Other Eye-strain while using iPhone X and up

[Roadstar]

I got to play with the new Samsung S22 range at a kiosk stand in my local supermarket and they really impressed me. Next to the iPhone stand these phones look very modern and feel new, the watch was equally awesome. The iPhone 11 still leaves me feeling flat and I have zero interest in the SE 2022 (too small, too old a design). Impossible to determine if I could use an S22 long term from a 10min play in a store, especially in demo mode.

I would like to try an S22+ or Ultra but am concerned about returns to Samsung.com as they have the worst score on Trustpilot. At least with Apple I can walk into a local store and return, no questions asked. I have to factor this in as its likely the PWM could still be an issue, although I have read some have had luck with the Ultra. Sigh.....

I’d wait at least until Notebookcheck reviews the S22+. They did Ultra already: https://www.notebookcheck.net/Samsu...fusion-of-two-smartphone-models.610456.0.html

This one’s the interesting part:

We were also able to see the OLED typical flickering in the Galaxy S22 Ultra. However, the frequency is very constant, similar to DC Dimming. Depending on the refresh rate, it operates at 120 or 240 Hz, meaning that the panel should cause relatively little discomfort for sensitive users.

I personally have the S22+ alongside my iPhone 13 Pro and currently it seems like the S22+ is giving me a bit harder time than the iPhone. I’ve seen some reports on Twitter where people notice PWM on the smaller models but not on the Ultra. If Ultra is using a different more DC dimming like approach, it could explain this difference. However, I’ll wait until Notebookcheck covers also the S22+ before I start contemplating on trading the S22+ for an Ultra. I originally went for the plus model thanks to better one-handed usability and a flat screen, but if the Ultra display flickers less, I think I’d live with the size and the accidental touch enhancer also known as a curved screen. At least I’d get the S-pen and a monster zoom to compensate.

 

[Enjoyneer]

I’d wait at least until Notebookcheck reviews the S22+. They did Ultra already: https://www.notebookcheck.net/Samsu...fusion-of-two-smartphone-models.610456.0.html

This one’s the interesting part:



I personally have the S22+ alongside my iPhone 13 Pro and currently it seems like the S22+ is giving me a bit harder time than the iPhone. I’ve seen some reports on Twitter where people notice PWM on the smaller models but not on the Ultra. If Ultra is using a different more DC dimming like approach, it could explain this difference. However, I’ll wait until Notebookcheck covers also the S22+ before I start contemplating on trading the S22+ for an Ultra. I originally went for the plus model thanks to better one-handed usability and a flat screen, but if the Ultra display flickers less, I think I’d live with the size and the accidental touch enhancer also known as a curved screen. At least I’d get the S-pen and a monster zoom to compensate.

This is the OLED flickering in the S22 ultra:

2 cycles crossing the screen at 120hz (240hz total frequency if you measure as in other places)

And 4 cycles crossing the screen at 60 hz (240hz static-one point frequency)

I will do an extensive post or thread about OLED PWM problem and phones explaining my findings

 

[now i see it]

Man- buying a smartphone nowadays is like dodging arrows

 

[majkom]

hm, played again with mini, such a great phone, i hate pwm why they cant do nonled mini, whyyyy

 

[5105973]

I am really curious if the se 2022 has a different display or display drivers in comparison to the 8. Because i am one of the people that wasn´t able to use my iphone 8 after the ios 14.6. I also can´t use any other lcd or oled iphone anymore since i get symptoms directly.

Yeah I’m really mystified and confused. My original iPhone XR was really harsh to my eyes, as if the white point was set way too high. I couldn’t wait to get rid of it. So I was surprised that the free iPhone XR that AT&T sent to my late mother-in-law’s account (we paid for) was so easy on my eyes. But comparing that panel to the one on my current iPhone 11, I saw some color temperature differences. Fortunately these differences didn’t have any impact on my comfort.

My original iPhone SE 2020 shockingly also irritated my eyes and gave me a weird migraine aura. So I wasn’t sure how it would work out with the 2022 SE. But I took a change and it turned out well so far.

I was recently sent and responded to a customer satisfaction survey regarding my SE purchase and I made it abundantly clear the role pwm had played in my abandonment of the OLED iPhones and embrace of the iPhones using LCD displays.

 

[asus389]

Yeah I’m really mystified and confused. My original iPhone XR was really harsh to my eyes, as if the white point was set way too high. I couldn’t wait to get rid of it. So I was surprised that the free iPhone XR that AT&T sent to my late mother-in-law’s account (we paid for) was so easy on my eyes. But comparing that panel to the one on my current iPhone 11, I saw some color temperature differences. Fortunately these differences didn’t have any impact on my comfort.

My original iPhone SE 2020 shockingly also irritated my eyes and gave me a weird migraine aura. So I wasn’t sure how it would work out with the 2022 SE. But I took a change and it turned out well so far.

I was recently sent and responded to a customer satisfaction survey regarding my SE purchase and I made it abundantly clear the role pwm had played in my abandonment of the OLED iPhones and embrace of the iPhones using LCD displays.

I have at times noticed different effects on eye strain with different models of the same phone as well. For whatever reason, the white/silver 64gb XR caused me no issues, but some of the other ones did. Its kind of odd, but my guess is they are using different suppliers for the screens depending on the batch?

Which model/color/storage of the SE 2022 did you end up getting? I'm thinking about trying that one myself.

 

[jimmy_uk]

I have at times noticed different effects on eye strain with different models of the same phone as well. For whatever reason, the white/silver 64gb XR caused me no issues, but some of the other ones did. Its kind of odd, but my guess is they are using different suppliers for the screens depending on the batch?

Which model/color/storage of the SE 2022 did you end up getting? I'm thinking about trying that one myself.

It will be screen supplier/calibration lottery for any iPhone you purchase. I don't think it's colour/storage that will make the difference.

 

[5105973]

I have at times noticed different effects on eye strain with different models of the same phone as well. For whatever reason, the white/silver 64gb XR caused me no issues, but some of the other ones did. Its kind of odd, but my guess is they are using different suppliers for the screens depending on the batch?

Which model/color/storage of the SE 2022 did you end up getting? I'm thinking about trying that one myself.

Starlight 256 gb

 

[Mastrociambella]

I wonder if the panel itself is different since reviewers seem to mention it as being the same part. However, the color calibration is definitely improved and I get no headaches personally but I do know of some users that have issues with I.e. the temporal dithering on iPhone 11.

I’m tempted to purchase a used iPhone 11, youre scaring me, i hoped lcd was safe

 

[chown33]

Moderation Note

I have updated the thread title to reflect the ongoing nature of this discussion.

 

[DJTaurus]

Moderation Note

I have updated the thread title to reflect the ongoing nature of this discussion.

Sorry for the quote. First of all thanks for the title change. But i think a more appropriate one would be eye strain while using iPhones with OLED display.

 

[Enjoyneer]

Moderation Note

I have updated the thread title to reflect the ongoing nature of this discussion.

Thank you.
Maybe a very subtle change as at first glance you keep seeing “Eye-strain……iPhone X……” if you don’t read carefully until the end, and there are up phones as the 11, SE2 and SE3 that are not involved.

Sorry for the quote. First of all thanks for the title change. But i think a more appropriate one would be eye stain while using iPhones with OLED display.

I agree, I think they have updated it because I contacted through Support->ContactUs explaining why the title was wrong and suggesting “Eye-strain while using iPhone 13, 12, X (OLED PWM)”
Yours or “Eye-strain while using iPhones with OLED screens (PWM)” would be also OK.

P.S.: How many posts are needed to be able to edit a wikipost?

 

[MICHAELSD]

Update:

I checked out the latest Galaxy phones for a few seconds and they all cause similar headaches. I’ve admittedly had a weird feeling when checking out Galaxy display phones in the past before Apple even transitioned, so it’s definitely a sensitivity to the smartphone OLED PWM approach. I have owned a PlayStation Vita with an OLED display and experienced no issues.

Surprisingly, iPhone 13 Pro Max didn’t seem to be as bad as I assumed it would. It may not be the worst of the lineup as measurements would imply. It also confirmed that if it weren’t for the Mini I would still prefer the Max size over the standard 6.1” form factor.

I’ve finally put my SIM card in the third-generation iPhone SE and it’s not nearly as bad as I thought it was. Even the Starlight color has hints of blue in direct sunlight. Colors on the display are vibrant and accurate, calibrated to the perfection that Apple LCD’s are known for and exceeding standards. I can mitigate the lower PPI by being more mindful about holding the phone further way, which may be better for my eyesight regardless. The only real drawback seems to be the camera, although I’ll manage to wait it out for iPhone 14 and hope that we see more improvements. For those asking, I do prefer iPhone SE to iPhone 11 and iPhone 8 Plus and feel that it provides the most modern and refined experience of the three.

So, I may end up returning iPhone 13 Mini and keeping the latest iPhone SE after all. No matter what I’m still incredibly sensitive to the PWM, and switching back and forth between the two phones further reinforces that.

 

[1369281]

Update:

I checked out the latest Galaxy phones for a few seconds and they all cause similar headaches. I’ve admittedly had a weird feeling when checking out Galaxy display phones in the past before Apple even transitioned, so it’s definitely a sensitivity to the smartphone OLED PWM approach. I have owned a PlayStation Vita with an OLED display and experienced no issues.

Surprisingly, iPhone 13 Pro Max didn’t seem to be as bad as I assumed it would. It may not be the worst of the lineup as measurements would imply. It also confirmed that if it weren’t for the Mini I would still prefer the Max size over the standard 6.1” form factor.

I’ve finally put my SIM card in the third-generation iPhone SE and it’s not nearly as bad as I thought it was. Even the Starlight color has hints of blue in direct sunlight. Colors on the display are vibrant and accurate, calibrated to the perfection that Apple LCD’s are known for and exceeding standards. I can mitigate the lower PPI by being more mindful about holding the phone further way, which may be better for my eyesight regardless. The only real drawback seems to be the camera, although I’ll manage to wait it out for iPhone 14 and hope that we see more improvements. For those asking, I do prefer iPhone SE to iPhone 11 and iPhone 8 Plus and feel that it provides the most modern and refined experience of the three.

So, I may end up returning iPhone 13 Mini and keeping the latest iPhone SE after all. No matter what I’m still incredibly sensitive to the PWM, and switching back and forth between the two phones further reinforces that.

Glad to hear the iPhone SE (3rd gen) will suffice. I've had my since launch and it is perfect for what I need. You'll be happy knowing you have a 100% PWM-free display and you saved a good amount of money. Win/win!

 

[Mr.Simple]

Notebookcheck has bring out his review of the SE 2022 in German. The LCD Display again don`t use PWM

Test Apple iPhone SE 2022 Smartphone - Günstiger iPhone-Zwerg mit 5G und Retro-Charme

Unsere Experten testen das iPhone SE 3rd Gen. Das günstigste Apple-Handy ist mit 4,7-Zoll-Display sehr handlich und auch für kleinere Hände geeignet. Außerdem bringt es viel Handypower für wenig Geld mit, muss sich aber weiterhin mit einem veralteten Handydesign herumschlagen. Handelt es sich um...

www.notebookcheck.com

Maybe i will try the SE when there is a good offer for the 128 GB Version. For my usage the battery should be enough for me. I don`t have 5+ SoT on a normal day Only the small displayarea could be a problem.

 

[The.Glorious.Son]

Notebookcheck has bring out his review of the SE 2022 in German. The LCD Display again don`t use PWM

Test Apple iPhone SE 2022 Smartphone - Günstiger iPhone-Zwerg mit 5G und Retro-Charme

Unsere Experten testen das iPhone SE 3rd Gen. Das günstigste Apple-Handy ist mit 4,7-Zoll-Display sehr handlich und auch für kleinere Hände geeignet. Außerdem bringt es viel Handypower für wenig Geld mit, muss sich aber weiterhin mit einem veralteten Handydesign herumschlagen. Handelt es sich um...

www.notebookcheck.com

Maybe i will try the SE when there is a good offer for the 128 GB Version. For my usage the battery should be enough for me. I don`t have 5+ SoT on a normal day Only the small displayarea could be a problem.

What size display are you coming from? That could be key in how you adjust. I glance at the wife’s 8 when she shows me something and it’s hard to believe I once used a display that small. It could have the sharpest most calibrated screen in the world and I still couldn’t be paid to use it. Same with the mini. But that’s just me.

 

[MICHAELSD]

What size display are you coming from? That could be key in how you adjust. I glance at the wife’s 8 when she shows me something and it’s hard to believe I once used a display that small. It could have the sharpest most calibrated screen in the world and I still couldn’t be paid to use it. Same with the mini. But that’s just me.

You might be surprised how easy it is to adjust to it. There was a time when I thought larger phones looked massive compared to iPhone SE, even coming from the largest iPhones.

 

[The.Glorious.Son]

You might be surprised how easy it is to adjust to it. There was a time when I thought larger phones looked massive compared to iPhone SE, even coming from the largest iPhones.

The two biggest issues I have are that I am 6’8” and the span of my hand covers a paper plate. Typing on phones that size has always been difficult for me. The other issue is that I use my phone for everything. My new MacBook Air sits idle 99% of the time. I really dislike viewing content on those phones. Even the 5.4” one. For me personally, things always look better on larger screens.

 

[Expos of 1969]

The two biggest issues I have are that I am 6’8” and the span of my hand covers a paper plate. Typing on phones that size has always been difficult for me. The other issue is that I use my phone for everything. My new MacBook Air sits idle 99% of the time. I really dislike viewing content on those phones. Even the 5.4” one. For me personally, things always look better on larger screens.

You have grown an inch since March 27. Will it never stop

 

[The.Glorious.Son]

You have grown an inch since March 27. Will it never stop

6’7” without shoes 😉

 

[MICHAELSD]

Before I change my mind again - I’m quite happily keeping this new iPhone SE until Apple can produce a flagship iPhone that doesn’t cause migraines or headaches.

 

[The.Glorious.Son]

Before I change my mind again - I’m quite happily keeping this new iPhone SE until Apple can produce a flagship iPhone that doesn’t cause migraines or headaches.

I think that’s a great decision. You get an excellent screen that transcends the specs, excellent camera regardless if a single lens, the benefits of Touch ID, and best of all no discomfort. I sure hope the 14 is our answer. Feeling left behind really sucks.

 

[MICHAELSD]

I think that’s a great decision. You get an excellent screen that transcends the specs, excellent camera regardless if a single lens, the benefits of Touch ID, and best of all no discomfort. I sure hope the 14 is our answer. Feeling left behind really sucks.

Funnily enough I’m finding the biggest difference is the camera, as the sensor is definitely showing its age in comparison. I can make do, but that’s the main shortcoming of the new iPhone SE.

The display is surprisingly contrasty and calibrated well—even warmer, which is my preference. Side-by-side admittedly some content looked better on iPhone SE, although the OLED display with its ridiculously high PPI is obviously better.

I guess we’ll have to look forward to a future iPhone generation, and when the day comes that there’s no more PWM then we’ll probably enjoy that iPhone 10x as much as we normally would have if we continued annual upgrades…

I’m fairly confident that Apple monitors this thread but I’ll be sure to send detailed feedback as well as I’ve tried every iPhone this generation besides iPhone 13 Pro Max.

 

[Ac1d 8urn]

I'm super late to the party but god PWM is the bane of my existence. I first noticed a problem way back in 2010 when I got my first OLED phone(galaxy SII). I got a 2 week long headache starting the day I bought it but didn't really connect it to the phone since I was diagnosed with ocular migraines earlier that year. The headache died down but I still had eyestrain and more frequent headaches, and whenever I'd upgrade my phone I'd get the 2 week headache again. I had 5 or 6 OLED Samsungs til I switched to an 8+ in 2018, then after about 6 months with that phone I noticed I hadn't had a single headache since I got it. I still thought it was maybe a coincidence until I upgraded to a 12 pro max in 2020 and the headaches & eyestrain came right back.

Last year I bought a 13 mini hoping the new screen would be better. Seemed okay for a few weeks until the headaches started. Then I bought a 13 pro hoping Promotion would be better. Also seemed fine at first, then the worst nauseating migraines of my life kicked in. Makes me mad cause even though I hate face ID I freaking loved that phone. And the worst part- because I am an idiot, I bought both on EIP so I can't even sell them until I pay them off 🤡 Just shoot me lol

So here I am back on my 8+ again with a pile of phones I can't use or return. I do love my 8+, I prefer the form factor and touch ID, it's just incredibly frustrating to literally not be able to use the new flagships. I sent feedback about PWM and I hope y'all are right about Apple monitoring this thread.

I ordered an SE 3 just to have something new that won't make me sick and will be supported for a while. Arrives tomorrow, super excited, gonna thoroughly test the camera & battery on my vacation at the end of the month

 

[now i see it]

I do love my 8+, I prefer the form factor and touch ID, it's just incredibly frustrating to literally not be able to use the new flagships

I too am using an 8+ I purchased new (Apple refurbished) a few months ago.
1. It’s definitely not slow (still on iOS 14)
2. Camera is better than what I need.
3. It’s the best form factor ever
4. No notch
5. No Flickering.
6. Good speakers.
7. Fast Touch ID

There’s nothing I can fault this phone for. As far as I’m concerned, it is a “flagship“.
If you want to experience real frustration, use an iPhone 6+ for a while. Geezus that thing is brutal.