diff --git a/lib/mixin/vpp.py b/lib/mixin/vpp.py
index 83e23102..bc3cce8b 100644
--- a/lib/mixin/vpp.py
+++ b/lib/mixin/vpp.py
@@ -132,10 +132,7 @@ def compare(k, ref, actual):
         assert actual[-2] == 100, "Cb(U) should not be affected by SHARPEN filter"
         assert actual[-1] == 100, "Cr(V) should not be affected by SHARPEN filter"
         assert ref is not None, "Invalid reference value"
-        # Only assert if actual Luma (Y) is lower than reference, using specified range condition
-        if actual[-3] < ref[-3]:
-          # Ensure the difference is within the acceptable range [0, 0.25)
-          assert 0 <= ref[-3] - actual[-3] < 0.25, f"Luma (Y) is lower than reference value: {actual[-3]} < {ref[-3]}"
+        assert abs(ref[-3] - actual[-3]) < 0.25, "Luma (Y) out of baseline range"
 
       metrics2.check(
         metric = dict(type = "psnr"), compare = compare,