Other Eye-strain while using iPhone X and up

[MICHAELSD]

Like some of you, I am running RWP at 25%. I really like using the accessibility shortcut of the triple tap on the side button to toggle that on or off. Sometimes when you’re looking at photos or other situations it’s nice to have a very quick way to turn off RWP quickly.

I had the shortcut setup as well, but stopped using RWP early on once I realized amplitudes are similar at equivalent brightness levels. Now I’m finding keeping it on at 25% makes the display slightly easier on the eyes, without the need to compensate with extra brightness.

I also find it makes the colors deeper and more vibrant, so it’s also more pleasant to look at—especially between 75%-90%. The only downside is that having RWP on appears to disable HDR.

There’s an additional cool option where you can triple tap the back of the iPhone to toggle an Accessibility Shortcut.

 

[Gargamelus]

How are you Pixel 7pro users doing? Very curious how you feel with using the phone? I am not sure how to feel, its somehow better than the 14pro but not perfect.

I ordered the 14 pro max, what do you guys think?

yes Dimi, it is definitely better than 14pro.. I can use it for 15-20 minutes without any symptoms. only then slight headache.. I would like to know what kind of pwm frequency the Pro 7 has..

 

[MICHAELSD]

Here is one additional aside that I have found interesting. Much of my testing of any of these phones have been done in my house, specifically my living room.
You may recall that I tried the 240 FPS slow-motion video test of lights in my living room and they all flicker like crazy. I've been contemplating replacing them.

Well, I've noticed that my iPhone 14 Pro gives me way less trouble outside and less trouble at work. I have a whole bunch of fluorescencants at work and out of a whole bank of them only one that is considerably warmer that flickers.

So what I'm trying to say is my living room is flicker hell, and outside or work is way better.

The screen is so reflective especially in dark mode that I wonder if part of my problem is the flickering lights environment and that that might be something for me to focus on.
Probably a good idea nonetheless.

Just thought it might be valuable information for some of you

Edit: It occurs to me that I haven't really noticed it until now because I have mostly been working at home this whole past month!

I don’t think it’s the flicker of the lighting, but rather the additional environmental bias.

Using these devices in the sun is different than sitting home. Even being out in the world our brains are stimulated a little differently. A variety of environments and lighting certainly helps, but obviously doesn’t solve PWM sensitivity.

 

[happy orchard]

Amplitudes on right at corresponding brightness levels.

Still confused. Amplitude is usually a scalar quantity, so is the percent showing relative change from a default amplitude?

You don’t have to try explaining again. I think I need to find some scientific data somewhere.

 

[MICHAELSD]

Still confused. Amplitude is usually a scalar quantity, so is the percent showing relative change from a default amplitude?

You don’t have to try explaining again. I think I need to find some scientific data somewhere.

I suppose it’s the depth of the flicker, as in the range of brightness it’s cycling between.

This is iPhone 13 for example:

It can be seen that at maximum and medium brightness the modulation amplitude is not very large (more precisely, the duty cycle is clearly low), as a result there is no visible flickering. However, with a strong decrease in brightness, modulation with a large relative amplitude (and high duty cycle) appears, its presence can already be seen in the stroboscopic effect test or simply with rapid eye movement. Depending on individual sensitivity, such flicker can cause increased fatigue. However, the frequency is quite high and the modulation phase differs in screen area, so the negative effect of flickering is reduced.

 

[now i see it]

When color doesn’t matter, try viewing text webpages (and almost everything) in grayscale. It really helps me (on a 8+). I rarely view the screen in color anymore except to verify some things.

After a few days using it like that in B&W it seems perfectly natural (and a lot easier on the eyes). When I switch back to color. Blamo. The LSD kaleidoscope returns.

 

[Chrispy]

Another day in and so far so good. What I've noticed so far coming from the XR:

• The weight and size are prefect for me. The weight is almost identical when cases are accounted for (Apple leather on 14 Plus and no-name Amazon on XR), and the width is also very similar. Reminds me a lot of my 7 Plus.
• The screen size increase is massive. I mean, I knew that going in but actually using the device really makes you appreciate the size.
• Reading text still has a slight bite to it that I can register but not enough, so far, to cause discomfort. That said, the LCD screens on the iPads and XR are still easier for text reading.
• Making fonts larger helps a lot and the larger screen helps even more. Something about OLED screens makes me need larger fonts. When I look at the font size on the iPad Mini compared to the 14 Plus, it's laughable how much larger I have fonts on the 14 Plus.
• This thing is snappy. Small things like changing songs in YouTube Music, opening Outlook, loading games, connecting to AirPods, etc. Everything is just far more responsive. If this 14 Plus doesn't work out long-term, I really hope the SE gets that rumored updated soon.
• The XR's screen already feels downright tiny after only a day with the 14 Plus. 😆 However, I still prefer it if you were to make me pick one screen to use forever. PWM issue aside, to me Apple's LCD screens just look better than OLED in how colors are reproduced, white balance, etc.
• The 14 Plus almost feels like training wheels for eventually owning a Pro Max / Ultra someday to make sure you can handle a big boy device first, lol.
• Oh, and if I'm being honest, I don't see a huge difference between the cameras as a very casual camera user. When lighting is good, I get very similar results when viewed on the same screen. Low light is definitely better, but sometimes the image processing is a bit much.

In summary, so far the screen appears to be tolerable but not amazing, I love the speed increase, but I still like the XR screen more. So I'm undecided, haha. Shocking, I know.

 

[happy orchard]

When color doesn’t matter, try viewing text webpages (and almost everything) in grayscale. It really helps me (on a 8+). I rarely view the screen in color anymore except to verify some things.

After a few days using it like that in B&W it seems perfectly natural (and a lot easier on the eyes). When I switch back to color. Blamo. The LSD kaleidoscope returns.

When I switch over to b&w, I notice blooming more (which isn’t exactly pleasant on my eyes.) Do you?

 

[john g.]

Another day in and so far so good. What I've noticed so far coming from the XR:

• The weight and size are prefect for me. The weight is almost identical when cases are accounted for (Apple leather on 14 Plus and no-name Amazon on XR), and the width is also very similar. Reminds me a lot of my 7 Plus.
• The screen size increase is massive. I mean, I knew that going in but actually using the device really makes you appreciate the size.
• Reading text still has a slight bite to it that I can register but not enough, so far, to cause discomfort. That said, the LCD screens on the iPads and XR are still easier for text reading.
• Making fonts larger helps a lot and the larger screen helps even more. Something about OLED screens makes me need larger fonts. When I look at the font size on the iPad Mini compared to the 14 Plus, it's laughable how much larger I have fonts on the 14 Plus.
• This thing is snappy. Small things like changing songs in YouTube Music, opening Outlook, loading games, connecting to AirPods, etc. Everything is just far more responsive. If this 14 Plus doesn't work out long-term, I really hope the SE gets that rumored updated soon.
• The XR's screen already feels downright tiny after only a day with the 14 Plus. 😆 However, I still prefer it if you were to make me pick one screen to use forever. PWM issue aside, to me Apple's LCD screens just look better than OLED in how colors are reproduced, white balance, etc.
• The 14 Plus almost feels like training wheels for eventually owning a Pro Max / Ultra someday to make sure you can handle a big boy device first, lol.
• Oh, and if I'm being honest, I don't see a huge difference between the cameras as a very casual camera user. When lighting is good, I get very similar results when viewed on the same screen. Low light is definitely better, but sometimes the image processing is a bit much.

In summary, so far the screen appears to be tolerable but not amazing, I love the speed increase, but I still like the XR screen more. So I'm undecided, haha. Shocking, I know.

I can't recall which other 14 series iPhones you've tried. But so far, how old is the plus compared to the other phones?

 

[Chrispy]

I can't recall which other 14 series iPhones you've tried. But so far, how old is the plus compared to the other phones?

The only other 14 line device that I've had for an extended period is the 14 Pro. My friend has a regular 14, so I've had some time with that but never for more than 20-30 mins at a time on a handful of occasions.

14 Pro - Best color I've seen yet on an OLED. Seemed closest to LCD I've seen yet, just with much better contrast. ProMotion is nice but I honestly don't notice it all that much, however I know I'm in the minority there. Sadly, the screen made me dizzy and I had trouble focusing. I got a tension headache within a few minutes of use.

14 Standard - First time I messed around with it, no issues. Last time I used it, I was able to do more reading and got a bit of a headache. He didn't have fonts increased so I was struggling a bit to focus but didn't want to change his settings. I blame that for the headache on that one.

14 Plus - Same as 14 but no headaches reading text. Screen still feels a bit harsh on the eyes with a lot of reading but not enough to trigger symptoms - yet. Years of getting excited too early keep me skeptical, ha!

14 Pro Max - Only used briefly a few times in store. Same thoughts as the 14 Pro, but I didn't get dizzy or have issues focusing during the 10-15 mins of use I had with them.

 

[nadiamo]

I have 3 more days till my return window on 14 pro closes. I really really like the 14 pro coming from an iPhone 11. But I had headaches(mostly gone now) and dizziness(my head feels really full, not a headache but equally annoying), and the tension around my head. Some days are better than others. As mentioned in another post, I also find using the phone outdoor causes less issue for me. I really hope I can get used to the screen so I can keep it, but not sure if it's worth it. (I know I know, it's not..) If I return this one, should I try 14 next or 14 PM? Really frustrated that after 3 years Apple is still not doing anything for our PMW sensitive folks..

 

[moviemaster7777]

Final week of trying the 12PM before it goes back, and by then the 13P should be here 😅

 

[john g.]

I have 3 more days till my return window on 14 pro closes. I really really like the 14 pro coming from an iPhone 11. But I had headaches(mostly gone now) and dizziness(my head feels really full, not a headache but equally annoying), and the tension around my head. Some days are better than others. As mentioned in another post, I also find using the phone outdoor causes less issue for me. I really hope I can get used to the screen so I can keep it, but not sure if it's worth it. (I know I know, it's not..) If I return this one, should I try 14 next or 14 PM? Really frustrated that after 3 years Apple is still not doing anything for our PMW sensitive folks..

I also have three days left on my 14 Pro. Reluctantly, I’m leaning towards returning it. I’m not sure if I’m gonna try out any other phones, depending on what Chrispy says, maybe a 14+. Or wait for the mythical SE.

 

[happy orchard]

I also have three days left on my 14 Pro. Reluctantly, I’m leaning towards returning it. I’m not sure if I’m gonna try out any other phones, depending on what Chrispy says, maybe a 14+. Or wait for the mythical SE.

I thought you were leaning towards keeping it. What's swaying you to return now?

 

[matthijst]

Been using the Pro Max for a week and a half now, after testing the 14 Pro, 14, 14 Plus. No more gritty eyes with this one. So I'm keeping it.
Finally found an OLED I can use (had issues with X, XR, and I think a 12 and 13 can't recall how many I returned).

Best thing for me is to remember to keep the brightness low.

 

[DJTaurus]

Been using the Pro Max for a week and a half now, after testing the 14 Pro, 14, 14 Plus. No more gritty eyes with this one. So I'm keeping it.
Finally found an OLED I can use (had issues with X, XR, and I think a 12 and 13 can't recall how many I returned).

Best thing for me is to remember to keep the brightness low.

I am curious why pro max is better than pro….was your experience with pro better than 14 and plus ?

 

[matthijst]

I am curious why pro max is better than pro….was your experience with pro better than 14 and plus ?

I used them all after each other so don't really know what causes the eye strain exactly. Started with the Pro, which seemed OK at first. But got strain after some days. Order the regular 14 which was easy on the eyes from the start. But wanted a bigger screen so got the Plus. Screen size was better, not sure about issues as I still had some grittyness and watery eyes. Read about people being able to use the Pro Max 14 here and managed to buy one from another store. First few days still had some eye strain. But seemed to get less each day.
So not sure if you somehow get used to it. Or if issues I had were a combination of smaller text on the regular sized phones and oled brightness (eyes checked, nothing wrong with them).
I'm just happy this one works for me.

 

[pwm away]

Anyone tried the Nothing Phone (1) yet?

Came across a YouTube review (in Russian, so not sure what the verdict is) where they use the Radex to measure flicker percentage (@6:53 timestamp): Nothing Phone (1) review

The values are in the lower range for an OLED phone; even slightly better than the iPhone 13 Mini in my measurements

 

[john g.]

I thought you were leaning towards keeping it. What's swaying you to return now?

I put the SIM back in my 11 for a day and just used that. It was then that I realized that my nervous system seemed calmer and the slight dizziness I was putting up with was gone. So, I just don’t know if I can do that to my nervous system long-term. I was functioning and quite enjoying the 14 pro. But once again I have to learn this lesson that being on the LCD screen offers you the opportunity to recall the difference between relative calm and the slight agitation and eye fatigue and occasional dizziness that you put up with with the fancy OLED screens. At least for me.
I’m might be willing to give the 14+ a look in the store but I think I might be done bringing phones home.
It’s sad because the 14 Pro ticks every other little box!

 

[nadiamo]

I put the SIM back in my 11 for a day and just used that. It was then that I realized that my nervous system seemed calmer and the slight dizziness I was putting up with was gone. So, I just don’t know if I can do that to my nervous system long-term. I was functioning and quite enjoying the 14 pro. But once again I have to learn this lesson that being on the LCD screen offers you the opportunity to recall the difference between relative calm and the slight agitation and eye fatigue and occasional dizziness that you put up with with the fancy OLED screens. At least for me.
I’m might be willing to give the 14+ a look in the store but I think I might be done bringing phones home.
It’s sad because the 14 Pro ticks every other little box!

I feel you. I really wanted the 14 pro to work for me. Gonna try it for 2 more days and see if I can tolerate it. Then again, what's the discomfort(even it's slight) going to do in long term? I like the size of 14 pro or 14, but I'm debating if I should try 14PM for the camera. But reading the reports here it seems like 14 in general works better than the pro series.

 

[jimmy_uk]

I put the SIM back in my 11 for a day and just used that. It was then that I realized that my nervous system seemed calmer and the slight dizziness I was putting up with was gone. So, I just don’t know if I can do that to my nervous system long-term. I was functioning and quite enjoying the 14 pro. But once again I have to learn this lesson that being on the LCD screen offers you the opportunity to recall the difference between relative calm and the slight agitation and eye fatigue and occasional dizziness that you put up with with the fancy OLED screens. At least for me.
I’m might be willing to give the 14+ a look in the store but I think I might be done bringing phones home.
It’s sad because the 14 Pro ticks every other little box!

That's how I felt with the standard 14. No headaches or eye strain had me thinking that it was finally the one but it made me feel off. Edgy, uncomfortable, the faint feeling of unease like mild motion sickness. As soon as I stopped using it and stuck to my 7 Plus I felt so much better and calm.

 

[happy orchard]

I want to be wrong, but I think this 14 Pro Max is making me ill.

😞

I am just so beaten down by this. This is my fourth OLED iPhone I’m trying this year. I don’t want to return another. I just want to not feel bad. The bad reaction from the Plus was instant, so I didn’t bring that home. But the two Pros and Pro Maxs almost seem(ed) to work.

I feel like Charlie Brown again. And I never even liked that freakin’ Peanuts cartoon.

 

[DJTaurus]

It took me exactly 3 days for my nervous system to be back to normal. Plus was way worse than 14. Watery vision and dizziness when exercising. At this point after my experience with 14 and 14 plus i don’t know if it’s worthwhile testing pro max too…… we are almost 1 year away from se4.

 

[G3Blue]

Standard 14 being returned, going to stick it out with the standard 11. I had scheduled a return for the refurb 11 to Apple but after using the 14 for a few days my eyes are back to feeling strained.

Going to set the 11 up from new tomorrow instead of restoring from back up as I had several scaling issues a few weeks ago.

Sucks but at least I know the oled iPhones tire my eyes.

 

[nadiamo]

Am I crazy to think I will keep the 14 pro, but trying my best to reduce my time on the phone? (I admit I have a problem of spending too much time on it) Thought I can eliminate my time with the phone by using MacBook or iPad while I'm home or at work.