Other Eye-strain while using iPhone X and up

[jm31828]

I’d refer back to this excellent post:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/eye-strain-while-using-iphone-x-and-up.2085427/post-31502979

Perhaps it isn’t viable with RWP set higher than ~ 75%.

It depends how sensitive you are to PWM. I had an amazing experience with iPhone 13 Mini, but still got headaches to the level that I shouldn’t realistically be able to keep it. iPhone SE is fine as an alternative.

Thanks for sharing the link!! That is really interesting. If one could deal with 100% brightness with no RWP or limited RWP, it sure seems doable!
I am looking at this and for me, I would likely need brightness down to 50% if I wasn't using RWP, or maybe 75% and then setting RWP at like 50%.... and so that roughly appears it would get me closer to 9% or so for the PWM modulation. Still better than the other models on that list including the 13 Pro I had been using, but far from that sweet spot at 100% that you had mentioned.
I wish I could set it to 100% with no RWP, and then get some sort of screen protector that is darkened and simply blocks a lot of the brightness, that would be the answer for those like me who are sensitive in that way.

It sounds like you may be wanting to try it again, and you mentioned the headaches- do they seem minor, and do they occur every time you use the phone?

 

[AJTC]

I’m getting on very well so far with my iPhone 14 take two. No image retention this time which is a good start and makes me think since the screen was clearly defective what else could’ve been wrong with it?

It’s day 2. Zero migraines, zero eye strain, zero bloodshot eyes.

I don’t want to get my hopes up yet. But if this works out for me either the defective display, different display manufacturers or having Covid was the cause of the issues with my first iPhone 14.

Day 3 and no mirgraines. I got bloodshot eyes during the night but I had been using the 14 in the dark and sometimes that happens with my 11 too. My eyes didn’t feel gritty or anything but some drops cleared them up.

I’m trying so hard to use the phone without letting my worry of migraines affect me. Every time I use it I’m like “I feel fine”. I just hope I don’t jinx it.

 

[happy orchard]

Day 3 and no mirgraines. I got bloodshot eyes during the night but I had been using the 14 in the dark and sometimes that happens with my 11 too. My eyes didn’t feel gritty or anything but some drops cleared them up.

I’m trying so hard to use the phone without letting my worry of migraines affect me. Every time I use it I’m like “I feel fine”. I just hope I don’t jinx it.

Wow! So cool.

 

[MICHAELSD]

Thanks for sharing the link!! That is really interesting. If one could deal with 100% brightness with no RWP or limited RWP, it sure seems doable!
I am looking at this and for me, I would likely need brightness down to 50% if I wasn't using RWP, or maybe 75% and then setting RWP at like 50%.... and so that roughly appears it would get me closer to 9% or so for the PWM modulation. Still better than the other models on that list including the 13 Pro I had been using, but far from that sweet spot at 100% that you had mentioned.
I wish I could set it to 100% with no RWP, and then get some sort of screen protector that is darkened and simply blocks a lot of the brightness, that would be the answer for those like me who are sensitive in that way.

It sounds like you may be wanting to try it again, and you mentioned the headaches- do they seem minor, and do they occur every time you use the phone?

Trying to deal with a brighter display contributes to a different type of eye strain, and certainly isn’t pleasant all in an attempt to mitigate the effects of PWM just to be able to use the display. Although I’m sure some of us would keep the brightness at 100% if it was completely flicker-free.

As far as the headaches I experienced, they were fairly constant as in I would experience them every time I used the phone and quite frequently. The most concerning is that they were still persistent like iPhone X but not as severe or debilitating.

As much as I want to try iPhone 13 Mini again, I’ve already learned that I won’t adjust and it will just cause constant headaches. RWP isn’t the answer or solution on any of these OLED iPhones.

 

[MICHAELSD]

Day 3 and no mirgraines. I got bloodshot eyes during the night but I had been using the 14 in the dark and sometimes that happens with my 11 too. My eyes didn’t feel gritty or anything but some drops cleared them up.

I’m trying so hard to use the phone without letting my worry of migraines affect me. Every time I use it I’m like “I feel fine”. I just hope I don’t jinx it.

If it weren’t for the positive experiences, it would be disappointing to see such a low rate.

iPhone 14 might be a wild card. 60Hz would be acceptable if the amplitudes are around 1% like on Apple Watch.

 

[happy orchard]

If it weren’t for the positive experiences, it would be disappointing to see such a low rate.

iPhone 14 might be a wild card. 60Hz would be acceptable if the amplitudes are around 1% like on Apple Watch.

What kind of data do we have on the 14 Plus? Same as the 14?

In the store, I brought in all sorts of bias when looking at it (no tele, no macro) but man when I picked it up, I just thought 'this is what I hoped the 7/8+ would become someday.'

I'm tempted to go try it, but I've already returned three phones this iPhone season.

And I have a 14PM on order -- mainly because it's 3-4 weeks out, so that gives me (more!?) thinking time. I love much about that phone, but not the weight. And I've been having dreams about the lightness of that 14 Plus.

Why oh why can't I just enjoy my 11 and let go of this consuming wild goose. 😣

 

[MICHAELSD]

What kind of data do we have on the 14 Plus? Same as the 14?

In the store, I brought in all sorts of bias when looking at it (no tele, no macro) but man when I picked it up, I just thought 'this is what I hoped the 7/8+ would become someday.'

Limited data on 14 Plus, but the consensus seems to be that users that do well with the 14 should do about as well with the 14 Plus.

It is difficult to test in store. I don’t love the idea of returning another iPhone, while at the same time this could be the best yet.

Edit:

At the least this thread might be influencing Apple’s display team, so our feedback on both PWM implementations could be valuable and contribute to the display engine on future generations. I certainly think if more of us were able to keep iPhone 13 they would have continued on with a similar approach.

 

[MICHAELSD]

Why oh why can't I just enjoy my 11 and let go of this consuming wild goose. 😣

That’s the rub, isn’t it? Every time I’ve returned an OLED iPhone and got over the disappointment period I eventually moved on, but it can be a long process.

I know once I return this iPhone 14 Pro Max I’ll at least go look at iPhone 14 and if it works out well in the store probably order one.

 

[john g.]

I'm tempted to go try it, but I've already returned three phones this iPhone season.

And I have a 14PM on order -- mainly because it's 3-4 weeks out, so that gives me (more!?) thinking time. I love much about that phone, but not the weight. And I've been having dreams about the lightness of that 14 Plus.

Why oh why can't I just enjoy my 11 and let go of this consuming wild goose. 😣

You returned your iPhone 14 pro then?

 

[happy orchard]

Limited data on 14 Plus, but the consensus seems to be that users that do well with the 14 should do about as well with the 14 Plus.

It is difficult to test in store. I don’t love the idea of returning another iPhone, while at the same time this could be the best yet.

Edit:

At the least this thread might be influencing Apple’s display team, so our feedback on both PWM implementations could be valuable and contribute to the display engine on future generations. I certainly think if more of us were able to keep iPhone 13 they would have continued on with a similar approach.

Agreed. I like to think Apple is trying, and we're helping with the research.

As for the 14, I haven't tried that (or the Plus).

I returned the 14 PM after four days because I was convinced my time with the 11 had ruined me for bigger (read: heavier) phones. I tried the 14 P, and decided the extra weight and massive lenses that kept the phone from laying flat were more annoying because of my time with the 11 (as if the 11 was what a 6.1 is supposed to feel like.) But then a few days after I returned it, I rethought again and bought it again. Now I've returned that because I've decided if I'm going to put up with an OLED screen and weight, then let's go big (for my eyes that love big font and so it feels different than my 11.) So a Pro Max is on order now. I've got the few weeks until it ships to think--MORE. Ugh, I'm so tired of all of this.

(Nostalgic for the days when I got excited about a phone, got it, and just enjoyed it.)

In all of my recent experiences, I never loved the OLED. Never preferred it to the 11's screen. But there was so much going on recently that I couldn't tell how much my headaches and eye issues were from the phone (or other things.) I'm wondering if it might help to try again during the holiday return period so I can have more days to try and just really live with the phone.

But I'm a data person. I love data. I love science. I feel like I'll make a better decision based on more data than on my personal experience.

 

[happy orchard]

That’s the rub, isn’t it? Every time I’ve returned an OLED iPhone and got over the disappointment period I eventually moved on, but it can be a long process.

I know once I return this iPhone 14 Pro Max I’ll at least go look at iPhone 14 and if it works out well in the store probably order one.

See, I'm excited when you say that you're going to try. Anxious when I think of doing it. But for others, I think go for it, try, experiment, yes!

I know you've been posting lots of good stuff on here, but if you could answer in maybe one sentence why you're sending back the PM and possibly trying the 14, what would it be?

 

[Chrispy]

I'm going to give the 14 Plus a try. I checked it out again in the store and the bigger screen really does make things better, at least for brief periods. I also really appreciate the size to weight ratio. Takes me back to my 7 Plus days.

However, I need to use it for an extended period to know for sure. I've been getting headaches the past couple of weeks thanks to the weather being unable to decide what season it is. When I'm fighting a headache, any screen can trigger it. Also, the 14 Plus is getting so much hate from everyone that I feel kind of sorry for it the same way I did for the XR back in the day, haha. So yeah, I will do my part and report back on my experience with it once it arrives.

 

[MICHAELSD]

Agreed. I like to think Apple is trying, and we're helping with the research.

As for the 14, I haven't tried that (or the Plus).

I returned the 14 PM after four days because I was convinced my time with the 11 had ruined me for bigger (read: heavier) phones. I tried the 14 P, and decided the extra weight and massive lenses that kept the phone from laying flat were more annoying because of my time with the 11 (as if the 11 was what a 6.1 is supposed to feel like.) But then a few days after I returned it, I rethought again and bought it again. Now I've returned that because I've decided if I'm going to put up with an OLED screen and weight, then let's go big (for my eyes that love big font and so it feels different than my 11.) So a Pro Max is on order now. I've got the few weeks until it ships to think--MORE. Ugh, I'm so tired of all of this.

(Nostalgic for the days when I got excited about a phone, got it, and just enjoyed it.)

In all of my recent experiences, I never loved the OLED. Never preferred it to the 11's screen. But there was so much going on recently that I couldn't tell how much my headaches and eye issues were from the phone (or other things.) I'm wondering if it might help to try again during the holiday return period so I can have more days to try and just really live with the phone.

But I'm a data person. I love data. I love science. I feel like I'll make a better decision based on more data than on my personal experience.

Why not try iPhone 14 Plus then during the holiday window? It’s another unique iPhone that sounds like it would fit more closely into what you’re looking for rather than another 14PM. It would also be great to have your feedback on how the display compares.

 

[happy orchard]

You returned your iPhone 14 pro then?

Yes.

In the past, I've preferred the Max model. Like I said, I think my time with the 11 convinced me I'd like the Pro better, but it just...I don't know. And I didn't want to keep it and find out what wasn't quite right about it after the 14 days.

 

[5105973]

Anyone else have any problems after this terrible experience with iphone OLED **** trying to play games on a PC or TV? I started to experience nausea with just a regular games, which a never experienced previously. I feel like my eyes are getting tired very fast.

I only had problems going to my Pixel 6 Pro Display which I used to be able to use. I can still switch to my Samsung s22 Ultra screen.

I had a freak accident involving a very naughty cat and smashed the part of my face that’s between the eyebrows hard into a door handle. (I was trying to prevent my late father’s cat from running out of her room while my other cats were out since they’re not used to each other yet). The cat won. They always win.

Despite that, my very mild headache only lasted a couple of days and I continued to read on my 14 Pro max fine with no additional issues.

Otherwise it has been business as normal on this phone with no headaches. I’m going to put Apple Care Plus on it and keep it. I’m not sure I’m upgrading to iPhone 15. If they put a periscope camera on it they may need one generation to get it refined the way Samsung did. Even now, the AI processing on the iPhone 14 Pro needs some more work, in my opinion. It can still be too heavy handed at times.

 

[happy orchard]

I'm going to give the 14 Plus a try. I checked it out again in the store and the bigger screen really does make things better, at least for brief periods. I also really appreciate the size to weight ratio. Takes me back to my 7 Plus days.

However, I need to use it for an extended period to know for sure. I've been getting headaches the past couple of weeks thanks to the weather being unable to decide what season it is. When I'm fighting a headache, any screen can trigger it. Also, the 14 Plus is getting so much hate from everyone that I feel kind of sorry for it the same way I did for the XR back in the day, haha. So yeah, I will do my part and report back on my experience with it once it arrives.

Yes! To all of it. The 7+. The mercurial weather. The screen triggers. The underdog.

So when does your 14 Plus arrive?

 

[MICHAELSD]

See, I'm excited when you say that you're going to try. Anxious when I think of doing it. But for others, I think go for it, try, experiment, yes!

I know you've been posting lots of good stuff on here, but if you could answer in maybe one sentence why you're sending back the PM and possibly trying the 14, what would it be?

I have a similar sentiment, since I’m not sure if I want to try every iPhone with a unique PWM implementation each generation. Although I did entirely skip two OLED generations between iPhone X and iPhone 12. I would be just as happy if you tried it.

iPhone 14 Pro Max still causes me headaches, so I have some degree of cautious optimism about iPhone 14 being an underdog that will surprise and hopefully delight…

 

[happy orchard]

Why not try iPhone 14 Plus then during the holiday window? It’s another unique iPhone that sounds like it would fit more closely into what you’re looking for rather than another 14PM. It would also be great to have your feedback on how the display compares.

Hmmmm. That might be a good idea there. 🤔

My hesitation is that in the store when I recorded on slo-mo, the 14 Plus flickered on 100% brightness. We're learning that there are a lot of issues at work here, but I absolutely know flicker bothers me--it bothers me in bike lights, in movies, in lamps. So that makes me hesitant to try the 14 Plus. ....?

 

[Chrispy]

Yes! To all of it. The 7+. The mercurial weather. The screen triggers. The underdog.

So when does your 14 Plus arrive?

Good question. According to Apple, Monday. According to UPS, tomorrow. So I guess it will be a surprise!

 

[MICHAELSD]

Hmmmm. That might be a good idea there. 🤔

My hesitation is that in the store when I recorded on slo-mo, the 14 Plus flickered on 100% brightness. We're learning that there are a lot of issues at work here, but I absolutely know flicker bothers me--it bothers me in bike lights, in movies, in lamps. So that makes me hesitant to try the 14 Plus. ....?

FWIW every OLED iPhone flickers at every brightness level, including 100%.

We have no data yet to back up iPhone 14 being better beyond anecdotal experiences from users that weren’t able to use iPhone X.

 

[DJTaurus]

View attachment 2098322I was just wondering, does anyone get kind of a blooming effect on the iPhone 14 pro max when reading something white with a dark background. I took a pic of it to kind of show. Sorry for the quality, I took it with my iPad

That’s what i keep telling. Dark mode gives me super bright whites aka blooming effect. I hate it.

 

[jm31828]

Trying to deal with a brighter display contributes to a different type of eye strain, and certainly isn’t pleasant all in an attempt to mitigate the effects of PWM just to be able to use the display. Although I’m sure some of us would keep the brightness at 100% if it was completely flicker-free.

As far as the headaches I experienced, they were fairly constant as in I would experience them every time I used the phone and quite frequently. The most concerning is that they were still persistent like iPhone X but not as severe or debilitating.

As much as I want to try iPhone 13 Mini again, I’ve already learned that I won’t adjust and it will just cause constant headaches. RWP isn’t the answer or solution on any of these OLED iPhones.

Sorry to hear that, but it definitely sounds like you have a direct correlation on the headaches being associated with the phone usage, unlike some of us who get frequent headaches anyway and are struggling to try to figure out how much (if any) if that is caused by PWM.

Anyway, I hope that advancements are made in the next year or so allowing you and many of the rest of us to be able to use the new flagship phones without issues!

 

[happy orchard]

Good question. According to Apple, Monday. According to UPS, tomorrow. So I guess it will be a surprise!

Yay that sounds like a fun mystery!

Also, my past with Apple delivery suggests that UPS might be more accurate right now--in a good way. Either way, it's going to be experiment time soon!

 

[happy orchard]

FWIW every OLED iPhone flickers at every brightness level, including 100%.

We have no data yet to back up iPhone 14 being better beyond anecdotal experiences from users that weren’t able to use iPhone X.

True. True. Hmmm. I do know that the X was the hardest for me to use--so much that I immediately returned it--and each year I've handled the OLED screens longer (6-10 months) before returning to XR/11.

I think my big problem is I'm looking for the neutral (and therefore wonderful) experience that I have with LCD in a phone with OLED, and each time it doesn't happen.

Also it quickly turns philosophical for me:

Do I stick with what works and fight my instinct to evolve? Instead, redirect?

Do I keep trying because success often comes with trying? Especially when walking away is easier?

Do I stop and learn from my experience? That life doesn't always work out for one like it works out for many?

I mean, dang, pick a lesson, I can make it fit into the freakin' buying-an-iPhone context.

 

[john g.]

Good question. According to Apple, Monday. According to UPS, tomorrow. So I guess it will be a surprise!

Please keep us updated. Some of us are still holding out hope

I’m more or less satisfied with my 14 pro but I still get some motion sickness sometimes. Still going to mess with promotion but my return window is going to be closing next week 🤪