Galaxy S26 Ultra's privacy display under scrutiny as users report red-tinted screens

The privacy-oriented display is one of the most sought-after changes Samsung introduced with the Galaxy S26 Ultra. By using pixels that emit light straight ahead, the technology giant offered a robust solution against over-the-shoulder snoopers and bystanders peeking at users' phones. While the feature has been a notable addition to the flagship, it has also led to a few display-related setbacks, according to some users.

One issue that has been widely reported is eye strain and visibility problems caused by the display's microscopic structural changes. However, another problem appears to be affecting users more prominently.

Many users on Reddit and the Korean social media platform Naver have reported that the Galaxy S26 Ultra's display is gradually developing a red or pink tint, causing colours to appear different from when the phone was first purchased. Such reports began surfacing shortly after the phone's launch in March and have continued ever since.

More from Tech

Several affected users claim that the display has "developed" this trait over the last few months of use. Some have also suggested that the issue resembles a form of display fatigue that becomes more noticeable over time. Similar behaviour has reportedly been observed on in-store demo units more readily than in devices owned by consumers.

Since the defect appears as a subtle pink tint across the display, many users may overlook it or fail to notice it altogether. Samsung has reportedly acknowledged that the issue is real and not merely a matter of perception. According to reports, the company told Korean publication Newsway that it was "examining the matter internally to confirm the cause."

Previous controversies surrounding the display

Samsung's new display technology had already been at the centre of controversy around the Galaxy S26 Ultra's launch in February. The company initially claimed that the display offered 10-bit colour depth, but later clarified that the panel is capable of only 8-bit colour depth at the hardware level.

The latest issue could become a significant hurdle for Samsung as it plans to expand the privacy display technology to other Galaxy S series devices and future flagships, while also offering it to other smartphone brands.

Since the issue appears to be unique to the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the privacy display has emerged as the most likely cause. The hardware-based, pixel-level technology manipulates the direction of light emission to block viewing from side angles. However, OLED burn-in or manufacturing defects could also be contributing factors.

Reports from PhoneArena suggest Samsung may not classify the issue as a defect. Some of the company's support documents state that colour variations are an inherent characteristic of OLED panels rather than a manufacturing flaw. Samsung has also advised customers to adjust the display's colour tone through the Settings menu to suit their preferences.