Some Googlebooks OLED screens can't display true black, but a fix is coming

Google has been moving quickly to sand down Googlebook OS’ rougher edges. Recent fixes have expanded Better Together features to Samsung phones, while the company has clarified Intel app compatibility and promised to expand HDR playback to Googlebooks that launched without it. But new hardware rarely gets every wrinkle ironed out at once, and Google is already chasing another conspicuous problem: some Googlebooks OLED displays aren’t actually displaying black as black.

Owners of several OLED-equipped Googlebooks have reported on Reddit that areas of the screen that should be completely black instead appear dark gray. The complaints span at least Acer and Lenovo models with different screen sizes, suggesting this isn’t simply one manufacturer shipping a questionable panel.

Unlike LCDs, OLED pixels can switch off entirely when displaying black, producing the deep blacks and near-infinite contrast that make the technology so appealing. However, several Googlebook owners say that isn’t happening once they enter the operating system.

One Lenovo Googlebook 15 owner compared the laptop directly with a Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and found that the Googlebook’s display continued to emit a visible gray glow. Acer owners have reported similar behavior, including black levels changing as screen brightness is adjusted. Some users also noticed that their displays show proper, inky blacks during boot or setup, only for the blacks to turn gray once Googlebook OS loads.

That was already a strong hint that software or firmware, rather than defective OLED hardware, might be responsible. And Google has now effectively confirmed it.

In response to multiple Reddit reports, Google community specialist Mishaal Rahman said the engineering team has identified the root cause and is working to release a fix “ASAP.” Google hasn’t explained what is causing the elevated black levels yet, although Mishaal said he would check whether the team could share more details.

If you’re already considering returning your Googlebook over the washed-out blacks, Google’s confirmation may be reason to hold off a little longer. Since the panels can display proper blacks during boot and setup, and Google says it has identified the root cause and is working on a fix, this increasingly looks like something a software update should be able to address.