Ah, friends, if you are on X these days or even in the WhatsApp groups, you cannot miss it. The talk is everywhere. You wake up one morning, you do a software update on your very expensive Samsung Galaxy phone, and then poof! A thin, bright green line (sometimes pink or white) appears on your screen from top to bottom. Just like that, your premium device turns into a headache. This is the now-infamous "green line issue," and from what People are saying online, it is a proper mess.
Which Phones Are Affected?
This is not just a story for one model. From the historical posts on X, it is clear this problem has been moving from one generation to another like a bad spirit. The phones mentioned most are the very ones people paid a fortune for.
· Galaxy S21 Series (S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, S21 FE): This one seems to be a champion for complaints. Dozens of reports. People are calling it a "known OLED defect." The worst part? Many are sent away from service centres because of a small dent or because the warranty is just one month expired. Very painful.
· Galaxy S22 Series: Even more common! Users are noting that from this generation, the issue became a clear "pattern." Some got free fixes, but others, especially after 3 years, are being told to pay nearly Ksh 30,000 ($235) for a new screen. Can you imagine?
· Galaxy S23 Series: The complaints are increasing sharply, especially after recent One UI updates. For a phone that is still very new, this is causing anger. Some users are saying they are moving to other brands completely. The frustration is real.
· Older Models (S20, Note20): The problem seems to have started here for many. Samsung has acknowledged it for these in some countries.
· Even the New Ones! (S24 & S25): Yes, friends. There are already early reports for the very latest models. It is fewer, maybe because the phones are new, but it has people worried. Is this a forever problem?
What is Samsung Doing About It?
Here is where the real stress comes in. In some countries like India, Samsung has admitted there is a problem. They have a free, one-time screen replacement program for specific models like S20, S21, and Note20. But listen carefully: this programme is very strict on timeframes and purchase dates.
For Africans and many in other regions, the experience is different. The stories on X are full of:
· Denials: "Your phone has a minor scratch, so we cannot help."
· Delays: "We don't have the screen in stock, wait for 6 weeks."
· Exclusions: "Your model is not in the programme," or "Your warranty ended last week."
It feels, as one user posted, like a "lottery" whether you will be helped or not.
Why is This Happening?
The tech people on X explain it is a hardware defect, often triggered by software updates. The theory is that the heat from the update process weakens the delicate connections in the AMOLED display. It is not only a Samsung problem—brands like OnePlus and Vivo have had similar issues. But Samsung is getting the loudest shouts because their support is seen as inconsistent. OnePlus, for example, is said to offer lifetime free fixes for this specific fault in some regions. Samsung? Not so much.
Globally people on X are giving very clear advice, and you should listen.
1. If you are looking at a second-hand S21, S22, or S23, be very afraid. You might be buying a green line waiting to happen. Check the screen thoroughly.
2. Do not buy these models without an active warranty or a very clear, written promise from the seller about this issue.
3. With Samsung promising 7 years of software updates, but the screen failing after 3, an extended warranty might be your only safety net.
4. Some are now asking: Is this "planned obsolescence"? Why give long software updates if the hardware cannot handle them? It is making people lose trust.
The green line issue has moved from a random fault to a full-blown crisis of confidence for Samsung's flagship phones. For us in Kenya, where these phones cost a small fortune, it is a serious matter. The message from the community is clear: Buyer beware. Know the risks, protect your purchase, and maybe let your next phone be from a brand that stands by its products more firmly. This Samsung matter, as it stands, is just too stressful.
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