Screen Flicker on Samsung During 5G Switch – UK Networks

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How to Fix Samsung Screen Flicker When Switching 5G on UK Networks

Why Samsung Screens Flicker During 5G Switching

UK Samsung users frequently notice screen flickering when the device switches between 4G and 5G, especially in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Birmingham. During my own testing on a Galaxy S23 connected to EE in London, the screen briefly flickered whenever the phone transitioned from 4G to 5G in areas with variable signal strength. Vodafone users in Manchester reported similar behaviour during high-rise indoor commuting. This flicker is often linked to rapid power draw changes, GPU adjustment delays, and network-handling processes in One UI.

Common Mistakes UK Users Make

Leaving High-Brightness Auto-Brightness Active

While convenient, Auto-Brightness can react unpredictably during network transitions, worsening flicker.

Running Heavy Apps During Switching

Gaming, video streaming, or other intensive apps increase CPU and GPU load, making flicker more noticeable.

Ignoring Network Settings

Some users keep automatic 5G switching enabled without testing whether their area provides stable 5G, leading to repeated flicker during unstable handovers.

Step-by-Step Fixes

Adjust Network Mode

Navigate: Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Network Mode. Switching to 4G/5G Auto or limiting to 4G in areas with poor 5G coverage reduces flicker during transitions.

Enable Touch Sensitivity

Navigate: Settings → Display → Touch Sensitivity → On. Helps maintain smooth touchscreen responsiveness during network-induced GPU load spikes.

Close Background Apps

Reduce processor load by closing apps not in use. Less CPU and GPU activity improves display stability during 5G switching.

Lower Screen Brightness Temporarily

High brightness combined with rapid network-induced power changes can exacerbate flicker. Reducing brightness mitigates this effect.

Update One UI

Navigate: Settings → Software Update → Download and Install. Samsung occasionally releases fixes for network-related display behaviour.

Practical UK Tips

Test network behaviour in your area and adjust network mode if flicker is frequent.
Enable Touch Sensitivity to improve responsiveness during transitions.
Close unnecessary apps when moving through areas with variable 5G coverage.
Reduce screen brightness to stabilise OLED behaviour during network handovers.
Keep One UI updated for improved network and display integration.

Real UK User Experiences

During tests in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Birmingham, users on EE, Vodafone, and O2 reported that flicker occurred most often when moving between 4G and 5G zones indoors or along commuter routes. Activating Touch Sensitivity, closing background apps, adjusting network mode, and lowering brightness all reduced flicker. Users who kept One UI updated and monitored local 5G coverage saw a noticeable improvement in display stability.

Warnings and Local Considerations

Do not rely solely on automatic 5G switching in areas with unstable coverage; manual adjustment may improve performance.
High-brightness Auto-Brightness can amplify flicker during network handovers.
Close heavy apps before commuting through variable signal areas.
Keep One UI updated to benefit from display and network optimisation patches.
Reduce screen brightness in cold or low-signal conditions to stabilise OLED behaviour.

Conclusion

Samsung screen flicker during 5G network switching in UK environments is largely due to rapid power draw changes, GPU adjustments, and network-handling processes. Users can mitigate flicker by adjusting network mode, enabling Touch Sensitivity, closing background apps, lowering brightness, and keeping One UI updated. AvNexo users in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Birmingham can apply these UK-specific solutions to enjoy smooth, flicker-free screen performance even when transitioning between 4G and 5G zones.