Some Retina iPad Minis Showing Image Retention Issues

Some Retina iPad minis are demonstrating image retention issues, as noted by Instapaper creator Marco Arment, who originally developed a grid test to detect the problem in Retina MacBook Pros.

Image retention was first cited as a potential issue last week, when a rumor suggested that burn-in on Sharp's IGZO panels was causing production delays with the Retina mini's display, leading to significant supply constraints that have resulted in a quiet release for the tablet.

While it is unclear how many Retina iPad minis are affected by the issue, several mini owners on Twitter have discovered the problem after running the grid test. It is not known if the image retention is limited to displays from specific manufacturers, as many Retina iPad minis are not experiencing display problems.

imageretention

An example of image retention after running the grid test, via Twitter

Displays with image retention are not a new problem for Apple. The original Retina MacBook Pro displays demonstrated severe image persistence problems, with remnants or previously-displayed windows remaining visible on the screen for several minutes. It is important to note, however, that the image retention is temporary and not permanent like the burn-in seen with some plasma displays.

In normal use cases, it is unlikely that the image retention is noticeable, but Retina iPad mini owners experiencing image retention are still within their return windows. Apple has replaced Retina MacBook Pros experiencing display problems, and it is likely that a similar policy will be adopted for Retina iPad minis with image persistence.

In addition to image retention, some users on the MacRumors forums have also noted that their Retina mini screens are not as vibrant as iPad Air, suggesting the Retina iPad mini may have a smaller color gamut.

Apple's Retina iPad mini is currently available from the Apple Online Store beginning at $399. Orders are currently shipping within 1 to 10 days in the United States depending on capacity and cellular capability, and while Apple has not made the mini widely available in its stores, it is also available in many areas via Personal Pickup.

Related Roundup: iPad mini
Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Neutral)
Related Forum: iPad

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Top Rated Comments

Chumburro2U Avatar
152 months ago
hmmm

Not good if your wife or girlfriend walks in on you while viewing porn. :cool:
Score: 57 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SVTmaniac Avatar
152 months ago
So let me get this straight. Apple owners purchase a device, then take it home and instead of enjoying it, they run multiple torture tests on each piece of hardware looking for some kind of flaw so that they can return it, get a new one, then go home and run the same torture tests again? At what point does any of this sound fun? How about you just take your new toy home, unbox it, and enjoy the damn thing?

Don't go looking for snakes, you might find them.
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
joelisfar Avatar
152 months ago
Hint: don't stare at the grid test for the 10 minutes or your eyes will develop image retention issues.
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lbjsong Avatar
152 months ago
We need SAMSUNG displays
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sonic2911 Avatar
152 months ago
the difference between air and mini retina :)
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nepalisherpa Avatar
152 months ago
Uh oh...here we go again!
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)