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On a side note from iPhones - Does the Apple Watch Series 8 use OLED PWM? and if so, has anyone had any issues with it? I'm looking at getting one, but given the bad experiences with iPhone OLED PWM, does the watch have the same issue?
 
On a side note from iPhones - Does the Apple Watch Series 8 use OLED PWM? and if so, has anyone had any issues with it? I'm looking at getting one, but given the bad experiences with iPhone OLED PWM, does the watch have the same issue?
Never had an issue with my AW 6 and I think they have very similar screens. I don't think it's as much of a problem on a watch as most of the time you're looking at it for relatively short periods of time.
 
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Thought I'd give the Pixel 7 a try as it was on a good offer in the UK. Was a mistake took about 20 mins till I felt the eye strain starting.

Shame the iPhone SE 4 based on the XR got cancelled was holding out for that to replace my iPhone XR, but guess I'll have to keep it a while longer now.
 
Hi Guys,

I just bought an s23 ultra, unfortunately i have headache since few days
I own an xiaomi 11T pro, it took me few days to acclimate to it in the beginning, but it doesnt look thats the case with s23
I also owned a samsung note 8, and no problem at all

Do you suggest to suppress totally the 11T pro, and works only with s23u, looks like my brain is not able to process 2 differents oled mobile phone

Thanks

Sometimes it is necessary to stop using one display and switch to another. But even then that is no guarantee your new phone will work for you, unfortunately.

@Roadstar Ive been using an S22 Ultra with no issues other than normal eye strain anyone would get using any device for too long. I’ve had a virus and been stuck in bed all week so I’ve been on my S22 Ultra a lot.

I’m sorry the new phone is giving you a hard time. I did notice I could not focus at all on the S22+ display at Best Buy. So I didn’t even try to contemplate an S23+.

I ordered 1 TB for the S23 Ultra. If this phone is compatible with my sensitivity I’m hanging onto it, just as I plan to hang onto my 14 Pro Max. My 14 Pro Max gives me problems but I can at least use its best functions for around an hour before I feel ill effects. That’s about the best I can hope for from Apple at this point.
I've been using my S23+ for a few days now and unfortunately I can say that it's been a rougher ride than my S22+ ever was. I think I've gotten more used to the S23+ after the initial shock and adjusting the settings (for example automatic brightness tended to pull the brightness really low, which in turn can amplify PWM quite a bit), but still I wouldn't call the current situation optimal and I'm inclined to use my Tab S8 with its great LCD more when at home (not that there's anything wrong with that, I just wish it were for a different reason). It'll be interesting to see what Notebookcheck says about these displays.
 
I’m sorry the new phone is giving you a hard time. I did notice I could not focus at all on the S22+ display at Best Buy. So I didn’t even try to contemplate an S23+.

Fortunately it's been much better now, maybe my eyes have adjusted to this display after the initial shock. It's not totally optimal, but this is something I can live with, at least for now.
 
I’ve made a recent discovery that is rocking my world so I’ve been going back down the research rabbit hole and now I’m more confused than ever.

Apparently, my Samsung LCD, which I have always liked and never had a problem with, has 120hz PWM. I filmed it in slow motion and it looks drastically different than videos of iPhones. There is a single slow moving dark bar, as opposed to the strobing effect on iPhone.

As I was reading about how RTings tests for PWM, I noticed an interesting quote from them saying multiples of 60 are better for PWM.

When you look at the frequency patterns for TVs with no PWM, they look very similar to the patterns for the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus on Notebook Check. According to Notebook Check, 14 Plus “must be using DC dimming,” due to the constant 59hz dimming. Yet the iPhone 14 with constant 60hz uses PWM as stated in their review. Videos of both the 14 and 14 Plus sure look like PWM.

So now I’m left with a ton of new unanswered questions. Is PWM at a multiple of 60, related to refresh rate, really better? Why doesn’t my TV bother me? Is PWM on LCD different than on OLED? Is the 14 Plus really DC dimming? Is the 14? If not, who can you even trust to analyze this stuff online?

References
 
I’ve made a recent discovery that is rocking my world so I’ve been going back down the research rabbit hole and now I’m more confused than ever.

Apparently, my Samsung LCD, which I have always liked and never had a problem with, has 120hz PWM. I filmed it in slow motion and it looks drastically different than videos of iPhones. There is a single slow moving dark bar, as opposed to the strobing effect on iPhone.

As I was reading about how RTings tests for PWM, I noticed an interesting quote from them saying multiples of 60 are better for PWM.

When you look at the frequency patterns for TVs with no PWM, they look very similar to the patterns for the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus on Notebook Check. According to Notebook Check, 14 Plus “must be using DC dimming,” due to the constant 59hz dimming. Yet the iPhone 14 with constant 60hz uses PWM as stated in their review. Videos of both the 14 and 14 Plus sure look like PWM.

So now I’m left with a ton of new unanswered questions. Is PWM at a multiple of 60, related to refresh rate, really better? Why doesn’t my TV bother me? Is PWM on LCD different than on OLED? Is the 14 Plus really DC dimming? Is the 14? If not, who can you even trust to analyze this stuff online?

References
I wish I knew. I’m confused about all that is going on. I have found I just don’t know until I try. Sometimes even the same model will have different screen chew (<<typo alert!!) characteristics that can impact my comfort level.
 
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There should be some forum award that goes to the longest running thread that isn’t pinned. 😎

always a pleasure to pop in and see what’s the latest. Hope y’all have found some peace.

I have a little one flash dot in my vision every once in a while. On OLED for about 1-2 years now. Sweet! 😆
 
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I might go this route as well. After trying the 13 Mini which has a 510Hz pwm rate it looks like the regular 13 pro is the only other phone with the same frequency. The 13 Mini definitely strained my eyes (some days not as bad as others) but it never gave me these weird head pains and nausea every other OLED iPhone seems to give me.
Curious how the 13 pro goes for you. I had the 13 mini, and the 14 pro is much better for me. Much much better. No dry eye feeling like I had with 13 mini.
 
Perfectly stated—exact same here. I can handle my 13 mini (and could the 12 before it) in almost all lighting conditions, and now that the lifecycle of and system software and firmware for the mini has reached a certain maturation point the screen is really more comfortable for me. The visual, sixty-frames-on-OLED stutter is obviously still there, just with less of the tangible “bite” I remember from before. …Or maybe I’ve just adjusted/adapted over time; or perhaps it’s a combination of different factors.

Not all Apple OLED works for me, however, since both the XS and 14 Pro I found unusable in terms of PWM-induced symptoms and I had to return them both immediately.

My ultimate point being: PWM-suffers who haven’t seriously should try out the 13 mini, even if just as a “side” device. It is compact, it feels modern yet simple, and it achieves a greater-than-the-sum-of-its-parts Apple magnificence that is sadly rare these days.
I lean towards you got used to it. That’s how I felt with the 13 mini.

You say software updated the PWM?
 
That the 14 has 60hz PWM / DC dimming implemented is new for me. I think Notebookcheck changed this as i remember another rate a few months ago when i was looking into this.

Curious to test the 14 again now
 
Please let us know how you get on with the iPhone 13, I'm also tempted to order one and try after seeing its high PWM frequency for an Apple OLED device.
Sadly the iPhone 13 was no good for me either. It's going back on eBay. It was more tolerable than the iPhone 14 range for example but the relatively small improvements over the 11's camera meant it just wasn't worth it for me.
 
That the 14 has 60hz PWM / DC dimming implemented is new for me. I think Notebookcheck changed this as i remember another rate a few months ago when i was looking into this.

Curious to test the 14 again now
Those 14 reviews are all over the place. They say the 14 Plus “very likely uses DC dimming to control its display brightness” because of the constant 59hz. Then the graphic says PWM detected.

Meanwhile, the 14 review says sensitive users should be cautious because of the constant 60hz. No mention of DC dimming.

Then there’s videos like these that clearly show PWM:




 
This is the least fun “party” I’ve ever joined but after spending months deciding what to upgrade my XR to, and going for a 14 in the end, I think I’m PWM sensitive and I’m gutted!
 
I bought a refurbished iPad Pro 11" M1 at the weekend and have now returned it. Despite being reported that it doesn't use PWM I feel like it wrecked my eyes like the OLED iPhones. The sides of my eyes were stinging and straining which led to a headache. So if there is no PWM it has to be the type of screen/dithering/and or a weird sensitivity to 120hz refresh (which my eyes/brain always struggles to enjoy)?!

Still happy with the iPhone 11 though so at least I'm still a foot in the Apple camp. Think I will go Macbook Air M2 next.

The problem I have now is the staff in my local Apple store recognise me for returning items........
 
Still happy with the iPhone 11 though so at least I'm still a foot in the Apple camp. Think I will go Macbook Air M2 next.
The problem I have now is the staff in my local Apple store recognise me for returning items........

Here you go...
1676382016606.jpeg
 
I bought a refurbished iPad Pro 11" M1 at the weekend and have now returned it. Despite being reported that it doesn't use PWM I feel like it wrecked my eyes like the OLED iPhones. The sides of my eyes were stinging and straining which led to a headache. So if there is no PWM it has to be the type of screen/dithering/and or a weird sensitivity to 120hz refresh (which my eyes/brain always struggles to enjoy)?!

Still happy with the iPhone 11 though so at least I'm still a foot in the Apple camp. Think I will go Macbook Air M2 next.

The problem I have now is the staff in my local Apple store recognise me for returning items........
Haha. The UPS guy has me on first name terms now. I'm expecting him to ask me if I want to go for a beer sometime.
 
I bought a refurbished iPad Pro 11" M1 at the weekend and have now returned it. Despite being reported that it doesn't use PWM I feel like it wrecked my eyes like the OLED iPhones. The sides of my eyes were stinging and straining which led to a headache. So if there is no PWM it has to be the type of screen/dithering/and or a weird sensitivity to 120hz refresh (which my eyes/brain always struggles to enjoy)?!

Still happy with the iPhone 11 though so at least I'm still a foot in the Apple camp. Think I will go Macbook Air M2 next.

The problem I have now is the staff in my local Apple store recognise me for returning items........
Did you try locking refresh rate in accessibility to 60hz or less?

Also, why not an Air 5?
 
Did you try locking refresh rate in accessibility to 60hz or less?

Also, why not an Air 5?
I didn't try 60hz because I now have a zero-tolerance attitude after all these years of eye strain. I've tried too many workarounds and suffered enough headaches - if I feel my eyes straining or stinging the device gets rejected.

Didn't go Air 5 because I wanted the quad speakers and ProMotion display + the refurb price for the Pro M1 is cheaper than a new Air 5. Jelly scroll is now very apparent to me on iPads and the ProMotion display helps reduce it although I can still see it on Pro iPads.

It's fine, I gave up on iPads years ago and I guess they're not coming back for me. A laptop is a better bet long term IF I can use the screen on the M2 Air.
 
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Who did already try the S23 ultra? I am currently testing the phone by using it for a couple of minutes a day, on the lowest resolution setting it seems better for me. Curious how it went for other people here?
 
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Who did already try the S23 ultra? I am currently testing the phone by using it for a couple of minutes a day, on the lowest resolution setting it seems better for me. Curious how it went for other people here?

Well I don't have the Ultra but the S23+, and while I did report having a rough start with this one, it seems like I've fully adjusted to using this phone now. I don't notice any symptoms even when using the phone a bit more and it's now more or less the same as my previous S22+ was before the upgrade.
 
Who did already try the S23 ultra? I am currently testing the phone by using it for a couple of minutes a day, on the lowest resolution setting it seems better for me. Curious how it went for other people here?
I did and it was a complete disaster. After just two days I ended up with unrelenting eye pain and migraine headache. At first it was tricky because a neighbor was burning leaves and the smoke got to me. But after that it became very obvious the display was the issue. Any other kind of headache I get always responds to aspirin or Tylenol. I was downing both in combination yesterday and it did nothing to kill the pain.

The display didn’t even look aesthetically pleasing and was visibly inferior to my S22 Ultra display. There was an off axis color shift trending towards a teal blue color. All OLEDs have at least a small amount of color shift but my S22 Ultra and my 14 Pro Max have just a very slight off axis shift. It’s barely noticeable really.

Not so with the S23 Ultra display I got. It looked as bad as that of the infamous Pixel 2XL panel made by LG a few years ago.

Also, where the screen should look solid white there was a very faint pearlescent look. I think this was something akin to a pwm shimmer.

I also was able to check out my husband’s S23 Ultra display which was slightly better than mine but also displayed the same characteristics.

Also at the same settings the new displays looked less bright and crisp and less clear. Like there was a faint smoky film over them.

When viewed alone it’s not so bad. But my S22 Ultra display has spoiled me. I know what comfort is thanks to that display. The new one is the opposite.

And guess what, there’s a reason for that:


In an effort to improve battery life which was the Achilles heel of the S22 Ultra they did something to make it more like an iPhone display. I’m starting to develop a deep burning resentment for Apple and its influence on the industry. From losing headphone jacks, to this and maybe the SIM card slot goes next.
 
I did and it was a complete disaster. After just two days I ended up with unrelenting eye pain and migraine headache. At first it was tricky because a neighbor was burning leaves and the smoke got to me. But after that it became very obvious the display was the issue. Any other kind of headache I get always responds to aspirin or Tylenol. I was downing both in combination yesterday and it did nothing to kill the pain.

The display didn’t even look aesthetically pleasing and was visibly inferior to my S22 Ultra display. There was an off axis color shift trending towards a teal blue color. All OLEDs have at least a small amount of color shift but my S22 Ultra and my 14 Pro Max have just a very slight off axis shift. It’s barely noticeable really.

Not so with the S23 Ultra display I got. It looked as bad as that of the infamous Pixel 2XL panel made by LG a few years ago.

Also, where the screen should look solid white there was a very faint pearlescent look. I think this was something akin to a pwm shimmer.

I also was able to check out my husband’s S23 Ultra display which was slightly better than mine but also displayed the same characteristics.

Also at the same settings the new displays looked less bright and crisp and less clear. Like there was a faint smoky film over them.

When viewed alone it’s not so bad. But my S22 Ultra display has spoiled me. I know what comfort is thanks to that display. The new one is the opposite.

And guess what, there’s a reason for that:


In an effort to improve battery life which was the Achilles heel of the S22 Ultra they did something to make it more like an iPhone display. I’m starting to develop a deep burning resentment for Apple and its influence on the industry. From losing headphone jacks, to this and maybe the SIM card slot goes next.

It is indeed really annoying that both Apple and Samsung don't seem to care about eye health while they are among only manufacturers among Google with its Pixel line that actually care about security on the software level. There are multiple Chinese companies that are trying to mitigate the harmful effects of PWM, but unfortunately most of them are also lazy to offer monthly security updates and/or apply really sketchy customizations to their flavor of Android. So we'll have to make a choice of having a peace of mind on the software level while our eyes burn or using a eye-friendly display with an OS where you don't dare to input any important data. Why can't we have both?
 
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