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I don´t think this is correct. I tested my Iphone 14 Pro side by side against my 13 mini. The Iphone Pro has a definitley higher PWM rate. See my Video below. For me the 14Pro is much more pleasent to my eyes.

What camera are you using to film this? What shutter speed?
120hz refresh ON with 14 Pro?
Would be helpful to have the same image showing in both phones.

Notebookcheck don't offer enough detailed info to the reader in how they perform the PWM test.
 
Notebookcheck don't offer enough detailed info to the reader in how they perform the PWM test.
Yeah, I wish there was a bit more detail. Navigating that list is also a chore even with browser search with so many devices listed. From what I saw in my incredibly unscientific shutter speed test, and seeing the 240fps slow motion results from my XR showing no flicker on the 14 Pro but clear flicker on the 14, if I had to wager a guess I would have put the 14 Pro in the 800+ range. 240 seems like a very low number vs the one I had made up in my head with my "tests".
 
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I don’t see any iPhone 14 in that link
Show restriction and then search for iPhone 14.
Unfortunately, this shows that we don't care at all about Apple. Apple is not willing to produce healthy displays. As much as I love my Apple devices, I'm going to look elsewhere now. Samsung also manages to implement at least constant frequencies in their displays. This makes them much more tolerable. My iPhone 12 Pro is superb, and Apple has done it there like Samsung. Why they didn't keep it is beyond me.
Maybe the Edge 30 Ultra that has a reduce flicker mode on display settings and Notebookcheck has measured a PWM frequency of 720 Hz.
 
Funny, my mom texted me this morning asking me if I knew anything about the Moto Edge 2022. Never heard of it but she's a huge Moto phone fan so I decided to look into it. Unlike me, she absolutely loves OLED and won't use a phone without it. I noticed in this review the guy shows the display settings for the phone around the nine minute mark and there is an option for Flicker prevention. I'm assuming that enables DC dimming based on the description for it on screen. More research led me to discover they offer this in a lot of the Edge line of phones for this year but most of them don't look to be coming to the U.S. anytime soon. It would be really nice if all phone makers made this an option. I don't care about color accuracy at this point. I just need to be able to look at the darn thing.
 
Notebookcheck lists already the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max on the PWM Ranking List. On both they have measured only 240 Hz PWM frequency :confused:
I’m fairly confident there’s more to it than a consistent 240Hz frequency, which we won’t find out until the full review.

They also have display measurements for color accuracy, which surprisingly are inferior to iPhone 13.

It isn’t all about frequency, as there are other variables that play into the PWM implementation. Hypothetically we could have a 120Hz rate to match the refresh rate and 99.9% of us wouldn’t have issues if the amplitudes were under 1% like on a LCD iPhone or Apple Watch. We already know iPhone 14 Pro Max has amplitudes somewhere between 10-38% at most brightness levels.
 
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The cameras on iPhone 14 Pro Max combined with the 2000 nits brightness display for filming outside is just incredible. I have to weigh whether the benefits outweigh the headaches.

I’m still of the opinion that auto-brightness should be left on as any settings intended to reduce eye strain seem to increase it for me.

Anxiously awaiting a consensus as to which iPhone 14 is the best of this generation.

Apple is making progress on improving the brightness controller each year to an extent, so I’m more optimistic about iPhone 15. At the same time it’s also incredible to me how much more refined iPhone 14 Pro Max is over iPhone 12 Pro Max two years later—there’s a lot of progress made to overall innovation year-over-year.
 
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If the iPhone 14 lineup still give the usual PWM symptoms .. I'll be very sad because I can't enjoy all the new phones features and keep the outdated iPhone 11 for a fourth year
 
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Quick update. My regular 14 is a joy to use compared to my 11. I still really like the 11, and it is eye strain free to be sure. The 14 will probably stay though I haven’t made a final decision. I had minimal to occasional moderate discomfort this weekend and that was using it all the time and comparing stuff and setting things up. I don’t typically use my phone that way. So that gives me hope that my normal usage should pan out fine.

As some of you know, I first tried out the 14 Pro. Now that is a hell of a phone, but I am still of the opinion that it bothered me slightly more.
Also, in using the regular 14, it’s clearly the more boring phone, but there’s a certain Zen simplicity to it.
It’s much lighter and the camera bump is way less intrusive and it’s just easier to hold.
I like a lighter phone, one of the reasons I really wished the 13 mini could have worked out for me.

I felt like the pro was super impressive, but kind of a brick, and my fingers would always touch the big ass lens mesa.
Great phone though.
 
If the iPhone 14 lineup still give the usual PWM symptoms .. I'll be very sad because I can't enjoy all the new phones features and keep the iPhone 11 for a fourth year
It’s reduced over previous generations IMO, but it does still give PWM symptoms.

I’m reminded how much more comfortable the display on iPhone SE is whenever I switch back, but giving up the OLED display and cameras makes for a distinctly different experience. Ideally all of these displays should be flicker-free, which Apple already knows as they prioritized PWM-free displays for upwards of a decade.
 
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Quick update. My regular 14 is a joy to use compared to my 11. I still really like the 11, and it is eye strain free to be sure. The 14 will probably stay though I haven’t made a final decision. I had minimal to occasional moderate discomfort this weekend and that was using it all the time and comparing stuff and setting things up. I don’t typically use my phone that way. So that gives me hope that my normal usage should pan out fine.

As some of you know, I first tried out the 14 Pro. Now that is a hell of a phone, but I am still of the opinion that it bothered me slightly more.
Also, in using the regular 14, it’s clearly the more boring phone, but there’s a certain Zen simplicity to it.
It’s much lighter and the camera bump is way less intrusive and it’s just easier to hold.
I like a lighter phone, one of the reasons I really wished the 13 mini could have worked out for me.

I felt like the pro was super impressive, but kind of a brick, and my fingers would always touch the big ass lens mesa.
Great phone though.
This is encouraging. Hopefully it keeps working out for you.

With the regular 14 I feel like I’m expecting or looking for a migraine so it’s hard to tell just yet. Posts like this will hopefully make me relax a bit knowing it’s working well for you.
 
Well, today I had an ah-ha moment that for whatever reason hadn't resonated with me until now. I have been mind blown by how much better even outdoor photos are with the 14PM compared to my 11 and that was enough for me to battle through the discomfort. By happenstance, I went outside and took an identical pair of portrait mode shots one each on the 11 and 14PM. Looking at them side by side the photo taken by the PM blew the one on my 11 away. That is, until I airdropped each version to the other phone. It was only then that I realized, on the same phone, the photos looked nearly identical. However when the same photo was side by side 'on each screen' the difference was almost shocking. It just had not occurred to me that the quality/brightness of the PM screen was making the major difference in the appearance of my photos.

Now, I am not denying the benefits of the 14PM cameras with the zoom lens, night mode on all three lenses, macro mode, etc. I am not trying to talk myself into the 11. That said, I am now leaning towards returning the PM. I am not a fan of discomfort. Particularly if it is every day and not something I will get used to. So while I have been a pendulum of indecision the last 10 days, I think I will sit out another year. As long as I am still getting decent shots with my 11, I am good. I have zero interest in the regular 14 models so I guess for me that makes the decision a bit easier.
 
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Quick update. My regular 14 is a joy to use compared to my 11. I still really like the 11, and it is eye strain free to be sure. The 14 will probably stay though I haven’t made a final decision. I had minimal to occasional moderate discomfort this weekend and that was using it all the time and comparing stuff and setting things up. I don’t typically use my phone that way. So that gives me hope that my normal usage should pan out fine.

As some of you know, I first tried out the 14 Pro. Now that is a hell of a phone, but I am still of the opinion that it bothered me slightly more.
Also, in using the regular 14, it’s clearly the more boring phone, but there’s a certain Zen simplicity to it.
It’s much lighter and the camera bump is way less intrusive and it’s just easier to hold.
I like a lighter phone, one of the reasons I really wished the 13 mini could have worked out for me.

I felt like the pro was super impressive, but kind of a brick, and my fingers would always touch the big ass lens mesa.
Great phone though.
I've been keeping up (I think) with your sharing, so I want to ask: What are you noticing that you like more than the 11? I get that the 14 has updated everything. I'm just curious what you specifically are experiencing that makes you go 'ooo I like this better than the 11.'

I ask for pure curiosity and sharing with others, but I also ask because I'm playing on the 14Pro. Hearing that the 14 is soooo much better tempts me, but I also drew a very faint line in the sand that says if I'm going OLED, I'm going Pro. (I want the telephoto, the ProMotion, etc.) Otherwise, I would stick with the 11.

Right now, I'm still trying my Mr. Rogers idea, but my problem seems to be I like the new shiny enough still that I keep playing with it inside in low light. Having some issues but honestly I can't tell if that's just stress, change in sleep, and mucho extra increased screen time recently. So my radar on my situation right now is just whacked.
 
Sorry, I just have to write this.

You know who I envy...

My boyfriend.

He dropped off his 12P for a new 14P on launch day. He picked a case at Apple after about three seconds of perusing. I helped him with transferring everything. He had a sim issue that I took care of in about a half hour. That's it.

Since then, he hasn't had a single, freakin' issue.

All he's said is he likes how the phone is faster, the battery lasts longer, and the telephoto zooms more now. That's it. It's just a phone that he uses a lot every day, and it just works for him.

I swear if I didn't love him so much, I'd hate him.
 
Well, today I had an ah-ha moment that for whatever reason hadn't resonated with me until now. I have been mind blown by how much better even outdoor photos are with the 14PM compared to my 11 and that was enough for me to battle through the discomfort. By happenstance, I went outside and took an identical pair of portrait mode shots one each on the 11 and 14PM. Looking at them side by side the photo taken by the PM blew the one on my 11 away. That is, until I airdropped each version to the other phone. It was only then that I realized, on the same phone, the photos looked nearly identical. However when the same photo was side by side 'on each screen' the difference was almost shocking. It just had not occurred to me that the quality/brightness of the PM screen was making the major difference in the appearance of my photos.

Now, I am not denying the benefits of the 14PM cameras with the zoom lens, night mode on all three lenses, macro mode, etc. I am not trying to talk myself into the 11. That said, I am now leaning towards returning the PM. I am not a fan of discomfort. Particularly if it is every day and not something I will get used to. So while I have been a pendulum of indecision the last 10 days, I think I will sit out another year. As long as I am still getting decent shots with my 11, I am good. I have zero interest in the regular 14 models so I guess for me that makes the decision a bit easier.
What about the PWM ? any issues ?
 
I've been keeping up (I think) with your sharing, so I want to ask: What are you noticing that you like more than the 11? I get that the 14 has updated everything. I'm just curious what you specifically are experiencing that makes you go 'ooo I like this better than the 11.'

Fair question!

Well for one, the cellular connection is just so much better.

Also to me, the camera quality and having photographic styles and all that is nicer. Night mode is also better. The speakers are better, my wireless stuff like AirPods and AirPods Max connect faster and seem to have a better connection.

It also feels better to hold. The straight sides make the phone feel smaller than the rounded sides that the 11 has. It’s still a big phone, but more comfortable

Of course it is nice and zippy compared to my 11.

MagSafe and 5G? Meh, maybe I’ll warm up to those things and maybe not. But I guess you could say those make the phone a little more “Futureproof”?


It’s not so much any of those things by themselves, it is the sum of all of them that just equate to a more pleasant user experience.



The one thing I really don’t like is no Sim card slot. If the 13 series didn’t bother my eyes so much that’s where I’d be going. Specifically the 13 mini. Even better size, and you get the SIM card tray! I know I could probably try to find an international version of the 14 but I don’t want to hassle with that.

Finally the 11 has been showing its age a bit on iOS 16, the 11 has been hiccupping a bit.
Dropping connections more, battery drain [do I have a bit of that with the 14 too] and the fact that I can’t go back to cellular service from my 14 unless I do the physical Sim card. Long story and multiple conversations with Verizon. I still don’t understand the technical hiccup there.

So, I’m still not 100% on the 14 but I’m going to use much of the rest of my 14 days return window to decide. Unless I come down with some cluster headaches and other symptoms it’ll likely stay.
 
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What about the PWM ? any issues ?
I’m the worst of the group to ask because I’m going through horrible neck issues which alone are giving me headaches and causing issues. I’m on my 11 right now and don’t really feel much relief. I’m going to wait until the extended holiday return period to try again when there is less pressure.
 
That said, I am now leaning towards returning the PM. I am not a fan of discomfort. Particularly if it is every day and not something I will get used to. So while I have been a pendulum of indecision the last 10 days, I think I will sit out another year. As long as I am still getting decent shots with my 11, I am good. I have zero interest in the regular 14 models so I guess for me that makes the decision a bit easier.
This is where I have landed. Back and forth, hoping to convince myself that the discomfort has been only imagined, then facing the disappointing reality that I’ve felt off for the past week, and it all coincides with the new 14PM. I’ve switched back to the 11 for the past 5 hours, and I can bittersweetly report that I feel normal again. Alas.

Has anyone felt normal — and I mean LCD normal — with the 13 mini or the non-pro 14? It sounds like those models employ a different type of flicker that might be promising, but I’ve read a number of bad experiences, too. (See? I’m still stupidly looking for that glimmer of hope…)
 
My 14 Pro goes back to Apple tomorrow so I took it out for one last spin before wiping it. I was finally able to actually see the phenomenon that I suspect is what actually upsets my eyes by moving the 14 Pro up and down slightly while focusing on text on the screen. When the phones moves even slightly, my eyes perceive scan lines in the text for a fraction of a second. This also makes some elements on the screen appear to shimmer for a split second. Because of this, I think my eyes are making micro focus adjustments to compensate. If I hold the phone very still, everything looks fine. I did the same test with my XR and all that happens moving it round while focusing on text is the expected motion blur. No scan lines weirdness. Shame to send the 14 Pro back. It really is a beautiful device and the black color this year is stunning. Most impressive looking iPhone yet, IMO. Back to the XR until next year when it all starts again.
 
Sent my 14pro back after a few days of use. Have used the regular 14 for some days now and it seems better. Still had some discomfort, but not sure if that was lingering from the 14P.
Am away for some days now and took the old 8+, so hopefully I'll be able to assess the 14 from sunday starting from scratch. Hope I don't get any issues with it, have the 14 Plus arriving nexr Friday. Can't wait to finally get rid of this 8+, so fingers crossed.
 
Fair question!

Well for one, the cellular connection is just so much better.

Also to me, the camera quality and having photographic styles and all that is nicer. Night mode is also better. The speakers are better, my wireless stuff like AirPods and AirPods Max connect faster and seem to have a better connection.

It also feels better to hold. The straight sides make the phone feel smaller than the rounded sides that the 11 has. It’s still a big phone, but more comfortable

Of course it is nice and zippy compared to my 11.

MagSafe and 5G? Meh, maybe I’ll warm up to those things and maybe not. But I guess you could say those make the phone a little more “Futureproof”?


It’s not so much any of those things by themselves, it is the sum of all of them that just equate to a more pleasant user experience.



The one thing I really don’t like is no Sim card slot. If the 13 series didn’t bother my eyes so much that’s where I’d be going. Specifically the 13 mini. Even better size, and you get the SIM card tray! I know I could probably try to find an international version of the 14 but I don’t want to hassle with that.

Finally the 11 has been showing its age a bit on iOS 16, the 11 has been hiccupping a bit.
Dropping connections more, battery drain [do I have a bit of that with the 14 too] and the fact that I can’t go back to cellular service from my 14 unless I do the physical Sim card. Long story and multiple conversations with Verizon. I still don’t understand the technical hiccup there.

So, I’m still not 100% on the 14 but I’m going to use much of the rest of my 14 days return window to decide. Unless I come down with some cluster headaches and other symptoms it’ll likely stay.
@john g. Thank you! This was great to read for two reasons:

1. I now know that I do not want a 14! :) The things you were raving about--and I absolutely get the whole is greater than the sum of its parts thing--are things I don't care about as much or haven't been issues for me, so that helps me feel like I'm not missing something that could work really well for me. I've been fighting a lot of temptation, and you really helped: thank you.

2. I love that you're enjoying it so much. Whenever people lament all the different choices Apple now gives us with iPhones--too many choices!--I think of these kinds of moments. If they just offered one, like they used to, you wouldn't have a phone so good for just you or I wouldn't or neither of us would because someone else would. So I hope the 14 continues to go well for you. Enjoy!
 
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