SINGAPORE:

Social media is ablaze after a user by the name of Jacelyn Ong shared a startling image of her Samsung smartphone displaying eight conspicuous green lines running vertically from top to bottom. "My Poor Little Samsung... from one line increased to so many line(s)," she lamented in her post on the COMPLAINT SINGAPORE Facebook page on November 5.

In a surprising twist, Ms. Ong's experience isn't isolated. Users from various countries have reported similar issues, with green vertical lines emerging on their screens, particularly following software updates. Although Ms. Ong did not clarify whether a recent update triggered her problem, the connection seems troublingly common.

Samsung community forums are buzzing with frustrated users discussing this glitch, many of whom claim they have seen the lines manifest without any prior warning, sometimes during regular phone use. A rapid online search uncovers a range of DIY solutions for the issue, but experts warn that such fixes can carry their own set of risks.

While some users have reported that Samsung’s customer service stepped in to repair the faults at little or no cost, others have met with disappointment, facing repair fees averaging over S$300—an eye-watering price for a seemingly widespread problem.

In the comment section of Ms. Ong's post, opinions were divided. One user cut right to the chase, suggesting, “Stop buying Samsung phones.” Meanwhile, another humorously remarked, “I think it’s normal. Part of the Samsung package. If you don’t have green lines, it should be a fake Samsung.”

Despite a growing chorus of complaints, questions remain: Why hasn't Samsung addressed this issue more proactively? Users are calling for clearer communication and action from the tech giant, especially since a significant number documented their problems started post-update.

Interestingly, it turns out Ms. Ong isn’t the only one affected—many commenters noted similar upswings in screen issues, with some mentioning that Oppo devices are also experiencing the same glitch after updates. In some cases, the green line problem appeared spontaneously, even without any software changes.

The root causes of such screen anomalies can vary, including damaged or loose display connections, overheating, water damage, or physical impacts from drops. However, the sudden onset of problems has left many users scratching their heads.

Will Samsung take responsibility and rectify this persistent problem for its customers? The dialogue continues, and The Independent Singapore has reached out to Ms. Ong for any further comments or updates. Stay tuned!

This might be the digital age's unexpected hazard—are Samsung smartphones turning into ticking time bombs? Share your experiences below!