Screen Flickering, Light Leakage, and Blackout... The Controversial and Problematic iPhone 12

Screen flickering, blackout, and light leakage issues in low light
AS center dismisses them as 'software problems'
Refund and repurchase require at least 2-3 weeks of waiting

On the 30th, when Apple's first 5G smartphone, the iPhone 12 series, was officially released in Korea, customers were examining the products at the Apple Store on Garosugil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] The controversy over defects in the iPhone 12 series products shows no signs of subsiding. Despite the explosive popularity making it hard to get a hold of one, a significant number of consumers are frustrated even after receiving the product.

According to iPhone communities on the 12th, iPhone 12 Pro buyers are experiencing the so-called 'lightning phenomenon,' where the screen flickers when watching videos or web surfing in dark environments with the screen brightness set low.

Display-related issues are particularly prominent. Many users have reported the 'black' issue where the screen goes completely dark at 50% brightness, uneven light leakage on the sides or bottom of the display, and other problems. Display issues such as the 'cherry blossom phenomenon,' where the screen appears reddish, and the 'green algae phenomenon,' where the screen shows a green tint, have been pointed out as problems since the initial release. iPhone buyers also share parts to check immediately upon receiving the device, such as scratches on the edges or exterior, camera dust, button indentations, and defective pixels.

Consumers often receive a diagnosis at AS centers that the issues are not defects. One buyer said, "Apple's customer service told consumers it was a software problem, so I don't know when it will be resolved, and I am considering a refund." Another iPhone user criticized, "I paid over 1 million won for the device, so I don't understand why I have to inspect it instead of Apple."

On iPhone cafes and other forums, users share ways to reduce the lightning phenomenon while waiting for Apple's response. It seems it will take considerable time for the defect issue to become widely publicized, especially as the demand for resolution grows mainly within domestic communities rather than overseas.

If you purchase an iPhone from Apple's official website, you must exchange or refund it within 14 days. Even if you proceed with a refund immediately, the fact that it takes at least 2 to 3 weeks to receive a new device is another factor that makes consumers hesitate to refund.

Separately from quality issues, the supply shortage of the iPhone 12 Pro continues even as it enters its second week since release. Consumers who purchased through carrier online malls and other channels and applied for the iPhone 12 Pro pre-order at the end of October still have to wait until mid-November for delivery.