A multinational smartphone manufacturer has been ordered by a court in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, to refund a customer and pay compensation for moral damages due to screen issues on a premium smartphone. The ruling, issued by Judge José Ricardo Dahbar Arbex, recognized a 'hidden defect' in the device purchased in March 2022 for R$ 8,019. After a software update in May 2025, the smartphone began displaying vertical green lines on the screen, severely affecting its usability.

The customer attempted to seek assistance from the company's service center but was informed that repairs would incur a fee since the device was no longer under warranty. This response prompted the legal action, highlighting issues of product reliability and responsibility among tech companies, especially regarding updates that may inadvertently damage devices.

This case underscores the increasing consumer rights in Brazil related to technology products and the expectation that manufacturers uphold their warranty commitments. The court's decision may set a precedent in consumer law, indicating that tech companies need to ensure that software updates do not compromise the functionality of their devices, or they may face legal repercussions.