LG WOLED TVs manufactured between 2020-2022 show 'edge rot' pixel degradation

Discovery of 'Edge Rot' in LG WOLED Panels

RTings, known for its long-running OLED burn-in tests, has identified a new degradation issue termed 'edge rot' in LG WOLED televisions. This problem manifests as pixels progressively darkening around the edges of the screen, resembling a mold pattern. The issue was observed in 14 out of 16 LG TVs manufactured between 2020 and 2022 that were part of their ongoing burn-in evaluation.

Affected Models and User Reports

The affected units in the RTings test were all produced between 2020 and 2022. The site also noted that several of its staff members experienced this issue on their personal LG televisions, and online searches indicate similar reports from other users. This suggests the problem is not isolated to RTings' specific test environment.

Comparison with Other Panel Technologies

RTings' tests include Samsung QDOLED panels, which have not exhibited 'edge rot' symptoms. However, the site notes it only has three such units under test. The current test duration (2022-2025) prevents assessment of LG's newer-generation WOLED panels, which reportedly saw manufacturing process improvements in 2024.

Manufacturer Responses and Warranty

LG stated that the issue 'may occur in a very small number of OLED products under prolonged exposure to high-temperature, high-humidity, or other harsh environmental conditions.' Samsung, in contrast, highlighted its proprietary Thin Film Encapsulation (TFE) technology, which it claims blocks ingress at the panel's edge to prevent such degradation. Most affected TVs from the 2020-2022 period are likely out of warranty, though LG offers a five-year panel warranty for higher-end G, Z, and M series units purchased since 2021.