Hey guys! Checking the screen on your Samsung J5 2016 is super important, whether you're buying a used one or just want to make sure your current phone is still in tip-top shape. A faulty screen can be a real headache, leading to display issues, touch unresponsiveness, or even dead pixels. Luckily, there are several straightforward methods you can use to thoroughly inspect the screen. Let’s dive into these methods, making sure you're well-equipped to identify any potential problems.

Why Checking Your Screen Matters

Before we get into the how-to, let's quickly cover why checking your screen is crucial. Imagine buying a used phone only to find out later that it has a massive dead pixel right in the middle of the display – not a fun experience, right? Regular checks can help you:

• Avoid Scams: Ensure you're getting what you paid for when buying a used device.
• Identify Issues Early: Catch problems like dead pixels, screen burn-in, or touch unresponsiveness before they become major annoyances.
• Maintain Device Value: A well-maintained screen keeps your phone's resale value higher.

So, with that in mind, let's explore how you can meticulously check your Samsung J5 2016 screen.

Method 1: The Visual Inspection

The simplest way to start is with a good old visual inspection. You don't need any special tools for this – just your eyes! Here’s what to look for:

Checking for Scratches and Cracks

First, power off your Samsung J5 2016 and hold it under a bright light. Angle the screen to catch any reflections that might highlight scratches or cracks. Pay close attention to the edges and corners, as these are the most common areas for damage. Even tiny hairline scratches can sometimes indicate more significant underlying issues.

Inspecting for Dead Pixels

Dead pixels are pixels that no longer light up, appearing as small black or white dots on the screen. To check for these, you'll want to display solid colors on the screen. Here’s how:

1. Open the Dial Pad: Go to your phone's dial pad as if you're making a call.
2. Enter the Code: Type in *#0*#. This should bring you to the Samsung diagnostic menu.
3. Select Colors: In the diagnostic menu, you'll see options like "Red," "Green," and "Blue." Tap each one to fill the screen with that solid color.
4. Look Closely: Examine the screen carefully for any small dots that don’t match the color being displayed. These are likely dead pixels. Also, look for any discoloration or uneven lighting.

Checking for Screen Burn-in

Screen burn-in, also known as ghosting, occurs when static images are displayed for extended periods, leaving a faint permanent imprint on the screen. This is more common on older AMOLED displays. To check for burn-in:

1. Use the Diagnostic Menu: Again, use the *#0*# code to access the diagnostic menu.
2. Display Solid Colors: Cycle through the red, green, and blue options, looking for any faint outlines or shadows of icons, keyboards, or other frequently displayed elements. Pay special attention to the areas where the navigation buttons usually are.

Method 2: Using Touchscreen Test Apps

If you want a more precise way to test the touchscreen, several apps can help. These apps allow you to draw on the screen and check for any unresponsive areas. Here are a couple of reliable options:

Touchscreen Test

Touchscreen Test is a simple app that lets you test the responsiveness of your screen by tracing lines across it. You can download it from the Google Play Store. Here’s how to use it:

1. Download and Install: Search for "Touchscreen Test" on the Play Store and install the app.
2. Open the App: Launch the app after installation.
3. Start Testing: The app will usually provide a grid or a blank screen. Use your finger to draw lines across the entire screen, making sure to cover every area.
4. Identify Dead Zones: Watch for any areas where the line breaks or doesn’t register. These are unresponsive areas or “dead zones.”

Screen Test Pro

Screen Test Pro is another excellent app that offers a variety of tests, including touchscreen testing, color tests, and more. It provides a comprehensive way to evaluate your screen's performance.

1. Download and Install: Find Screen Test Pro on the Google Play Store and install it.
2. Open the App: Launch the app.
3. Navigate to Touchscreen Test: Look for the touchscreen test option in the menu.
4. Perform the Test: Follow the on-screen instructions to draw lines or tap on specific areas. The app will highlight any areas where the touch isn't registering correctly.

Method 3: Dial Codes for Advanced Diagnostics

Samsung includes hidden diagnostic tools accessible via dial codes. We already touched on one earlier (*#0*#), but let’s explore it in a bit more detail and see how it can help with screen testing.

Using the *#0*# Diagnostic Menu

As mentioned before, the *#0*# code opens a special diagnostic menu that allows you to test various hardware components, including the screen. Here’s a more detailed look at the options:

• Red, Green, Blue: These options fill the screen with solid colors, helping you identify dead pixels, discoloration, and screen burn-in.
• Touch: This option lets you test the touchscreen's responsiveness. When you select "Touch," the screen will display a grid. As you touch each square, it will light up. Make sure every square lights up when touched to ensure the entire screen is responsive.
• Receiver: Tests the earpiece speaker.
• Speaker: Tests the main speaker.
• Vibration: Tests the vibration motor.
• Camera: Tests the front and rear cameras.
• Sensor: Tests various sensors like the proximity sensor and light sensor.

Interpreting the Results

While using the diagnostic menu, carefully observe the screen for any anomalies. Here’s what to look for:

• Color Issues: Uneven color distribution, discoloration, or strange artifacts.
• Touch Unresponsiveness: Areas where your touch isn't registered.
• Burn-in: Faint outlines of previously displayed images.
• Dead Pixels: Small dots that don't match the displayed color.

Method 4: Checking Screen Functionality During Normal Use

Sometimes, issues only become apparent during regular use. Here are some things to watch out for:

Scrolling Through Apps and Web Pages

Pay attention to how smoothly the screen scrolls. Jerky or laggy scrolling can indicate underlying issues with the display or the phone's processing power.

Typing on the Keyboard

Open a messaging app or a notes app and start typing. Make sure that each key press is registered accurately and that there are no delays or missed inputs. This helps identify any localized touch unresponsiveness.

Watching Videos

Play a video with a lot of movement and color variation. Look for any artifacts, ghosting, or color banding. These issues can indicate problems with the screen's ability to display dynamic content.

Troubleshooting Common Screen Issues

So, you’ve run through the tests and found some issues. What now? Here are a few troubleshooting steps you can try:

Restart Your Phone

The age-old advice still holds true! Restarting your phone can sometimes resolve minor software glitches that might be affecting the screen.

Adjust Screen Brightness

Sometimes, screen issues are more noticeable at certain brightness levels. Try adjusting the brightness to see if the problem persists across different settings.

Check for Software Updates

Make sure your phone is running the latest version of Android. Software updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can address display-related issues.

Factory Reset (Use with Caution)

If all else fails, you can try a factory reset. This will erase all data on your phone, so make sure to back up anything important first. A factory reset can sometimes resolve persistent software issues that are causing screen problems.

To perform a factory reset:

1. Go to Settings: Open the Settings app on your phone.
2. Find General Management: Look for the "General Management" option.
3. Select Reset: Tap on "Reset."
4. Choose Factory Data Reset: Select "Factory data reset."
5. Confirm: Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the reset.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and the screen issues persist, it might be time to seek professional help. Here are some situations where professional repair is necessary:

• Physical Damage: If the screen is cracked or severely damaged.
• Persistent Dead Pixels: If you have a significant number of dead pixels.
• Severe Burn-in: If the screen burn-in is very noticeable and distracting.
• Unresponsive Touchscreen: If large areas of the screen are unresponsive to touch.

A qualified technician can diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action, whether it's a screen replacement or another type of repair.

Final Thoughts

Checking the screen on your Samsung J5 2016 doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By using these simple methods, you can ensure that your screen is in good condition and catch any potential problems early. Whether you’re buying a used phone or just maintaining your current device, these tips will help you keep your screen looking its best. Happy checking, and remember, a little bit of preventative maintenance can save you a lot of headaches down the road!