Nothing’s subpar response to green tint and green line complaints a growing concern

The green tint issue plaguing Nothing phones is quickly becoming a public relations headache for a company that prides itself on transparency and innovation. Reports of this issue — manifesting as a distracting green hue under low brightness or during tasks like fingerprint scanning — have surged across forums, particularly on the Nothing subreddit. Affected models include the Nothing Phone 1, Phone 2, and even the newer Phone 2a and Phone 2a Plus. Yet, Nothing’s silence has left many users feeling abandoned and frustrated.

The green tint phenomenon isn’t exclusive to Nothing. It shares troubling similarities with the infamous “green line” problem that has afflicted flagship models from OnePlus, Samsung, Apple, and others. These issues often arise from OLED panel defects or poor software calibration. While some users cling to the hope that Nothing OS 3.0 might offer a software fix, skepticism looms. Many fear this is a hardware flaw that warrants screen replacements — a process Nothing has shown little urgency in addressing.

Brands like OnePlus and Samsung have faced similar crises but handled them with varying levels of competence. OnePlus leads the charge, offering free screen replacements across a range of models, even for devices out of warranty. Samsung has also extended free screen repair programs, albeit inconsistently and with deadlines. Google, in a proactive move, introduced a repair program for Pixel 8 devices, offering free replacements for three years in cases of green line or flickering issues.

Here’s a gallery of images of Nothing phones with the green screen shared by various users on Reddit (click/tap to view):

In stark contrast, Nothing aligns itself with brands like Apple and Motorola, restricting free replacements to warranty-covered devices without external damage. This restrictive approach has left many Nothing users navigating a frustrating support maze.

The green tint issue is far from isolated. Reports suggest the problem persists even after screen replacements, further eroding user confidence in Nothing’s quality control. Speculation abounds — ranging from cheaper OLED panels to calibration flaws — but Nothing’s refusal to engage publicly has left these theories unanswered, fueling uncertainty. Heck, some even think this is an India-only problem, but this is far from the truth.

Tech reviewers, often quick to call out glaring defects, have largely glossed over this issue, leaving affected users to amplify their concerns in online forums. Meanwhile, Nothing appears more focused on promoting new features and product launches, such as the beta rollout of Nothing OS 3.0 and rumors surrounding the Nothing Phone 3. While these updates may excite prospective buyers, they do little to reassure current customers grappling with unresolved hardware flaws.

The handling of green line and green tint issues varies significantly across manufacturers, and Nothing could learn from its peers. As noted, OnePlus, for instance, offers free multiple screen replacements and exchange vouchers for end-of-life models, showing a commitment to customer satisfaction. Google’s repair program for Pixel 8 devices and Samsung’s free replacements for specific Galaxy models also demonstrate how proactive support can build trust.

For Nothing, the stakes are higher. As a young brand, its identity hinges on being different from the competition. Transparency and customer-centric innovation are at the core of its marketing, but the lack of clear communication and decisive action on such a visible flaw risks alienating even its most loyal supporters.

Nothing’s mishandling of the green tint issue could leave a lasting blemish not only on its phones but also on its credibility. Acknowledging the problem and providing a timeline for a software fix — or offering free replacements if it’s hardware-related — would go a long way in rebuilding trust. Until then, affected users remain in limbo, relying on the hope that future updates might deliver a solution.

For prospective buyers, the green tint saga is a cautionary tale. Investing in a Nothing phone might mean taking a gamble on a company that seems reluctant to own its shortcomings. And for a brand that promises to break conventions, its silence on this issue may be its most deafening misstep yet.

Check out this video by Sillycorns regarding the smartphone brands withe the most green lines and the brand providing the best solution: