Is monitor ghosting or image retention normal?

Blur or trails visible only during fast motion usually relate to pixel response, refresh rate and content frame rate. A faint image that disappears soon after changing content can be temporary retention; a fixed outline that persists for a long time deserves further investigation.

Monitor Ghosting Test — Motion Blur vs Image Retention

The short answer

Ghosting usually appears during fast scrolling, gaming or horizontal motion and depends on pixel response, refresh rate, content frame rate and viewing conditions. Image retention is a previous image faintly remaining after content changes. Retention that fades in seconds or minutes can be temporary; a fixed icon or text outline that persists is closer to uneven wear or burn-in risk. Browser tests help compare motion, but cannot determine panel lifespan.

The key distinctionBlur during motion does not automatically mean a bad screen. Brief retention can be monitored. A fixed image that does not fade should be taken more seriously.

Identify the behavior

If the effect appears only at high speed while static images remain sharp, it is usually response behavior rather than a defect. Check refresh-rate settings, power-saving mode, browser hardware acceleration and the content's frame rate. Lower refresh and low-frame-rate content can make trails look stronger.

For retention, compare a high-contrast static interface with a gray or white background after a few minutes. An outline that fades quickly is likely temporary. If it repeatedly appears at the same coordinates and becomes stronger, OLED users should reduce fixed bright elements and review burn-in guidance.

Step-by-step test

Open the motion and ghosting test at your normal brightness and refresh rate.
Switch to a higher refresh-rate mode if supported and compare whether the trail improves.
After normal use of a status bar, navigation bar or chat interface, switch briefly to the solid-color test and look for a faint outline. Do not deliberately leave bright static content up for long periods.
Record the fade time, position and brightness. If the image does not fade, stop static testing to avoid adding wear.

When to contact support

For a new device, save video evidence and contact support if severe trails make text unreadable at normal settings, or if a static image remains for a long time and continues worsening. Temporary LCD retention and uneven OLED aging have different mechanisms and remedies. Warranty coverage depends on the brand's policy.

See OLED burn-in prevention, or read Is a high refresh rate worth it? when choosing a faster display.