Halo Effect on The Camera - Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers

Anyone is having this issue?
http://phandroid.com/2016/10/25/google-pixel-camera-lens-defect-flare-glare-halo/

Yup, I'm having this problem.
Although, to be honest, from all the research I've done and now reading that article I feel that this must probably be a design flaw. It is odd though, with Google advertising this is the best camera and all... This is the only phone I've ever owned where this halo effect has been so easy to replicate; heck, I've actually never seen this problem on any of my previous phones (and that's why I got so worried at first)
Google will probably quietly tweak the Pixel's design to fix this in later units (or so I hope) and if that's the case all Pixels (from the Google Store at least) have a year warranty so I'll just RMA it once that happens.
EDIT: Looks like they're fixing it with software
https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixe...googler_on_halo_effect_can_be_mitigated_with/

Me as well. Had a google support case open. After jumping through hoops with him I ran into several threads around the web with others having the same issue. Not sure this one can be fixed.

https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixe...googler_on_halo_effect_can_be_mitigated_with/

I think this has to do with the placement of the lens. If you look carefully, you can see how there's a small gap between the actual lens and the glass cover. This gap causes light to hit the edges, and since it's glass, it reflects back into the camera lens. If you compare it to the flashlight or other phone cameras, you can see how their lenses usually have their own compartment (or package) that peaks out through the case OR that they're completely aligned with the case.

Nitemare3219 said:
https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixe...googler_on_halo_effect_can_be_mitigated_with/
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I love how all the comments are "wow! amazing! really quick response! they're going to release a software fix soon! Apple wouldn't do that! we love you google" and there's a follow up post four months later saying "er...still not fixed yet"!
It's a design fault. They're letting light in because the camera wasn't designed properly. A software fix will only make a little difference. Whenever you read about how good the pixel's camera is (it should be - the phone costs nearly £1000) remember that it has a design fault that can't be fixed.

I am having issue but putting a case on phone solves it no flares now,
I'm using spigen rugged armour case ?

Related

Black Spot in Camera

Hi all - has anyone ever seen a small, distinct black spot in photos and videos coming from the main, rear camera? Pictures attached at various zoom levels - it becomes much more obvious at higher zoom levels, and it doesn't move from the spot it's in. The lens is perfectly clean and appears completely unmarked. This leads me to believe it's either sensor dust, or dust on the back side/ inside the lens. The spot wasn't there when I first got the camera.
Anyway, I'm planning on sending to Samsung to have them fix it under warranty, unless someone's got a better resolution.
Thanks!
Attached photos at 4x, 3x and 1x magnification, with the spot (bottom left) appearing most obvious at 4X.
Definitely looks like crud under your lens. Yeah get that fixed for sure. keep this updated I really would like to know what the hell that is and how it got there.
Either that, or there is damage or defect to the sensor itself. I'd take a good magnifying lens, and inspect it to try to see what's going on in there. Either way, I'd try for a warranty claim.
It looks like a physical object on top of the cmos sensor itself.
The dimensions are about 0.01 x 0.02 mm (about 1/10th of the human hair width).
Looks like it might need replaced, take it in to a service store if you can, we generally keep a good amount of harvested cameras on hand. It's an easy fix...
If for any reason they don't have any or you don't have any S&R stores nearby, and if you're feeling adventurous enough, we might be able to work something out getting you a camera...
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Thanks all. Samsung's got it, and I believe they're replacing it under warranty. I'll update when I know more.
Just got it back after an unnecessarily protracted time at Samsung in Texas. Looks like they swapped out the camera module. No word on what the exact problem was, but it was repaired under warranty. Also looks like they may have fixed two minor issues I had with the earpiece and speakerphone, though I can't be sure.
Thanks for the advice, all.

Different camera module/casing on warranty swap S4? EDIT: nope, just plastic covering

So I ordered a warranty replacement for my S4 because I thought the bluetooth a2dp was not functioning right. Looks like it's probably my a2dp speaker, because both S4s don't work quite right with it. Oops!
One random thing I noticed, as I'm debating which one to send back (a bit too OCD, I know), is that the camera modules, or at least the outer casing, are different. Take a look at the photos.
Any thoughts on why they look different? I suppose some phone manufacturers make minor cosmetic changes as they hit their 5 or 10 millionth piece.
On the older one, there's a metal 'frame' which rings the lens (the white photo). Lots of scratches on it which seems inevitable based on the photos I've found. This 'newer' one does not.
With more searching, I found this thread...
http://forums.androidcentral.com/sa...6-plastic-covering-galaxy-s4-camera-lens.html
And with different search terms, there are lots of much older threads on xda here.
Which raises the possibility that a lot of S4 users (myself obviously included) have kept this plastic covering on the camera, not realizing it's even there.
It certainly does not look like a temporary covering to me, especially if there's a cutout right in the middle!
Sorry, non-issue!

Dust Under Glass Over Camera

I've had this phone for about three weeks and after around two weeks, I noticed that the pictures were starting to come out fuzzy and overexposed looking. Finally realized that there was dust under the glass covering the camera lens. Unfortunately, since it's under the glass, I'd have to take it apart to clean it (or possibly send it to Amazon for warranty, if they cover it).
The issue is that even if I take it apart and clean it, the issue will come up again and I'd rather not have to constantly take it apart and clean (especially since it happened only after two weeks). Does anyone have any suggestion to prevent this from happening again, besides not keeping it in my pocket?
This seems like a poor quality design to me. I carried my previous phone in my pocket for four years without any issues.
Thanks.
I also seem to have this problem. I need to look up how to open my fire phone, because my pictures aren't focusing well anymore. I now have a phone case, so I hope dust will stop going under the lens.
I got the same issue, and I actually send my phone for replacement. That being said, before sending it I took a compressed air can with the tiny tiny applicator and sprayed inside the microfone on the back and and the gap in the bezel, it blew away everything inside blocking the camera. I suspect there is a defect where there is too much gap on either the microphone and the back or the bezel and the back, so I just returned it anyways. If I had no warranty, that's what I would do, just be gentle with that microphone or it will die, the compressed air released at full throttle will break that microphone.
I had the same problem (is quite common), but it's easy to fix if you have a little bit of manual skills. Just buy a torx t3 screwdriver and a suction cup, open the phone, clean the glass in front of the camera and close. 5 minutes of work.
If you search on ifixit there's a fire phone teardown that explain how to open it. Simple and fast.
I got mine replaced from Amazon.
Called Amazon, but they said that since I bought it from eBay, it's not covered under warranty. Considering I had the phone for only a few weeks, you'd think they'd support their own product. Ah well.
Initially I wanted to avoid opening up the phone, as to not void the warranty, but as it turns out, it's not covered anyway.
I've followed the iFixIt video and cleaned out the lens. So, it's good as new; however, this isn't something I want to be doing on a regular basis. Does anyone have any suggestions for keeping the dust out, besides not keeping it in my pocket?
Thanks.
ashram said:
Called Amazon, but they said that since I bought it from eBay, it's not covered under warranty. Considering I had the phone for only a few weeks, you'd think they'd support their own product. Ah well.
Initially I wanted to avoid opening up the phone, as to not void the warranty, but as it turns out, it's not covered anyway.
I've followed the iFixIt video and cleaned out the lens. So, it's good as new; however, this isn't something I want to be doing on a regular basis. Does anyone have any suggestions for keeping the dust out, besides not keeping it in my pocket?
Thanks.
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Unfortunately there's not much that can be done about this AFAIK. As stated above, there is a design flaw where the microphone on the back let's in the dust, so unless you cover it, you'll end up needed to clean it every once in a while. But I've also noticed not too much distortion in the photos.
iFixit has a great pictures and guides for dismantling the fire phone. This is what I used to open mine up to clean the camera glass. Note it is well worth cleaning the lens as the camera auto focus works much faster when clean.
https://www.ifixit.com/Device/Amazon_Fire_Phone
I have to clean my camera every month.
I think I should buy a new phone right now.
stunvn said:
I have to clean my camera every month.
I think I should buy a new phone right now.
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I do the same every other month. Very annoying. At least with the right screwdriver and a suction cup is pretty fast and easy to open and clean it.
Next time I open mine to clean, I am going to try an remedy the issue by adding a foam washer (or my DIY version of double sided sticky foam tape cut into a washer) around the lens..

Question Pixel 6 Pro Camera Problem

When I'm trying to take a pic in the dark, I noticed that the viewfinder and post picture has smudges/spots on them. It seems to only be on the main camera and in really dark scenarios. Can anyone confirm they have this as well?
@26donny There have been similar reports on Android-hilfe.de
look here: https://www.android-hilfe.de/forum/...le-pixel-6-pro-flecken-auf-kamera.989463.html
If you don't speak German you can use a web translator but in any case you will find that some users there have posted pictures very simiar to yours. The problem should also be visible when taking a completely dark photo...
Here is a collection of example pictures that other users have posted in regard to this problem. As you can see, it's a serious issue. I'd encourage everybody who bought a Pixel 6 to check if they have the same problem and write to Google support if so. They sooner they learn there is something wrong with some lenses the sooner they can do something about it.
Hmmmm, I don't seem to have that but maybe it needs to be darker?
You just need to move the phone slowly over a fairly dark uniform image, the marks will then become clear because they will show up as static parts of the image. This is very similar to the dirty screen effect on OLED and LCD screens. It looks like contamination on the sensor itself, either it hasn't been washed properly or a coating hasn't covered correctly when it was manufactured. Definately a hardware issue, if effected get the phone sent back, it can't be fixed by software.
I've checked mine and no sign of a problem, thankfully.
Batfink33 said:
Hmmmm, I don't seem to have that but maybe it needs to be darker?
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I'm quite certain not every phone out there is actually affected by this. Maybe yours thankfully just is fine. But everybody should definitely check theirs. Also since I don't have one myself yet I'm not sure whether the problem only occurs when shooting in night mode or not.
Craphead said:
I'm quite certain not every phone out there is actually affected by this. Maybe yours thankfully just is fine. But everybody should definitely check theirs. Also since I don't have one myself yet I'm not sure whether the problem only occurs when shooting in night mode or not.
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I'll try again later when it's dark. Looks like a hardware problem.
I've got the issue. Any further info on this in English? I translated the website looks like no info from Google yet
I purchase my Pxl 6 Pro and the camara is showing just a black screen (
Has anyone had any further contact with google about this? They were supposed to contact me by friday after closing out my original ticket without ever actually talking to me... Here's a video of what it looks like through my view finder.
I just read an article about how Google doesn't recognize this as a hardware problem. I'm sorry for you guys here.
If it really is a hardware issue, we need to make more waves and get more attention so Google starts to act.
By the way, did you guys clean your camera lens properly? Did you try to look into it with a flashlight, to see if there is some dirt in there? And did you try a factory reset to see if it's not just a software issue? Or try it out in safemode?
chalan30 said:
Has anyone had any further contact with google about this? They were supposed to contact me by friday after closing out my original ticket without ever actually talking to me... Here's a video of what it looks like through my view finder.
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Oh boy, that looks terrible.
It's not on the camera lens, if it was you would see the pattern move as OIS moved the lens and most likely it would be out of focus and hardly visible if at all.
The problem is on the sensor, it's either happened in the assembly process of the phone and some solvent has ended up on the sensor then evaporated leaving a dirty mark, or the sensor was already marked when put into the camera module.
It isn't software causing that.
PhilipL2021 said:
It's not on the camera lens, if it was you would see the pattern move as OIS moved the lens and most likely it would be out of focus and hardly visible if at all.
The problem is on the sensor, it's either happened in the assembly process of the phone and some solvent has ended up on the sensor then evaporated leaving a dirty mark, or the sensor was already marked when put into the camera module.
It isn't software causing that.
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Click to collapse
That makes sense, but you still never know with Google and their glitchy software, so a factory reset/safemode try might still be worth, well, the try.
A hardware issue like the one you describe wouldn't surprise me, as already discussed in other threads, we know because of the leaked Assembly video, that a human assembles the P6 Pro almost entirely alone by, well, hand. Which means there are lots and lots of rooms for error, it might even be just a protective film over a sensor that the human responsible forgot to remove.
As reference, a copy of the video that has not yet been taken down by Google
->
As you can see in 01:51, there are several protective films (2 layers, one on the backside of the chassie, one on the lens module part) that need to be manually removed by hand, without a tool. Even if the human removed them correctly, he might have smudged the lenses accidentally by having a contaminated glove.
Besides that, as you mentioned, it might also be a defective module from the beginning, because the sensor itself was contaminated in the assembly process. Even though that would greatly surprise me, since it's a Samsung sensor and we haven't heard about this problem with other phones that use the Samsung GN1 - and since Google doesn't use a custom one, but will get the finished lens module from Samsung and then just pack it on top of the pre-assembled 3-lens camera module... that would be odd.
Morgrain said:
That makes sense, but you still never know with Google and their glitchy software, so a factory reset/safemode try might still be worth, well, the try.
A hardware issue like the one you describe wouldn't surprise me, as already discussed in other threads, we know because of the leaked Assembly video, that a human assembles the P6 Pro almost entirely alone by, well, hand. Which means there are lots and lots of rooms for error, it might even be just a protective film over a sensor that the human responsible forgot to remove.
As reference, a copy of the video that has not yet been taken down by Google
->
As you can see in 01:51, there are several protective films (2 layers, one on the backside of the chassie, one on the lens module part) that need to be manually removed by hand, without a tool. Even if the human removed them correctly, he might have smudged the lenses accidentally by having a contaminated glove.
Besides that, as you mentioned, it might also be a defective module from the beginning, because the sensor itself was contaminated in the assembly process. Even though that would greatly surprise me, since it's a Samsung sensor and we haven't heard about this problem with other phones that use the Samsung GN1 - and since Google doesn't use a custom one, but will get the finished lens module from Samsung and then just pack it on top of the pre-assembled 3-lens camera module... that would be odd.
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Click to collapse
thanks for that video. I have done 4 factory resets (no safe mode though) and the problem persists. The person who pointed me to this thread said google support told them to wait for the december update and if it was still there to contact support again.
chalan30 said:
thanks for that video. I have done 4 factory resets (no safe mode though) and the problem persists. The person who pointed me to this thread said google support told them to wait for the december update and if it was still there to contact support again.
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Click to collapse
If you are still in the return window, DO NOT wait. Demand a replacement device. Never wait when you are in the return window. AS LONG as you are in the return window, you have power and Google wants to make you happy. After that, you will live in the shadow of their grace, which can be awful.
Other than that: If you tried 4 factory resets, safe mode will most likely not help in any way. Factory reset is always "stronger" than a safemode, since it rans a completely empty device (at least if you tried the camera app without having set up your backup, which would just create your old software problem, lel).
Morgrain said:
If you are still in the return window, DO NOT wait. Demand a replacement device. Never wait when you are in the return window. AS LONG as you are in the return window, you have power and Google wants to make you happy. After that, you will live in the shadow of their grace, which can be awful.
Other than that: If you tried 4 factory resets, safe mode will most likely not help in any way. Factory reset is always "stronger" than a safemode, since it rans a completely empty device (at least if you tried the camera app without having set up your backup, which would just create your old software problem, lel).
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Click to collapse
They just said I could send it to their repair team or take it to a place locally. Im going to send it back to them and see what happens. FML oh well
chalan30 said:
They just said I could send it to their repair team or take it to a place locally. Im going to send it back to them and see what happens. FML oh well
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Click to collapse
Did you buy it directly from Google?
A repaired device is usually a ****ty device. It will no longer have any decent seal and therefore your dust and water resistance is out the window. The assembly process is being done in a sterile environment, the repair process not so much. Which means that it has a lot of potential faults.
Especially this early on when Google didn't even have the chance to repair anything, it should be relatively easy to get a replacement.
Morgrain said:
Did you buy it directly from Google?
A repaired device is usually a ****ty device. It will no longer have any decent seal and therefore your dust and water resistance is out the window. The assembly process is being done in a sterile environment, the repair process not so much. Which means that it has a lot of potential faults.
Especially this early on when Google didn't even have the chance to repair anything, it should be relatively easy to get a replacement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah you are right. And yes I bought it from the google store. I am going to get in touch with them again and let them know that I need a replacement.
I suspect this issue is more widespread than it looks.
I initially thought I didn't have it, but it have it too. Not that marked, but i have it.
To replicate the test better:
- turn screen brightness at max.
- go into a very dark room, close to pitch black.
- open camera, point it to a homogeneous textured wall.
- move the camera around and notice if there is a stain that stays in a fixed position on the camera.
If you have the stains, contact google and let them know.
Attached a photo that makes you see where mine is.

Question Fold 3 Screen cracking

Hey,
I have been a Note fan since the very beginning and a foldable with spen support has been a device of my dreams. When the Fold 3 was released I decided to go for it and give my Note 20 Ultra a break. The fold isn't perfect especially with such a small battery but as an exynos user the battery has always been a thing to compromise in my region. But,
The reports about the screen being so fragile and getting cracked in concerning numbers have halted me from getting this expensive piece of tech. I am aware of the cracking issues with the earlier folds but the reports about this third generation looks really concerning.
Are the cases that high? or is it just the usual (defective patch) in any product?
Think of it this way, no one will post about how their screen is fine and not cracked, but people will be inclined to post when their screen is shattered and broken. If every person with a screen that wasn't cracked would post theirs, it would far surpass the cracked screen numbers. I have had mine since 22nd of October and I have not had one issue, not one cracked screen. I recommend it as it's the best phone 2021 could bring.
Had mine since the early pre-order time. No screen crack or break, but I have a Spigen hard case on it. I've dropped it a few times, but have been uber lucky it wasn't anything that cause damage. One has to look at the cause of the damage before assuming it's a defect of the product.
Not sure what reports you have read, but I've yet to see an influx of cracked screens from general everyday use. Plus, many of use early birds have coverage for damage.
No issues here.
I have to wonder though, if the phone was left in a car overnight with below zero temps and then unfolded cold. What would happen? Has anyone been brave enough to try? ;-)
I have had mine since shortly after release and I use it... and I mean USE it...
I use the outer screen for many quick things, but I spent over 75% of my time opening and using the inner screen. I have a Fold SPen and use it constantly and I am STILL on the original factory inner screen protector and have ZERO issues with any bubbling, cracking or anything else on the device screen or the protector.
Just take some care of your device and it will take care of you.
is there a way to cover the hinges so nothing gets inside? Like some case
ghassan haddad said:
is there a way to cover the hinges so nothing gets inside? Like some case
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Click to collapse
My case has a hinge cover, but many have issue with the phone not lying flat.
ghassan haddad said:
is there a way to cover the hinges so nothing gets inside? Like some case
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are some cars that specifically cover the hinge I believe. I think Samsung even has their own. But they seem so bulky and awkward.
NONE of the cases that I have seen or used or played with have a Hinge Cover that will protect from Dust/Water intrusion. Just not going to happen. Sorry mate.
I've had my Fold 3 since a couple of days before release day and use the inner screen 99.99% of the time, all day long. No issues here. I clean the dust and fingerprints (which you can barely see and don't cause the rainbow effect) with a reusable screen cloth from Amazon with a koala on it - bought it for my car stereo screen, but there are a ton in the pack, so I use them for different things.
Not only the operation of the phone in cold weather exasperating this issue but maybe also a combination of pressing on the screen with a finger to close the phone..
Plasticisers are a limited lifespan. They are what makes plastics flexible. As they fail, cracking is the result. With a close to a near 180° the engineering is less than brilliant. Made with a very finite lifespan in mind.
The Fold series is an even more niche market than the Notes. Like an inept gambler Samsung don't know when to run away. By shoving the prototype Fold down the throats of its loyal Note customer base Samsung deserves what they get... idiots.
sorry, blackhawk.. do you have one of these?? best phone ever lol.
if the stock protector fail, replacements are easy
Ya been a Note User since the first one .. after going Fold 3 I can never go back... love the screen .. really better battery, cameras, I'd like a micro SD slot again and for thr s pen to go into the phone and it would be perfect...
As for the screen cracking mine has not but the built in screen protector has peeled up so I peeled off ... all good so far.. but if you get this phone usually it's on a 24 month contract then you swap phones to 2 gens later. Also I'd assume everyone would get the insurance for the screen replacement etc... so if that's done you just send it in for any screen issues .
akhentamentiu said:
sorry, blackhawk.. do you have one of these?? best phone ever lol.
if the stock protector fail, replacements are easy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, blackhawk just likes bagging it as far as I can tell.
Best. Phone. Ever. For me, anyway.
[email protected] said:
Ya been a Note User since the first one .. after going Fold 3 I can never go back... love the screen .. really better battery, cameras, I'd like a micro SD slot again and for thr s pen to go into the phone and it would be perfect...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I loved the note, from the very first, and my note 12 pro tablet. Now that I'm retired and don't need the spen I love the fold. It's like carrying a tablet in your pocket everywhere.
I can't wait until they actually get the whole 'Z' folding thing working, to triple the size
What I find funny is all the people bagging the idea of the Fold, alongside all the companies trying to make one themselves. I'm pretty sure Apple will sell one in five years, well behind the curve as usual while claiming to be ahead as usual.
Ha ha yes exactly apple will bring a foldable out when samsung goes to the next design for foldable.. I also like that sliding screen they might out put out ... I'd rather the than the folding but for now beggars can't be choosers lol
it's interesting that no one here had a bad experience while a similar thread on reddit is full of (cracked) displays
ghassan haddad said:
it's interesting that no one here had a bad experience while a similar thread on reddit is full of (cracked) displays
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Click to collapse
Link? (or it didn't happen )

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