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Should I accept or return a replacement Dell UP3216Q monitor with four dead pixels?

Seeking advice whether to accept or return a replacement Dell UltraSharp 32 Ultra HD 4K Monitor with PremierColor (UP3216Q monitor) with four dead pixels. This is a relatively expensive 4K monitor - original cost more than US $1100.

My UP3216Q went dead - it stopped recognizing video from the PC on any input port. Dell replaced it under warranty - call this replacement R1. But R1 had either a 2mm hair under the panel or a diagonal string of pixels (I think the hair). So Dell replaced that one with what we will call replacement 2 (R2).

I just received R2 and ran the monitor's diagnostic test to look for problems. I see four dead pixels in four different areas of the screen. I tried a microfiber cloth and some Philips LCD screen cleaning fluid to make sure they are not dust. Under a magnifying glass each is the same size tiny square box. A pixel.

Three questions:

Is it reasonable to expect zero dead pixels on a replacement refurbished monitor?
Is it likely to get worse or stay the same?
Should I accept this? Or return it?

I'd appreciate your advice.

Thanks, Pete

Peter Bye

ASKER

One added note about the dead pixels. I see them on each of the grey, red, blue, green screens of the built-in diagnostic. Pete

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Robert

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Peter Bye

ASKER

Thanks, Robert. Your answer and question got to the central issue. I found Dell's dead-pixel policy online. They distinguish bright (stuck on) and dark (stuck off) pixels. For their premium monitors, they replace when there are:

Bright subpixel = 1 or more
Dark subpixel = 6 or more

So they probably will not do anything about four dead pixels. I may call to see but now I know the likely outcome.

In your (or any other reader's) experience does this tend to be a stable situation or is it likely to be the start of a bigger problem? Or is that unknowable?

Thanks, Pete

Robert

You may get new dead pixels over time as some burn out from normal use but a few now does not typically mean you will have future issues.

SOLUTION

☠ MASQ ☠

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Peter Bye

ASKER

Thank you Robert and MASQ. You provided the timely and pragmatic advice I needed.

Robert - as you suggest - they are not particularly problematic since they are four isolated tiny dots. I sent a note to Dell to see what they say, but given your comment about the four dead pixels not necessarily meaning the monitor is going to get steadily worse I probably will live with it rather than hassle with another return cycle.

If I hear something notable from Dell I will add a comment below.

Pete

☠ MASQ ☠

If you were calling them, any chance you might have miscounted .... ? ;)