Here’s how OnePlus is addressing the green line issue on its smartphones

What is the green line issue on smartphones, anyway?

Green lines appearing on smartphone screens have become a fairly common problem. In recent months, many users have shared complaints about this defect: a green line running vertically through the display, from top to bottom. Although the smartphone continues to function normally, the green line is prominent and glaring to the eyes.

While the exact origin remains unclear, the issue has affected smartphones across all segments, from high-end to mid-range and even lower-end devices. Initially, many users believed the issue might have cropped up because they accidentally dropped the phone or due to water damage. However, as reports of the problem became widespread, it became evident that the green lines appearing on smartphone displays were caused by a hardware defect, particularly in smartphones with AMOLED/OLED displays. In some cases, the green line even worsened over time, leading to the discolouration of other colours.

OnePlus owners have been complaining about the green line issue for years now. (Image Source: Reddit)

The green line is often permanent and cannot be fixed through a software update. While the issue has been widely reported, instances of green lines on smartphones remain particularly high in India.

“In India’s hot and humid conditions, some older AMOLED displays may wear out faster as compared to others,” Ramagopala Reddy P, Vice President, OnePlus India, recently told select media in Shenzhen, China. “In comparison to LCD, AMOLED is a relatively newer technology, which is why it can take time for the industry to identify large-scale issues. This is one of the reasons the problem was fully recognised by the industry only last year.”

OnePlus is upgrading its AMOLED screens with an Enhanced Bonding Layer. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)

What is OnePlus doing to address the green line issue on its smartphones?

According to Reddy, the green line issue is not caused by a single factor but a combination of elements, including India’s climate. OnePlus’ solution to this hardware defect is called the “Green Line Worry-Free Solution.” According to the company, this is a three-dimensional approach involving upgraded AMOLED screens, rigorous testing, and enhanced service commitments. “We have made significant progress in display technology by collaborating with our partners and overcoming breakthrough technical bottlenecks,” said Reddy.

The brand’s solution primarily focuses on improving the edge-sealing material and process for AMOLED displays. This includes a superior protection layer, internally referred to as PVX Enhanced Edge Sealing Technology, which offers exceptional resistance to weathering and chemicals. The advanced edge seal surrounds the metal components, significantly reducing the rate of water and oxygen intrusion into the mobile phone.

The lifetime warranty is currently available in India. (Image credit: OnePlus)

“By incorporating this layer into our device structure, we enhance the overall durability and reliability of the product, ensuring a longer lifespan and improved performance even in challenging environmental conditions,” he said. “Imagine the edge of your display was originally protected by paper. With PVX Enhanced Edge Sealing Technology, we replace that paper with a shield of metal, offering superior protection. This is how we are designing this product,” Reddy added.

Reddy claimed this new technology would help reduce the occurrences of green line issues, even in the extreme high-temperature and humidity environments of India. The brand is also doubling down on how it tests its smartphones internally. These enhanced efforts complement the PVX edge seal technology, ensuring displays remain sharper and last longer.

“Our laboratories conduct rigorous testing on all our phones, exceeding international standards,” Reddy said, adding that the testing process simulates the most extreme real-world scenarios to validate the durability and reliability of its phones.

For instance, its flagship OnePlus 13, which is set to launch in India early next year, has undergone over 180 rigorous tests to meet durability and reliability standards. Reddy highlighted one such test, called the Double 85 Test, where the temperature is set at 85°C and humidity at 85 per cent. “This test is widely used in the electronics industry to assess the reliability of materials and components. It’s a key part of our core ageing test. We’ve conducted this test in the past, but now we test for several times longer than before,” he explained.

“Since we applied this technology last year, we have made significant progress in reducing green line issues to an industry-low level,” Reddy said.

Lifetime warranty for green line issues

OnePlus assures that its new Green Line Worry-Free Solution program and enhanced testing processes will mitigate the green line issues consumers have faced with its smartphones. To rebuild trust in the brand, OnePlus is now offering a lifetime warranty on all its smartphones, covering the green line issue.

This means that if your OnePlus phone — whether it’s a new model or an older one — develops this problem, the brand will replace the display for free.

Reddy also said OnePlus now has a dedicated action team tasked with addressing quality issues to ensure problems like the green line defect are avoided in the future.