticking with what I have. Ive never had a perfect screen.
 

0906742

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Apr 11, 2018
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Definitley agree with this. I think if it was pointed out to most people they would then notice it but not in normal use.
Yeah, it is not the first time I go exchanging something only to learn later is was a feature.

Mine doesn't get in the way for normal use so im sticking with what I have. Ive never had a perfect screen.
I will not much watch this in the dark anyway. Too small for videos and such poor contrast it is not suitable for that even it did not have this feature. I find something to complain about every display but this MBA is pretty extreme in that how clearly this issue shows in the right conditions. But with bright images it is good, so must accept this I guess. Just saw MBP M1 yesterday and can't really say it was good with bright image. Bottom third was darker and it kinda made these turns on the bottom corners upwards a bit (kinda u-shaped darker bottom). Also not as uniform white as my MBA, but otherwise pretty clean looking. I think coating is much better in MBP. Probably made up differences because I doubt almost no one would buy MBP if the screens were equal.
 
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johnkree

macrumors 6502
Jun 23, 2015
296
294
Austria
Are you referring to Macuser Germany forum?
If I understood correctly there was someone who has seen 20 units all showing this red glow? I'm not sure I understood that message correctly??? If so I think with my luck, exchange does not help since usually if there is like 20 faulty units in million device, I get at least two of the faulty ones. :)

I saw that one about perfect screenshot, but no additional posts from the same person after that. But if I understood that message correctly even that one saw red shimmering in some angles and I'm not sure how that photo was taken but looks a bit like from "good angle". Also depending on camera settings it vary how it looks in photos.

I'm thinking that those who are seeing this issue likely see it with replacements too, unless there is different type panels used in some batches. From what I've heard sensitivity to these kind of issues can be pretty individual. I mean night vision is very individual and even depending on what you eat can make a difference to that. Anyway interesting to hear if someone seeing this issue manage to find a new unit without it. I don't think I change my view on that until this happens.
Yea the Macuser forum... most of them agreed that this is a common problem. I was glad to see a pic that looks like mine. The iPhone XR loves the color red... :))

I wouldn’t go and risk a lottery to get a better screen even is it would be a 50:50 chance.
It’s too much hassle for what it is. Compared to my MacBook Pro 2011 (oh my, backlight bleeding like looking into the sun), my Sony tv (clouding where you can see the clouds in every dark scene) or my 600€ gaming TN panel monitor by Dell (red corners, backlight bleeding) it’s the best I’ve ever seen.

I had to return my mba because of another issue and I thought about getting a MacBook Pro but I decided to stay with the air. It doesn’t make sense... as someone else said there is no flawless device. There are just pros and cons. And the air has so much more pros for me... ;-)
 

guitarguy316

macrumors 6502
Sep 5, 2010
375
67
Just picked up a MBA 8/8/512 from Best Buy. I noticed this on first start up with the black screen. I can still see slight red tint too on white screens, for example on this forum.

Seems like this is the norm and ALL MBA's have this? Feels like playing the OLED panel lottery all over again...
 

johnkree

macrumors 6502
Jun 23, 2015
296
294
Austria
Just picked up a MBA 8/8/512 from Best Buy. I noticed this on first start up with the black screen. I can still see slight red tint too on white screens, for example on this forum.

Seems like this is the norm and ALL MBA's have this? Feels like playing the OLED panel lottery all over again...
As much as I understood there should be no problems with white, the red is only showing on black screens. Could be that you suffer another problem.
 

guitarguy316

macrumors 6502
Sep 5, 2010
375
67
As much as I understood there should be no problems with white, the red is only showing on black screens. Could be that you suffer another problem.
No I’m quite used to pointing out tint on screens. I’ve been through and seen a gazillion tinted screens as a friend of mine does calibrations. There’s definitely slight red tint in the same area as the black.

I think you guys that have had red tint on black should take a picture of the same screen with 100% white. You’ll be surprised...
 

0906742

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Apr 11, 2018
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I think you guys that have had red tint on black should take a picture of the same screen with 100% white. You’ll be surprised...
No red tint here in 100% white. Uniformity in bright images is surprisingly good.I think that is another issue and common with LCD’s. I think I saw in this forum some person tried few ones and had issues with uneven displays.
That is one of the reasons I have hesitated to try another unit trying to get rid of red glow in blacks, there is so big chance to lose in display lottery and get some additional issues like the one you described along with this red glow that almost all seem to suffer.
 
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0906742

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Apr 11, 2018
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No I’m quite used to pointing out tint on screens. I’ve been through and seen a gazillion tinted screens as a friend of mine does calibrations. There’s definitely slight red tint in the same area as the black.

I think you guys that have had red tint on black should take a picture of the same screen with 100% white. You’ll be surprised...
This is photo of 100% white on my MBA M1 screen. Looks fine to me.

I see this red glow only in black and some above black up to say 10% grey or so maybe. 20% grey looks clean already.

white.jpg
 
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gundamcs

macrumors newbie
Dec 17, 2020
2
0
After returning MBP before Xmas, I finally received MBA today. It was shipped from Chengdu (presumably made in Foxxcon Chengdu factory) and delayed for a few days. I honestly can't see any tint on the MBA with my untrained eyes even in a complete dark room with screen at 100% brightness. I attached photos with Mate 30 pro - so may not be an Apple to Apple comparison with other photos taken with iphones
 

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0906742

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Apr 11, 2018
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After returning MBP before Xmas, I finally received MBA today. It was shipped from Chengdu (presumably made in Foxxcon Chengdu factory) and delayed for a few days. I honestly can't see any tint on the MBA with my untrained eyes even in a complete dark room with screen at 100% brightness. I attached photos with Mate 30 pro - so may not be an Apple to Apple comparison with other photos taken with iphones
Chengdu? So your serial number start with D? I was not aware they manufacture these other than C and F-factories.
Could you post your machine serial number first two and 5th character (shows factory and manufacturing week)?

Anyway, looking at your photos, there seems to be familiar pattern and something weird on the right half as others have posted in this thread. But I take your word for it, there is absolutely no red tint that can be seen.

You actually viewed it a while in a dark room (completely dark) and you made sure screen was 100%?
Was TT and/or NS on? My photos are with TT on and I have posted newer photos of mine taken with iPhone 12 Pro (first message photos are taken with X), so camera make difference how it looks in the photos.

Below is example how black screen should look like if there is nothing funny going on with it.
Just for comparison, this is how my MBP 2019 13" looked like...
View attachment 1690848
 
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gundamcs

macrumors newbie
Dec 17, 2020
2
0
My serial number starts with FVFF10. Attached are the photos I took for the MBP M1 screen before I returned it. TT was on. Yes complete dark - Laundry room with no window and 100% brightness. You must have had a perfect screen on your 2019 MBP.
 

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0906742

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Apr 11, 2018
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My serial number starts with FVFF10.
OK, that's what I thought that these are either C or F-factory, so yours is Foxconn made and week 1 this year, so rather new production.

Interesting if screen has no red tint on the right even photos look similar pattern. So True Tone was on in your MBA M1 photo too?
I just read on Macuser.de forum where someone said seeing 20 pcs of these all with red tint on the right, so looks like you found a unicorn or your are the lucky ones not sensitive to this issue.

If you look at your screen in the dark using that procedure, do you see any red shimmering even when looking it at angles (from left or right)? These red tint ones the whole screen looks red on certain angle.

How is white uniformity? Try full white and "tree" photo (which can be found in this thread).

Attached are the photos I took for the MBP M1 screen before I returned it. TT was on. Yes complete dark - Laundry room with no window and 100% brightness. You must have had a perfect screen on your 2019 MBP.
Looks like MBP screens are worse now. Yeah, my MBP 2019 had excellent screen but even with that white uniformity was not as good as my MBA M1, but in blacks it wont hands down and it had contrast ratio so much better.
 

Leon1das

macrumors 6502
Dec 26, 2020
285
214
My M1 MBP has an excellent screen, while my MBA M1 does have the red hue on the right... though I would not even notice that without mentions on this forum...
 

nameste

macrumors 6502
Mar 8, 2016
348
181
Just got my mba air today.Hows the screen?%100 brightness
 

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