A number of reports are appearing on social media regarding screen degradation, specifically burn-in, on Garmin smartwatches. This issue isn’t limited to the typical OLED panels but also affects Memory-in-Pixel (MiP) screens, which utilize a technology similar to e-ink displays.
The individual light-emitting diodes that form an OLED display naturally degrade over time. This can result in various problems, with burn-in being a permanent and often severe form of image quality reduction. Most modern OLED screens include built-in protection features to combat this, and manufacturers often highlight these mechanisms in their marketing. While burn-in isn’t as widespread an issue as it once was, especially with larger displays, it’s still a relevant concern for smaller devices like smartwatches.
Smartwatches: A Prime Candidate for Burn-In
While burn-in is not a major issue for most modern monitors, a smartwatch represents a unique and challenging environment for displays. Elements like the time and step count may change, but other content, particularly text and static icons, often remains in a fixed position. This continuous display of static images can accelerate the degradation process and make a smartwatch a “worst-case scenario” for an OLED screen.
For instance, a user shared an image of their Garmin Epix Gen 2 showing noticeable burn-in after four years of use, with words like “Battery” being permanently visible. This particular watch was used with the always-on display feature activated.
Unexpected Burn-In on MiP Displays
Surprisingly, the issue isn’t exclusive to OLED panels. There’s at least one documented case of visible burn-in on a five-year-old Garmin Fenix 6 Pro, which features a MiP display. This type of screen is generally considered more resistant to burn-in due to its transreflective nature.
To mitigate or prevent this degradation, users can take a few steps. Choosing a dynamic watch face that constantly shifts its elements and disabling the always-on display feature can significantly reduce the risk. However, it’s worth noting that disabling the always-on display also reduces one of the key conveniences of these smartwatches.
Source: Reddit (1), Reddit (2)
