M1 MacBook Air black uniformity (red glow)

[0906742]

I can get some more pictures tonight when it gets dark lol

Please do. Thanks in advance!
I'm trying to figure out whether just keep this one or go to chase better (but knowing my usual luck with displays, I almost never gotten any results with that, usually I just keep getting worse). I assume with Apple I would have to give my current one back until I could get another to see if it is better? I don't have AppleCare+.

I know I could get likely perfect display by getting MBP M1 and I would not mind paying that extra 300 for it, but I really missed MBA model. I originally had MBA 2018 and I pretty quickly "updated" to MBP 2019 13" but I found other than display, I never really liked the quality feel of Pro version. It simply has much louder and hollow sounding trackpad and keyboard, even casing when you just lightly tap on the bottom plate MBA sounds solid compared to MBP. Plus I find MBA M1 speakers better than MBP 2019 was (it was also worse than MBA 2018). I also realized how much I missed Air wedge shape and someway it just feels smaller and lighter while it is really not much different at all. So I hate the idea of going back to MBP just to get decent display...

 

[smoking monkey]

OP, when you watch a movie or video with a lot of black on that side or if you use a dark desktop background or use dark mode on safari (on this site) are you able to see the red tint?

If not, I'd say in normal usage you'll never be able to see it. If yes, then it's a problem.

Also, just as a PSA, you should never use a computer in a darkened room. There should always be another light source. Eye strain is a very big deal and something we all shouldn't take lightly.

 

[jabbr]

I'm afraid not. It will surely bring excellent black levels and possibility to display full black even with some bright content on the display at the same time, but as far as uniformity I'm pretty sure they will be worse.

do you think it will be worse because it's a newer technology? I remember seeing so many dodgy panels when the first retina 15" released in 2012... they seemed to greatly improve average quality by 2015.

 

[Chevyguy2021]

Okay. Here are two more images of the screen. One with night mode and one without.
I am happy with the screen. This is a black image with max brightness in a dark room.
The is taken with the screen flat (no angled shot). This is also with the plastic screen protector removed from my screen (it had lots of air bubbles) so I installed a glass screen protector which is perfect BTW. It is installed on the images below.

 

[Chevyguy2021]

Please do. Thanks in advance!
I'm trying to figure out whether just keep this one or go to chase better (but knowing my usual luck with displays, I almost never gotten any results with that, usually I just keep getting worse). I assume with Apple I would have to give my current one back until I could get another to see if it is better? I don't have AppleCare+.

I know I could get likely perfect display by getting MBP M1 and I would not mind paying that extra 300 for it, but I really missed MBA model. I originally had MBA 2018 and I pretty quickly "updated" to MBP 2019 13" but I found other than display, I never really liked the quality feel of Pro version. It simply has much louder and hollow sounding trackpad and keyboard, even casing when you just lightly tap on the bottom plate MBA sounds solid compared to MBP. Plus I find MBA M1 speakers better than MBP 2019 was (it was also worse than MBA 2018). I also realized how much I missed Air wedge shape and someway it just feels smaller and lighter while it is really not much different at all. So I hate the idea of going back to MBP just to get decent display...

Please see my images above this post.

 

[0906742]

OP, when you watch a movie or video with a lot of black on that side or if you use a dark desktop background or use dark mode on safari (on this site) are you able to see the red tint?

If not, I'd say in normal usage you'll never be able to see it. If yes, then it's a problem.

Also, just as a PSA, you should never use a computer in a darkened room. There should always be another light source. Eye strain is a very big deal and something we all shouldn't take lightly.

I still need to do more test in real life. But I think it is not very noticeable when using in normal room lights on. I will be using my MBA with lights on usually, I just do initial display quality checks using extreme conditions to point out possible faults.

Quickly checking test patterns and some videos with black bars with lights on did not seem that bad, I could notice it momentary depending on movie scene but mostly because I knew where to look. Have to test dark mode to see if that shows something obvious too.

do you think it will be worse because it's a newer technology?

I’m pretty sure it will be even much harder to reach good uniformity by using huge number small leds to light up LCD panel. They would need to use very high quality leds just to avoid uniformity issues causes by white balance diffence between led, so it would be hard to produce these panels cheaply using decent leds I think. But they can get very good contrast by using those and it allows almost OLED like black levels.

 

[0906742]

Okay. Here are two more images of the screen. One with night mode and one without.
I am happy with the screen. This is a black image with max brightness in a dark room.
The is taken with the screen flat (no angled shot). This is also with the plastic screen protector removed from my screen (it had lots of air bubbles) so I installed a glass screen protector which is perfect BTW. It is installed on the images below.

Thanks. In a way it looks kinda similar. Yours seems to have kind of purplish right edge and left upper corner. Only low left corner is different, Maybe that makes it appear more uniform in real life? When you really view it critically, you can notice that hue difference shown in the photos? I know camera sees these different way and photos look worse than they are really, even mine is not quite that obvious as in the photos but I can definitely see it myself.
Anyway, looks like panels may not be as uniform as in MBP because that kind of photo taken same way produce completely uniform hue looking image with the same camera. I need to dig up photo I took from my MBP I took long time ago.

Anyway, white uniformity is very good in my MBA, I’d say even better than my MBP was!
So I’m not sure I want to enter vicious exchange lottery, cause I realize it is not just panel I’m playing with then, it is the hole machine with all possible issues they may come with. Even my MBA was not cosmetically 100% but luckily marks in the places they do not matter or even much show at all.

 

[Chevyguy2021]

Thanks. In a way it looks kinda similar. Yours seems to have kind of purplish right edge and left upper corner. Only low left corner is different, Maybe that makes it appear more uniform in real life? When you really view it critically, you can notice that hue difference shown in the photos? I know camera sees these different way and photos look worse than they are really, even mine is not quite that obvious as in the photos but I can definitely see it myself.
Anyway, looks like panels may not be as uniform as in MBP because that kind of photo taken same way produce completely uniform hue looking image with the same camera. I need to dig up photo I took from my MBP I took long time ago.

Anyway, white uniformity is very good in my MBA, I’d say even better than my MBP was!
So I’m not sure I want to enter vicious exchange lottery, cause I realize it is not just panel I’m playing with then, it is the hole machine with all possible issues they may come with. Even my MBA was not cosmetically 100% but luckily marks in the places they do not matter or even much show at all.

Yes while analyzing the photos I see what you mean.
In real world usage I do not see an issue. I usually use my computer during the day and never really need max brightness. I only see this issue on max brightness.
Its your money and your machine. Like I said, everything else about this unit is perfect. No scratches, marks, dents, etc.
I am keeping mine. Especially since white uniformity is so perfect. I remember years ago getting an android and it had a pinkish hue while viewing the screen on a white page at an angle. I never really bothererd me too much but it was def there.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[0906742]

Yes while analyzing the photos I see what you mean.
In real world usage I do not see an issue. I usually use my computer during the day and never really need max brightness. I only see this issue on max brightness.

Sounds about similar what I see with mine then.

Its your money and your machine. Like I said, everything else about this unit is perfect. No scratches, marks, dents, etc.
I am keeping mine. Especially since white uniformity is so perfect.

I’m considering the same since white uniformity is so good. Also unit otherwise is rather good. There are minor marks but in places that really not show easily.

I remember years ago getting an android and it had a pinkish hue while viewing the screen on a white page at an angle. I never really bothererd me too much but it was def there.

I know this is common issue too with LCD’s and I hate the idea of possibility to get something like that if I exchange to new unit.

 

[0906742]

OP, when you watch a movie or video with a lot of black on that side or if you use a dark desktop background or use dark mode on safari (on this site) are you able to see the red tint?

If not, I'd say in normal usage you'll never be able to see it. If yes, then it's a problem.

I just tested browsing this forum with dark theme and using Safari full screen so that there are dark gray bars on the left and right edge it does not look bad. Pretty hard to see anything with light on. Using it in a dark room it mainly look like right edge is a bit darker and then more carefully looking it is somewhat reddish and left edge more like greenish.

I don't know but it looks a little like it is somewhat related to screen coating. If I move my head to the right just say 5" to the right there is no difference between left and right edge!

 

[0906742]

Also just checked some demo videos where is a lot of dark almost black scenes, it was noticeable in dark room but with lights on, not so easy to see anything wrong. Anyway, MBA screen is so low contrast that it is not really usable for watching movies with it (and way too small). I just can't help I'm so picky with displays...

 

[0906742]

Just for comparison, this is how my MBP 2019 13" looked like. Can't really much improved from it!
Above is MBP 2019 13" below MBA M1.

 

[0906742]

My MBA has the red glow. I think it's normal.

Can you take a photo of yours?

 

[bsmr]

I just tested my M1 MBA screen uniformity and I find that there is noticeable red glow on the right side when display black image. Can other MBA M1 owners please test display full screen black image in a dark room with different brightness setting (it is very noticeable with brighter setting)?
Also I notice this red glow on the black bar when viewing video with black bars on the top and bottom (like 2.35:1 aspect ratio movie).

White image uniformity is good, no noticeable reddish then at the same location.

Also going above black image says 5% - 10% gray there is still this glow.

Please test so that I see if it is worth to enter panel lottery or is this common with MBA M1?
My MBP 2019 13" did not have this.

Here is image how it looks with black image with display brightness 100%. Of course camera makes it looks a bit worse but it is still very obvious and surely can be seen with lower brightness setting. Please test and comment.
View attachment 1690187

Looks like mine

 

[bsmr]

Just to give a more detailed feedback.

I do have the same red glow at the right side. Compared it to a MBP M1. It has a much more uniform black than the MBA M1.
Even more dark (better contrast at all).

Already talked to Apple. No exchange, but they will take it back and I can order a new MBA. (But have to wait until 01/21 to get it delivered).

 

[0906742]

Just to give a more detailed feedback.

I do have the same red glow at the right side.

OK. I guess it was not just isolated issue.

Compared it to a MBP M1. It has a much more uniform black than the MBA M1.
Even more dark (better contrast at all).

I know MBP is completely different beast. It has much higher contrast ratio.
It has enough contrast to watch videos. MBA is not for that IMHO but fine for common office use, web surfing and similar.

Already talked to Apple. No exchange, but they will take it back and I can order a new MBA. (But have to wait until 01/21 to get it delivered).

Did they actually admit this is a fault? I would hate to return mine and wait for 1 month just to get another similar! Don't they usually offer exchange, so maybe that is a sign? Because based on the replies in this thread, there are others seeing this too when testing described way. Maybe it is just coating used in this panel since it seems to vary a bit if looking from different angle. Not sure if Apple uses panels from different vendors in MBA M1, if yes then I guess it could help if getting different vendor panel.
Which factory code yours have (serial numbers first two characters)? Mine is C0. Anyone with different factory code and completely even panel in this test?

I guess easiest way would be just to get MBP M1 to get better panel and good contrast. I just like Air chassis better due to more solid feel and it is "quieter" (keyboard and trackpad).

 

[Chevyguy2021]

Just for comparison, this is how my MBP 2019 13" looked like. Can't really much improved from it!
Above is MBP 2019 13" below MBA M1. View attachment 1690848 View attachment 1690851

wow. That MBP panel looks great!
I personally like the form factor of the MBA and the cheaper price. So I am sticking with my unit. But now I see why it kinda bothers you if that is the machine you are coming from.

My current M1 air will gladly last me until the redesign and then I will upgrade.

 

[0906742]

wow. That MBP panel looks great!

Yeah, MBP has much better panel. I don't think that was even abnormally good unit, that's what they are.

I personally like the form factor of the MBA and the cheaper price. So I am sticking with my unit. But now I see why it kinda bothers you if that is the machine you are coming from.

I like MBA form factor better too but I would not mind paying some extra for MBA with the same panel as in MBP.
But that is obviously not offered currently.

I'm not sure it is worth to go chasing better MBA unit if the panels are more or less like this.
It is already known reading from reviews that contrast ratio is rather poor in these too.
White and lighter gray uniformity is exceptionally good in my MBA, so that also gives me some fear it might be something else than just dud individual panel.

 

[bsmr]

I like MBA form factor better too but I would not mind paying some extra for MBA with the same panel as in MBP.
But that is obviously not offered currently.

I'm not sure it is worth to go chasing better MBA unit if the panels are more or less like this.

Exactly my situation.

I like the form factor and better built of the MBA (no hollow sounds etc.), no sharp bezel edge,...
But the MBP screen is so much better, that I'm thinking about to switch.

 

[smoking monkey]

I just checked my iMac 27 2019 5k screen @100% in a fully darkened room with a full black screen. It has the red tinge on the right. But if you move around a bit it disappears somewhat. In almost 1 and ¾ years I've never once noticed it and I watch a lot of movies and sport on this computer. Could the panel be better? Absolutely. Has it been good enough for me? Yes, as I didn't even realise! Is it good enough from Apple? Not really...

I think that may answer the question about it going away after a little while. It won't.

So I think for those reading this thread and getting worried, don't go looking for the issue. Unless you can see it in the way you will use the computer, it's probably not something to be concerned about. The OP even stated he is very particular about his screens.

That's not to say the OP is wrong though, he absolutely isn't and his photo comparison shows the big difference. And I understand why he is unhappy.

 

[0906742]

I just checked my iMac 27 2019 5k screen @100% in a fully darkened room with a full black screen. It has the red tinge on the right. But if you move around a bit it disappears somewhat.

Just for fun, could you snap a photo of it? Is yours also that you see this red looking straight but when you move your head to the right a bit, it looks better, almost fine?

I guess you don't use your monitor in dark or almost dark environment? Then it obviously is not much of an issue.
Also brighter end uniformity is easier to notice on every conditions, and I'm happy that my MBA M1 is fine in that regards, actually very good and easily par or even little better than my MBP screen was.

I think that may answer the question about it going away after a little while. It won't.

Yeah, this type of uniformity issues do not go away.

 

[0906742]

Exactly my situation.

I like the form factor and better built of the MBA (no hollow sounds etc.), no sharp bezel edge,...
But the MBP screen is so much better, that I'm thinking about to switch.

What you plan to do now? I guess going for the MBP M1 would be the easy and sure way to get decent panel.
Another would be in my opinion to have Apple exchange it, so you had good grounds to demand for the good panel if they admitted first one was faulty. But I guess they rather have you return and rebuy and it remain your problem if they are alike. I just don't prefer this option as there is also change to get unit with another problems along with the old ones.

Could you take a photo of your screen in mentioned conditions? Is yours serial number also starting with C0?

 

[bsmr]

What you plan to do now? I guess going for the MBP M1 would be the easy and sure way to get decent panel.
Another would be in my opinion to have Apple exchange it, so you had good grounds to demand for the good panel if they admitted first one was faulty. But I guess they rather have you return and rebuy and it remain your problem if they are alike. I just don't prefer this option as there is also change to get unit with another problems along with the old ones.

Could you take a photo of your screen in mentioned conditions? Is yours serial number also starting with C0?

Yes. Starts with C0 (maybe all do).

Here you go. Photo taken with full brightness (auto-off, truetone off, night shift off).

If you sit in the middle of the MBA you can see the red shift more than on this pic.

Left side = MBP M1
Right side = MBA M1

 

[0906742]

Yes. Starts with C0 (maybe all do).

It is possible. My previous MBP was too. Can't remember what my Air 2018 was however, I have a faint memory it could have started with F but my memory could be playing tricks.

Here you go. Photo taken with full brightness (auto-off, truetone off, night shift off).

Also could you take one with TrueTone on and Night Shift off?

Thanks for your comments.

If you sit in the middle of the MBA you can see the red shift more than on this pic.

Could you take one photo of MBA straight in the middle without other display on the same picture (I found that camera plays tricks doing two screens in the same photo)?
Because in this photo MBA looks pretty even reddish, just greenish/bluish on the left.

However that MBP screen does not look very good either, much worse than my MBP 2019 13" was, but yeah it is better than MBA in your photo.

 

[mrfish84]

Hi,
Got a backlight leak on my MBA M1. Returned.
I think red/green glares are ok but not light leaks

To test: https://www.lightbleedtest.com/