Backlight uniformity?

[jwiskowski]

I love my Xperia Z4 Tablet. However the backlight is noticeably dim on the bottom (when in the default landscape position) or the left hand side when in portrait (volume/power button facing up). It is most noticeable in portrait mode when there is a white background (Kindle, Chrome and Instagram most notably). I am willing to live with this issue, but was wondering if anyone else is seeing any issues?

For the price I paid, it would be nice to have uniform backlighting. But I am worried it could be worse on another unit. Expansys has offered me an exchange or refund but there is a delay in availability now that the first lot has sold out.

 

[Hagarbau]

No problems with mine

 

[jwiskowski]

I am sending mine back for an exchange. I miss it already

 

[awionetka]

Now I noticed that too. The difference is really small, but it's there.

 

[jwiskowski]

Now I noticed that too. The difference is really small, but it's there.

Hopefully my replacement isn't any worse than the one I just sent back. It was as bad as I could handle.

 

[turbo001]

Interesting, the same with my tablet - seems to be a general problem

I don't know if I should return and change the tablet...

 

[GhostLeader]

can you make a picture for us? I dont know what you mean? my backlight is perfect - no bleeding and no clouding )

 

[turbo001]

I'm sorry, but it was not possible to make a picture where you can see this.

However I can only see it on white backgrounds - the first centimeter is slightly grayish...

 

[rootlover]

I'm sorry, but it was not possible to make a picture where you can see this.

However I can only see it on white backgrounds - the first centimeter is slightly grayish...

It is not a hardware problem. I see the band only when the bottom menu appears. It looks like the transperancy issue with that menu layer.

 

[striekes]

Mine looks fine, just hope it is not something my eyes just don't notice, but others do.

Sent from my SGP771 using XDA Free mobile app

 

[turbo001]

It is not a hardware problem. I see the band only when the bottom menu appears. It looks like the transperancy issue with that menu layer.

No, I think it is a hardware problem - if I turn the tablet from landscape to portrait mode, white backgrounds are gray on the left. Btw for me it's only visible in portrait mode - in landscape mode the menu bar on the bottom is usually black or transparent...

 

[jwiskowski]

It is definitely a hardware problem and it sounds like the backlight is weaker on several units on the bottom (when in landscape) or left hand side (when in portrait with power button facing up). It is a shame as it is very distracting to read on anything that doesn't have a dark or black background in portrait. Still waiting for my replacement unit As long as the replacement isn't worse, I will likely live with it as I really enjoyed (and miss) the tablet.

 

[jwiskowski]

can you make a picture for us? I dont know what you mean? my backlight is perfect - no bleeding and no clouding )

Try anything with an all white background. If you open Chrome with no web pages loaded and the new tab page up or Kindle with a white background and hold the tablet in portrait, you might see uneven backlighting on your left or right sides depending on the orientation.

 

[matz4z]

Backlight direction is notable

Got my Z4 tablet yesterday. After reading some issues with the backlight I checked this at my device and can see there is a notable uniformity.
If you hold the device with power button upside, then one can see a thin bright line from the backlight LEDs on the left side, while the opposite screen edge is slightly darker.
It looks like the screen is only backlighted from one side. For the normal usage it is not really annoying, but it is there and you would see it, if you take attention for the issue.

Do other Z4 owners have the same effect?

 

[jwiskowski]

Got my Z4 tablet yesterday. After reading some issues with the backlight I checked this at my device and can see there is a notable uniformity.
If you hold the device with power button upside, then one can see a thin bright line from the backlight LEDs on the left side, while the opposite screen edge is slightly darker.
It looks like the screen is only backlighted from one side. For the normal usage it is not really annoying, but it is there and you would see it, if you take attention for the issue.

Do other Z4 owners have the same effect?

That's how I saw my issue. Still waiting a replacement from my reseller.

 

[matz4z]

That's how I saw my issue. Still waiting a replacement from my reseller.

I have the impression my Amazon Z4T packages was already a replacement from someone else. The box made used look, some scratches and one corner had a ditch.
It wasn't sealed in any way. The charge adapter cable looked out of its the small box. The screen protection layer made the impression it was reattached, a lot of air bubbles were included.

Can someone describe how he found the delivery when unboxing it?
Was it sealed?

I also consider a replacement, if the screen issue is not a general construction feature.

 

[jwiskowski]

Oddly enough, I purchased mine from another supplier, and also felt the item had been handled if not used. USB cable was out of wrapping and screen protector had signs of being removed and re-applied. I received mine the day after they were available for sale. I am hoping my replacement looks like new and has minimal or no backlight uniformity issues.

 

[matz4z]

Oddly enough, I purchased mine from another supplier, and also felt the item had been handled if not used. USB cable was out of wrapping and screen protector had signs of being removed and re-applied. I received mine the day after they were available for sale. I am hoping my replacement looks like new and has minimal or no backlight uniformity issues.

Hopefully you get it soon and can report here the condition of the replacement.
I have 14 days left to send it back to Amazon for free.
Please also describe how it was packaged.
Are there any seals or blister foil?
I can't believe Sony delivers an open package to retail stores.
Unboxing videos on Youtube don't show this clearly.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Psykhe]

I have the impression my Amazon Z4T packages was already a replacement from someone else. The box made used look, some scratches and one corner had a ditch.
It wasn't sealed in any way. The charge adapter cable looked out of its the small box. The screen protection layer made the impression it was reattached, a lot of air bubbles were included.

Can someone describe how he found the delivery when unboxing it?
Was it sealed?

For me:

Not sealed.
Box in perfect condition.
Screen protector had a few bubbles, but not that many.
It was perfectly even on the tablet, edges protector = edges tablet.
Charge cable was in box, but it was wound a bit loopsided. But I think it more likely that it came that way - besides, how many people do even need those cables nowadays? Even if they need them, they likely will not use them when trying the tablet out.
Charge of 65%


Tablet itself:

I couldn't see a backlight uniformity issue, tried it with a white background with 100% luminosity in a dark room. Compared to the Z1 Tablet the screen looks a LOT dimmer in the dark, but I suspect that is more because the Z4 has some auto-dim function there. In bright light the Z4 screen looks slightly brighter.

What I noticed is that the speakers produce a fair amount of white noise. At 10% it is very noticeable, at 50% I do not hear it unless it is a very silent scene and I am concentrating on it. Somewhat annoying and IMO not something a tablet in that price range should have, but not annoying enough for me to play replacement bingo.

 

[jwiskowski]

My seller is out of stock with a new batch due next week. I'll let you know when it comes. From what I can tell, Sony products are never fully sealed.