Just wanted to share something I discovered while handling some Charge 3 devices over the past months. If experts could please comment on this, that'd be great. Basically, screen brightness, overall tint / optics (white vs grayish), and even fonts, vary according to serial number batches. So you can choose the screen you need by paying attention to its serial when buying. Details below.
My first Charge 3 (purchased in August 2019, serial starts with 1C1) was so bright-white, including at nights, that I spent quite a bit of time on this community forum, reading threads where people complain about getting awakened at night when their Charge 3 turns on. Waaaay too bright, including in dark rooms -- and, as many have already mentioned, no difference between Auto and Normal brightness settings. Perfectly visible in the sunshine, however. And no variation between different details on screen: clock face, stats, date, all consistently white.
Then, this month (October 2019), I received another Charge 3 from someone who didn't know I'd gotten one over the summer. Serial number starts with 1C9, print on box looks slightly newer. So, presumably, manufactured more recently (is that a correct assumption?). And -- WOW. The screen was different -- much dimmer, none of the white brightness; rather, a noticeable blue-gray tint. Even the actual fonts on the two devices are slightly different. Also, this one varies in shade between main clock face and smaller details, like date. So I ended up returning to this forum again, but this time to look at the threads where people complain that they can't see the screen when they're out and about. As in, the opposite problem.
Was so surprised by this variation that I took both devices to a shop, talked to a great sales rep, and together we found and opened two more boxes: one with serial number starting with 1C1, and another starting with 1C9. Same story, The lower-numbered device (older?) was crisp and bright-white. The higher-numbered (newer?) device was gentle, with a bluish tint. Same settings, worn on the same hand (mine). Sales rep was stunned. Other reps came and looked, but couldn't offer any comments other than "choose the one you like best". I chose the bluish-gray (1C9), because it feels gentler on the eyes and the font (of clock, stats, etc) seemed smoother.
Tried to google this issue and searched the forums, but found nothing about it -- probably because most people don't actually sit and stubbornly compare identical devices like this? In any case, just wanted to share. Baffled, but maybe this will help someone who's dealing with screen issues. Got photos, but can't upload here. Have a good autumn!
Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity
