Image retention
Also called temporary burn-in · ghosting on OLED
Image retention is a temporary trace of recently static content that fades on its own. It looks like burn-in but disappears after a few minutes or after the screen runs its standby compensation cycle.
In practice
Retention is common after leaving a static image on an OLED for a while, such as a paused game or a spreadsheet. It looks worrying but it fades. Most OLED screens run a short compensation cycle in standby that clears it. Cutting power at the wall stops that cycle from running.
How to check
If you see a faint shape on the gray screen of the dead pixel test, turn the display off with its normal power button and leave it plugged in. Check again after the time the manual gives for its short refresh cycle. If the shape has gone, it was retention. If it is still there after several days of normal use, it may be burn-in.