Samsung’s One UI 6.1 firmware update adds screen burn-in protection back to the status bar

Last year, when Samsung rolled out One UI 6.0 for several Galaxy smartphones, the entire community was concerned about the removal of screen burn-in protection from the status bar. The lack of pixel shifting in the status bar was worrisome. As a relief, the firm added screen burn-in protections back to the status bar in the latest One UI 6.1 update, which is currently rolling out to Galaxy S23 series, Z Flip 5, Z Fold 5, Tab S9, and more.

While OLED screens may be superior to other types like LCD or IPS displays, there’s essentially one drawback to consider; that is the risk of screen burn-in, also called image retention. This can occur when static images are left on an OLED display for long periods of time. This results in retaining the image, in part or full, either temporarily or permanently. The permanent part is a thing to worry about.

Screen burn-in phones can lead to permanent discoloration, manifesting as text or image outlines, color fading, or noticeable patches. Take a look at an example here.

As a solution, OEMs implement pixel shifting at regular intervals for things such as AOD and status bar. While Samsung has implemented screen burn-in protection in all the firmware before, it somehow does not exist in One UI 6.0.

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About 4 month ago, dragosslash posted that One UI 6 does not have burn-in protection for the status bar. The user tested this by showcasing results of the pixel shift found in their Note 20 Ultra running One UI 5 vs S23 Ultra running One UI 6. The following images clearly show that pixel shifting does not exist in One UI 6.0.

Screen burn-in protection added to One UI 6.1

Samsung Galaxy S23 series running One UI 6.1 now has screen burn-in protection for status bar. You can clearly see the pixel shift happening on teh status bar on One UI 6.1.

Starting yesterday, Samsung rolled out the most anticipated One UI 6.1 firmware update based on Android 14 to the Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra devices in the United States and EU.

Verizon is the first carrier to roll out the update starting today. Soon T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T, and the unlocked variants will receive One UI 6.1 later this week.

Some countries in Europe are also receiving the Galaxy AI update featuring One UI 6.1 including Romania and UK Unlocked. India also got it.

The Galaxy Fold 5, Z Flip 5, Tab S9, and Galaxy A55 devices are also receiving the same starting today.

How to test whether your phone has screen burn-in protection?

• Take a screenshot where the status bar is visible.
• Rotate the screen to landscape mode and then back to portrait — do this 5-10 times repeatedly
• Open the screenshot from Samsung Gallery.

You should be able to notice whether the status bar elements have moved their position, as they overlap your screenshot.

Source 1, Source 2