Other Eye-strain while using iPhone X and up

[jimmy_uk]

Just back from my local Apple store having returned the 14 Pro and 14. Staff looked at me with a confused expression when I described the issues I'd had, no surprise. Even one of the guys I know there thinks there is something wrong with me after 5 years of returns - I can't argue to the contrary.........

"Just buy an SE" he says.....😣

Had a quick play with the Pro Max, damn that thing is a slab of glass! As always the screen is at 100% brightness and the ceiling lights are brighter than the sun. Also had some time with the SE 2022, damn that thing is tiny! In the showroom lighting the screen looked better with true tone turned on, and I've always hated true tone. 🤷‍♂️

If I just wanted a light usage phone the SE would be fine, and the rounded edges are still superior to the box design because it's like a pebble in your hand rather than a brick. Smoooooth.
But the screen is so small in use for any length of time (reading). The Pro Max is too heavy for an everyday phone (for me) but awesome as a mini tablet. The new Plus model I think will be a good compromise with its lighter body. All said an all-screen in the SE 2022 would be neat. My dream phone is still an SE 7 Plus though.

Had a little tinker with the iPads, still think the 12.9 is freakin awesome on the keyboard but too big in the hand. iPad Air is nice but the lack of Promotion kills it for me so an 11 Pro would be the go-to if I hadn't seen how sharp the 12.9 is with mini-led!

MacBook Air M2 was very, very nice and I'm tempted but have read some posts regarding dithering issues on this laptop (while it shouldn't have PWM apparently).

All that playtime has actually irritated my eyes so I'm done with Apple this year. Is this the end?

Bah!

 

[matthijst]

Just got the 14, sim tray on the bottom left side here
Screen is definitely easier on the eyes than the 14 pro.
More reddish/yellow, not as white white as the 14 pro.
Restoring apps how, let's see how it goes.

 

[badger1212]

Just got the 14, sim tray on the bottom left side here
Screen is definitely easier on the eyes than the 14 pro.
More reddish/yellow, not as white white as the 14 pro.
Restoring apps how, let's see how it goes.

Ahhh! Bottom left. I see it now 🙄. I just slapped a cover on it and just peeled back the rhs of the phone. I was a bit thrown by the reference to the esim on set up which I didn’t get setting up the 14 pro. Well that’s my excuse anyway.

My initial report is in agreement that it is definitely easier in the eye than the 14 pro. Slight eye strain but not as bad. Time will tell if it’s manageable.

 

[matthijst]

Damn. Now it's got me thinking if the 14 Plus might be similar to the 14 regular.
Return window ends October 5th. Plus releases October 7th 🤬

 

[dimitricook]

Damn. Now it's got me thinking if the 14 Plus might be similar to the 14 regular.
Return window ends October 5th. Plus releases October 7th 🤬

Are you fine with the 14 now?

 

[dstow]

This is the issue, I'd just wait it out until the 14 Plus drops just to confirm the PWM before committing to the 14 - although based on previous 6.7 models, they always tend to have lower freq's but who would have assumed the iPhone 14 would have a better PWM than the Pro? Nothing makes sense anymore, so I'd just hold out another few weeks

 

[dimitricook]

This is the issue, I'd just wait it out until the 14 Plus drops just to confirm the PWM before committing to the 14 - although based on previous 6.7 models, they always tend to have lower freq's but who would have assumed the iPhone 14 would have a better PWM than the Pro? Nothing makes sense anymore, so I'd just hold out another few weeks

Very curious How are you doing with the 14?
I am waiting for me 14pro to arrive, if i had to choose this is my favorite. If this doesnt work i will also try the vanillla 14 and then the max ane plus models if both don´t work.

 

[iCantSee]

My main takeaway from the last few years is to just let the dust settle. It’s not worth the headache. I used to be such an Apple fanboy standing in line for the latest phone… now I am happy waiting weeks to avoid the headache (pun intended).

 

[dstow]

Very curious How are you doing with the 14?
I am waiting for me 14pro to arrive, if i had to choose this is my favorite. If this doesnt work i will also try the vanillla 14 and then the max ane plus models if both don´t work.

Don't have one yet - on the iPhone 11 until I hear some more reports of peoples aneurysm rate using the iPhone 14, will see what the plus has to offer, if it's low PWM freq as expected I'll try the 14

 

[Chrispy]

I just remembered something interesting that I didn't put together until just now. Back when the Note20 and Note20 Ultra were released, I ordered both through work to see if the size of the Ultra was going to be too much to handle. At the time, we were thinking of rolling out some apps to Android at work and I wanted to have something to use for testing and recording training on physical hardware. When the phones arrived, I immediately noticed that I much preferred the screen on the Note20. I even used it for a week with no eye fatigue issues before giving it to someone at work who much preferred Android to iOS after I was finished with it. I had it such a brief amount of time, I forgot about the entire experience until now. So my sample size is iPhone X, PS Vita and Note20 for OLED screens devices I've used. PS Vita and Note20 gave me no issues.

Funny thing is, looking at reviews at the time, I was utterly confused by how I could find the Note20 screen to be superior. By all metrics, the screen on the Note20 Ultra should have been far superior being LTPO and 120hz max refresh, while the Note20 was a basic fixed 60hz OLED display. Heck, the Note20 got completely trashed for that display in every review I watched back then. But to me, it was far superior. Now I've experienced the same with the 14 Pro as the Note20 Ultra. It quickly tires out my eyes and I can never seem to properly focus on text. I'm starting to think I may not get along well with LTPO displays. Although that still doesn't explain why I didn't get along with the iPhone X OLED...

 

[matthijst]

Are you fine with the 14 now?

So far so good.
Only had it for half a day, but picking it up and reading the screen doesn't annoy me as the 14 Pro did. Hard to explain but with the 14p I was constantly checking brightness and somehow trying to adjust the color (true tone on/off), comparing brightness with the 8+.
The 14 is way easier on the eyes where I pick it up and it takes a second to register that is isn't my 8+

I'm not convinced it's "just" pwm though. No scientific explanation at all, but with all the pro models I've tried yearly, I've been always fiddling with brightness and colors, white points, never really getting the same feeling as reading the 8+.
The 14 *seems* to be similar to that: a warmer tone that's easier on the eyes. If you look at the screen text is instantly in focus, where with the 14P it feels as 8f my eyes are having trouble focusing or are constantly refocusing. I know you shouldn't be able to register 480Hz so maybe it's something else that's different?).

The 12 seemed similar to the 14 (had never checked the 12, until I saw one yesterday cause my dad had one from his job, I had, and returned, the Pro Max myself).

Think Ill request a return on the 5th, you get 5 working days to send it in. Will get the 14 Plus on Friday and then see how it goes during the weekend. Return either one on Monday. If this 14 turns out to be OK.

 

[john g.]

So far so good.
Only had it for half a day, but picking it up and reading the screen doesn't annoy me as the 14 Pro did. Hard to explain but with the 14p I was constantly checking brightness and somehow trying to adjust the color (true tone on/off), comparing brightness with the 8+.
The 14 is way easier on the eyes where I pick it up and it takes a second to register that is isn't my 8+

I'm not convinced it's "just" pwm though. No scientific explanation at all, but with all the pro models I've tried yearly, I've been always fiddling with brightness and colors, white points, never really getting the same feeling as reading the 8+.
The 14 *seems* to be similar to that: a warmer tone that's easier on the eyes. If you look at the screen text is instantly in focus, where with the 14P it feels as 8f my eyes are having trouble focusing or are constantly refocusing. I know you shouldn't be able to register 480Hz so maybe it's something else that's different?).

Your description of the color and brightness subtleties really resonated with me. I was always wanting to tweak screen settings with the OLED screens....constant adjustments.

I think I will try the 14 and see what I think. Thanks for the post.

 

[MICHAELSD]

iPhone 14 Pro Max still isn’t quite as bad as previous generations. Just not fixed.

I will say that my quality of life with this iPhone is better than with iPhone SE. It does seem to make me happier owning a capable iPhone.

Unfortunately I’m getting to the point where I might have to sell my 14” MacBook Pro due to headaches, and if I wasn’t using that then I might have a better experience with this generation of iPhones.

I’m curious if I’d still get persistent headaches using this iPhone without the MacBook Pro, since my headaches seem to be worse with the MacBook Pro surprisingly. I was even able to watch Apple TV+ for a few minutes, which I couldn’t do with any past iPhone. But my eyes aren’t too happy using both devices.

 

[happy orchard]

iPhone 14 Pro Max still isn’t quite as bad as previous generations. Just not fixed.

I will say that my quality of life with this iPhone is better than with iPhone SE. It does seem to make me happier owning a capable iPhone.

Unfortunately I’m getting to the point where I might have to sell my 14” MacBook Pro due to headaches, and if I wasn’t using that then I might have a better experience with this generation of iPhones.

I’m curious if I’d still get persistent headaches using this iPhone without the MacBook Pro, since my headaches seem to be worse with the MacBook Pro surprisingly. I was even able to watch Apple TV+ for a few minutes, which I couldn’t do with any past iPhone. But my eyes aren’t too happy using both devices.

Just in case it helps, I'm good with the M1 MBA. In case that's an option.

And still using and enjoying my 14Pro. And I'm with you: it does seem to make me happier owning a capable phone.

 

[john g.]

Michael SD and happy orchard, are you both sticking with the pro versions? Have you tried the vanilla 14?

 

[tonybarnaby]

iPhone 14 Pro Max still isn’t quite as bad as previous generations. Just not fixed.

I will say that my quality of life with this iPhone is better than with iPhone SE. It does seem to make me happier owning a capable iPhone.

Unfortunately I’m getting to the point where I might have to sell my 14” MacBook Pro due to headaches, and if I wasn’t using that then I might have a better experience with this generation of iPhones.

I’m curious if I’d still get persistent headaches using this iPhone without the MacBook Pro, since my headaches seem to be worse with the MacBook Pro surprisingly. I was even able to watch Apple TV+ for a few minutes, which I couldn’t do with any past iPhone. But my eyes aren’t too happy using both devices.

I remember you from a few years ago. In all honesty, I completely left this forum because PWM destroyed my passion for phones. I have my 8+ and a Motorola big-battery work phone. Every year I browse this thread, and I realize the issues still remain.

Se2022 is WAY too small
Every other phone is oled

I don’t see what the fix is, but it’s just so tiring knowing I can’t willingly pay $1500 and not get a headache from it. Apparently the SE Plus in the 7+ body never happened and never will? My 8+ back is cracked and my battery is at 86%, so I have maybe 6 months left before it’s obsolete. Sad, really.

 

[sorgo †]

My 13 mini is serviceable but also kinda makes my eyes bleed if I focus on it. Gonna try a 14 Plus (slated to arrive Oct. 7) and may keep it for the extra battery life if the display isn’t worse; I’ll be happy if I end up just keeping the mini but I’ll be moving to the city soon and the Plus’s battery could really come in handy.

 

[AlfieOrion]

Hey guys, so I went to the Apple Store and filmed all the iPhones available that are OLED in 240 and they all flicker and strobe like crazy. Even the 14 vanilla… it even flickers at 100% brightness. I included a clip of the 14. I think the only current viable Apple product for sensitive eyes is the iPad Pro 11” M1. If you’re willing to deal with some discomfort, the M2 MacBook Air isn’t too bad. The SE is also flicker free but man, that screen is so small I don’t think it can be healthy to look at it for any extended periods.

 

[matthijst]

That's why I don't believe it's "just" pwm causing issues.

 

[sorgo †]

Oh wow… now here’s an interesting thread.

 

[MICHAELSD]

Interesting. I can see strobe lines on the 14" MacBook Pro after attempting to use it for two months, almost like I can see the PWM flicker.

It's still best to return these devices at the first sign of a headache, despite not wanting to do so.

 

[happy orchard]

Michael SD and happy orchard, are you both sticking with the pro versions? Have you tried the vanilla 14?

Pretty sure I’m sticking with the Pro.

I’ve not tried the vanilla. While I do get a little intrigued with the reports of higher PWM frequency, when I compare the 14 and my 11, it doesn’t feel enough of a difference to warrant a change. If I can’t enjoy all of the fun stuff of the 14P, I think I’d rather stick with the 11.

I’m still keeping the 11, using it at night, and I still enjoy it. But today, I really enjoyed the 14P again—outside and inside. Just a really awesome phone.

 

[MICHAELSD]

Michael SD and happy orchard, are you both sticking with the pro versions? Have you tried the vanilla 14?

It's a bit difficult to say without using iPhone 14 Pro Max on its own for a little while longer.

My own consensus has been that it's better to return it if it causes any sort of headaches, but there's a lack of logic towards wanting to keep it regardless. Any headache or migraine is a sign that our nervous systems don't like it, and that we probably shouldn't continue using it.

I may still try the standard Pro or the 14. This nonetheless won't be resolved until there's no headaches at all like any past LCD iPhone, so I'd be reluctantly keeping it if that were the case as either iPhone is unlikely to be symptom-free as long as the OLED display utilizes PWM flickering.

 

[MICHAELSD]

I remember you from a few years ago. In all honesty, I completely left this forum because PWM destroyed my passion for phones. I have my 8+ and a Motorola big-battery work phone. Every year I browse this thread, and I realize the issues still remain.

Se2022 is WAY too small
Every other phone is oled

I don’t see what the fix is, but it’s just so tiring knowing I can’t willingly pay $1500 and not get a headache from it. Apparently the SE Plus in the 7+ body never happened and never will? My 8+ back is cracked and my battery is at 86%, so I have maybe 6 months left before it’s obsolete. Sad, really.

Hey, I remember you also being part of our unexpected eye strain journey. It is frankly smart to move on at some point, as every day I own a device that gives me PWM headaches is a day I'll find time to post in this thread as it's a constant reminder that doesn't go away.

I was fairly happy with my third-generation iPhone SE and find it to be a more comfortable display to stare at. I'm sure I could go back, but there's a night-and-day difference with iPhone 14 Pro Max.

I guess we're still iPhone enthusiasts despite practically not being able to use the latest devices.

 

[The.Glorious.Son]

I remember you from a few years ago. In all honesty, I completely left this forum because PWM destroyed my passion for phones. I have my 8+ and a Motorola big-battery work phone. Every year I browse this thread, and I realize the issues still remain.

Se2022 is WAY too small
Every other phone is oled

I don’t see what the fix is, but it’s just so tiring knowing I can’t willingly pay $1500 and not get a headache from it. Apparently the SE Plus in the 7+ body never happened and never will? My 8+ back is cracked and my battery is at 86%, so I have maybe 6 months left before it’s obsolete. Sad, really.

Holy shizzz a blast from the past!! Hope you’ve been well!