Got my iPhone 4S, but...

[Simon]

So, if I understand what Zap is saying, then the 'screenshot' from the 4S is correct, but is displaying incorrectly on the device. 

[Steve]

Yep the data that makes up the screen capture is essentially the same, so it will look the same on a single monitor. The difference is explained by the differing  colour calibrations of the 2 iPhone screens.

[Simon]

Right, but if one looks wrong then that's a fault, yes?  Not just that it's set up differently.  The forum theme looks more green than blue, and we know it's blue, right?

[Steve]

If the calibration is that far off, then yes I wouldn't be happy either. The question is how do you ensure your don't end up with the same again? Looking at the support communities people have had some success by visiting their local apple store and eventually getting a screen that they are happy with. Some people also have used this as a reason to return the phone and look elsewhere.

The screens on display at the Apple store are generally regarded as OK. It may be because their always on full bright with auto off and they've improved with age but I don't know.

[pctech]

You've got a dodgy screen Simon.

[pctech]

Maybe the iPhone 4S is just overpriced cr*p?

[Simon]

Mitch, no disrespect, but you don't know as you've nothing to compare it with. 

Steve, you can see from the pic above of the two phones side by side that the forum looks greenish on the 4S.  Can you post a pic of the forum on your screen so that I can compare?

[Steve]

I'll get the camera out.

[Simon]

Thanks, sorry! 

[Steve]

It not easy trying to take a representative picture especially since I think I use a different white point on my monitor than yours. Sorry about the bendy picture  BTW brightness set at halfway auto on



Edit I've added my laptop screen grab and I think that gives a better approximation of the blue I'm seeing on the 4S than my picture

[Simon]

OK, thanks Steve.  I'm just on my way out so I'll look at it a bit later.     I'm actually going into Brighton tomorrow, so may pay a visit to the Apple shop there.

[Steve]

At least then you can compare like with like

[Rik]

Sounds the best option.

[zappaDPJ]

So, if I understand what Zap is saying, then the 'screenshot' from the 4S is correct, but is displaying incorrectly on the device. 

You got it Now to complicate matters further take a look at the enclosed screen shot.

The colours on Steve's phone (left) are almost spot on when compared to forum header at the top of the shot. The only obvious difference is there's more contrast on his phone so the colours appear darker. That might be down to the lighting present when the picture was taken.

The colours on the middle phone are way off. The blue in the header is turquoise.

The phone on the right is pretty spot on colour wise but the contrast is very low. I don't think that's the result of an overexposed photo but it might be that the phone on the right has a screen protector?

I don't know which phone is which but the one in the centre of the image clearly has either a duff display component or is being subject to a colour profile which is way off. Either way I'd certainly take it back.


[IMPORTANT EDIT] I should point out that the enclosed screen shot will mean very little unless you view it on a properly calibrated display and in my experience less that 1% of all PC monitors are properly calibrated. Confused?

[Simon]

Steve's phone displays much more like it should do.  The one in the middle of Zap's pic is my 4S, and the one on the right is my 3GS.  As Zap said, my 3GS is more or less spot on, and the lack of contrast may well have been due to the quality of the photo, which was taken on another phone.  I think I'm definitely taking it back.

[Steve]

If your going to Brighton,try and make a genius appointment.

[Rik]

I have to say, Simon, that the 3GS looks very warm to me, but as Zap says, we're into the realms of colour profiles and calibrated monitors, which makes comparison very hard. Steve's suggestion sounds the way to go to me.

[Simon]

If your going to Brighton,try and make a genius appointment.

So, I have to make an appointment, rather than just walk in? 

I've just made the mistake of going through the process of getting them to call me.  The call comes through, but it's automated, telling you there's a 10 minute wait for an advisor.  Brilliant!  Why can't the advisor just call when they are ready?  The bloody thing now keeps calling and I don't know how to stop it! 

[Steve]

Of course you can just walk in, but if you can get a genius appointment swapping will be easier.  PS there are some slots available this weekend.

[Simon]

I've just booked a slot for tomorrow.  Just watch the bloody thing repair itself as soon as I walk into the shop! 

[zappaDPJ]

I have to ask; what on earth is a 'genius appointment' and do I qualify?

[Simon]

I assume it means you don't get the Saturday boy or the cleaner.

Actually, is it me getting used to it, or has it got slightly better?  4S on left, 3GS on right.

[Rik]

It seems slightly better.

[Simon]

No, it hasn't, has it.  It's still green.

[Rik]

Slightly less so I thought, but I didn't measure. The 3GS still looks horribly pink to me.