It’s important to distinguish between screen burn-in and ghosting, as they have different causes and solutions:
Screen Burn-in: This is permanent damage to the screen’s pixels. It’s characterized by a faint, persistent image remaining even when the display shows something else. It’s most common on older OLED and AMOLED screens (like those found in some Realme phones) and happens when static elements (like a clock or always-on display) are shown for extended periods. Burn-in is incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to fully reverse.
Ghosting: This is a temporary visual artifact. It’s a faint, lingering image of a previously displayed element, which disappears after a short time. It’s usually less severe than burn-in and is often related to the screen’s response time or image retention.
How to reduce the risk of both burn-in and ghosting on your Realme phone:
* Reduce brightness: Lowering your screen brightness reduces the intensity of pixels, minimizing the risk of both burn-in and ghosting.
* Avoid static elements: Minimize the use of features that display static elements for extended periods. This includes:
* Always-on display (AOD): Consider disabling or customizing the AOD to use a less intense display, change the content regularly, or set shorter timeouts.
* Static widgets: Regularly change the widgets on your home screen.
* Navigation bar: If your Realme phone has an on-screen navigation bar, consider using gesture navigation instead, as the static buttons are less likely to cause problems.
* Adjust automatic brightness: Let your phone automatically adjust the brightness according to the ambient lighting. This ensures the screen isn’t overly bright in dark environments.
* Use a dark theme: Dark mode reduces the overall intensity of pixels, lowering the risk of both burn-in and ghosting, particularly on AMOLED screens.
* Screen timeout: Set a shorter screen timeout. This turns off the screen faster when you are not actively using the device.
* Avoid maximum brightness: Unless absolutely necessary, avoid using maximum brightness for extended periods.
* Regular screen cleaning: Keep your screen clean and free of dust and fingerprints, as this can affect the image quality.
* Software updates: Keep your Realme phone’s software up-to-date. Updates often include improvements that may address potential screen issues.
* Monitor for issues: Regularly check your screen for any signs of ghosting or burn-in.
If you suspect burn-in: Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed way to fix it. You might try a burn-in repair app (search your app store), but results are generally minimal. Contacting Realme support might be an option if it’s a recent phone still under warranty.
If you suspect ghosting: This is usually temporary. Try the suggestions above, and it should improve over time.
In short, proactive measures are key to preventing both burn-in and ghosting. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your phone’s settings can significantly reduce the risk. Remember, OLED and AMOLED screens are inherently more susceptible to these issues than LCD screens.
