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Are you experiencing this issue?


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jav6454

macrumors Core
Nov 14, 2007
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Also (offering this completely non-confrontationally), what I've found that shows PWM implementation in the Note 8 is quite different from what Apple is doing with the X. I haven't looked for data on other Samsung OLED phones. Both the frequency and the amount (amplitude) of the pulse matter (or at least logically should matter; I'm not an eye or brain doc) to different users. TLDR; not all PWM is created equal.

PWM is never equal because no tech is always made equal. See: CPU binning lottery.
 

newellj

macrumors G3
Oct 15, 2014
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PWM is never equal because no tech is always made equal. See: CPU binning lottery.

But PWM isn't a lottery, AFAIK. Engineers design circuits that have, within some range, similar pulse characteristics at nominal brightness levels. The analogy to the CPU binning lottery sounds like PWM variations are random and uncontrolled, which I don't believe is the case.
 

5105973

Cancelled
Sep 11, 2014
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Also (offering this completely non-confrontationally), what I've found that shows PWM implementation in the Note 8 is quite different from what Apple is doing with the X. I haven't looked for data on other Samsung OLED phones. Both the frequency and the amount (amplitude) of the pulse matter (or at least logically should matter; I'm not an eye or brain doc) to different users. TLDR; not all PWM is created equal.
[doublepost=1516821594][/doublepost]

Not sure whether you think I was disagreeing with you - I wasn't. PWM can cause eye strain and headaches. AFAIK, whatever else may or may not be true about the FaceID system, it's totally different than the Samsung retina-melting technology :eek: and there hasn't been any data connecting FaceID to eye or head discomfort or damage.
No, I think we are in agreement. I was just seconding what you said about the Samsung implementation. And I’m very wary of the Apple version, too. Sometimes I could feel a sensation in my eyes from the dot projector. Not pain, but a sensation nonetheless. I wish there had been more studies and data on this kind of use of laser technology before it is not only released for use on the general public but kind of forced on consumers as the only biometric unlocking option. I really hope Apple has done a thorough investigation on the impact of this technology on our eyes.

However, I’m pretty sure all the discomfort I was feeling in my eyes is from pwm, so I was affirming what you said. Mercifully, I’ve been spared the migraines many people have been getting.
[doublepost=1516831423][/doublepost]
If that 6.1" LCD version shows up, I'll be opening up my wallet forthwith.
Yeah but it is LCD for budget purposes. Other rumors suggest a less than flagship level camera experience. I hate giving up the best camera option. I went with the 8 Plus because for now, at least, it's very close in quality of camera specs to the top of the line X. The next generation may see a bigger gap. Sigh.
 
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TDDM

macrumors 6502
Nov 25, 2017
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Yeah but it is LCD for budget purposes. Other rumors suggest a less than flagship level camera experience. I hate giving up the best camera option. I went with the 8 Plus because for now, at least, it's very close in quality of camera specs to the top of the line X. The next generation may see a bigger gap. Sigh.

Not to mention worse specs and features overall. If the rumors are correct, it's going to have a resolution comparable to a regular iPhone, not Plus. Also, no 3D touch. I don't know how much of this is true, but I honestly can't imagine Apple putting a product like this out. It's not even a budget phone, $700 is still a flagship level price tag.
 
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Deacon-Blues

macrumors 6502a
Aug 15, 2012
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Yeah but it is LCD for budget purposes. Other rumors suggest a less than flagship level camera experience. I hate giving up the best camera option. I went with the 8 Plus because for now, at least, it's very close in quality of camera specs to the top of the line X. The next generation may see a bigger gap. Sigh.

Yeah I saw that yesterday in that story. If the 6.1" is going to be a budget phone with a downgraded camera, well that changes the calculation. I am not interested in a budget phone. I may have to just go for the Plus version, which will no doubt cost a fortune. Let's hope these reports of a 6.1" budget phone are erroneous.
 
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5105973

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Not to mention worse specs and features overall. If the rumors are correct, it's going to have a resolution comparable to a regular iPhone, not Plus. Also, no 3D touch. I don't know how much of this is true, but I honestly can't imagine Apple putting a product like this out. It's not even a budget phone, $700 is still a flagship level price tag.
With the trade in on my 7 Plus I was able to get the 8 Plus for $630. There was a time not that long ago that $700 got you the best Apple had to offer.
 

tcellguy

macrumors member
Sep 20, 2017
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Yeah I saw that yesterday in that story. If the 6.1" is going to be a budget phone with a downgraded camera, well that changes the calculation. I am not interested in a budget phone. I may have to just go for the Plus version, which will no doubt cost a fortune. Let's hope these reports of a 6.1" budget phone are erroneous.


It’s tough not having the flagship phone being an option for me due to the PWM. Luckily I’m pretty happy with the 8. I’d really like the option for the dual camera and larger screen in the same form factor though.
 
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Gollygeewillikers

macrumors member
Nov 17, 2017
37
27
Since returning the iPhone X, I've used a Pixel XL 2 (which had it's own unique screen issues, blue shift, no midtones at low brightness, so I returned it too), and now a regular Pixel 2 (the smaller one) and I've had zero issues with headaches, eyestrain, etc. Anyways it seems we're all talking in circles about what we think is happening. I wish some engineer or YouTuber would do a scientific test to figure this out and lay the discussion to rest.
 
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SlimFit

macrumors newbie
Sep 29, 2016
17
5
I had a note 8 before the X but I had no issues. I've also tested the Pixel 2 xl but didn't experience mich eye strain and definitely did not get headaches. This is an issue I only had with the iphone X and it was bad, which caused me to return it.
 

newellj

macrumors G3
Oct 15, 2014
8,154
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East of Eden
It’s tough not having the flagship phone being an option for me due to the PWM. Luckily I’m pretty happy with the 8. I’d really like the option for the dual camera and larger screen in the same form factor though.

I really agree - but the pattern looks like Apple just isn't going to do that. It's annoying. I really can't deal with a Plus-size phone and I tried the X and at least for now really prefer a non-OLED TouchID phone.
 
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Ffosse

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Nov 5, 2012
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I can't tell any difference in the screen between my X and 8 except that the X is slightly warmer.
 

newellj

macrumors G3
Oct 15, 2014
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East of Eden
I can't tell any difference in the screen between my X and 8 except that the X is slightly warmer.

Do you have TrueTone engaged on both? I spent a fair bit of time A/B'ing a 7 and an X and with TT off, honestly, other than size, they weren't awfully different unless you got to scenes that had blacks, where the X really (pardon the anti-pun) shined.
 

Ffosse

macrumors 68000
Nov 5, 2012
1,827
652
Yes, TrueTone is on both. Of course the OLED of the X is better at displaying blacks but other than that there doesn't seem (at least to me) to be much of a difference.

When I got the X (11 days ago) TrueTone seemed a tad agressive but I've gotten used to it and leave it on all the time.
 

tcellguy

macrumors member
Sep 20, 2017
75
45
I’d much rather have a 120 Hz promotion LCD display vs. OLED. It sounds crazy but the flicker in the OLED display seems almost perceptible to me and definitely looks odd while scrolling a page. It gives a confusing sense of bluriness. Conversely the display on the 10.5” iPad looks remarkably sharp to me.
 

MICHAELSD

macrumors 603
Jul 13, 2008
5,484
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NJ
Right, I wasn’t even aware of this thread and hadn’t experienced eye strain issues before using iPhone X. Certainly didn’t expect this to be an issue.
[doublepost=1516917854][/doublepost]Considering that this isn’t even publicized (yet?), many people coming to this thread are here because they had this issue and were looking to find more info on it, not vice versa.
 
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jaywinter

macrumors newbie
Jan 22, 2018
2
0
UK
Hi Have any of you guys heard of people who now cant use any gadgets at all because they are now reacting to all of them, as I am very concerned as I might have a problem.
 

MICHAELSD

macrumors 603
Jul 13, 2008
5,484
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I’ve already gotten used to the gestures, which become a lot more intuitive once you figure out how to use it one-handed without wrist strain, so I really don’t want to move to an iPhone 8. The compromise is to use iPhone X at above 50% brightness all the time, preferably in a bright room otherwise it still is straining. There’s still eye pain involved but not nearly to the same degree as using it at a lower brightness. I’m not sure that that’s really a feasible compromise for a decice I use as my main computer (by choice), so I’ll go check out the iPhone 8 Plus anyway then figure out what to do. The eye pain is practically a dealbreaker but I may not be happy going back to the old design.
 

TDDM

macrumors 6502
Nov 25, 2017
490
634
KA
I’ve already gotten used to the gestures, which become a lot more intuitive once you figure out how to use it one-handed without wrist strain, so I really don’t want to move to an iPhone 8. The compromise is to use iPhone X at above 50% brightness all the time, preferably in a bright room otherwise it still is straining. There’s still eye pain involved but not nearly to the same degree as using it at a lower brightness. I’m not sure that that’s really a feasible compromise for a decice I use as my main computer (by choice), so I’ll go check out the iPhone 8 Plus anyway then figure out what to do. The eye pain is practically a dealbreaker but I may not be happy going back to the old design.
Same, I have eye strain, but not nearly as bad as it was. I think I'm getting used to it, so I'm gonna keep trying it.

I'm also hopeful for Iris iOS to be updated, that would solve a lot of the problem.

Still no word from Apple on your end?
 

newellj

macrumors G3
Oct 15, 2014
8,154
3,047
East of Eden
Well, more rumours coming out with the suggestion that Apple is putting more emphasis on newer LCD technology instead of OLED. I'm hopeful for next year!

But Digitimes has a relatively poor reputation on rumors. The takeaway is probably that not only do we not know what's coming next year, even Apple may not really be sure yet. I think OLED, like FaceID, is the future. I just want them both improved before I get on that bus. :(
 

Tijdelijk

macrumors 6502
Jul 8, 2017
267
234
I’ve already gotten used to the gestures, which become a lot more intuitive once you figure out how to use it one-handed without wrist strain, so I really don’t want to move to an iPhone 8. The compromise is to use iPhone X at above 50% brightness all the time, preferably in a bright room otherwise it still is straining. There’s still eye pain involved but not nearly to the same degree as using it at a lower brightness. I’m not sure that that’s really a feasible compromise for a decice I use as my main computer (by choice), so I’ll go check out the iPhone 8 Plus anyway then figure out what to do. The eye pain is practically a dealbreaker but I may not be happy going back to the old design.

Compromises and there is still eye pain involved..

Enough for me to exchange the X

At the end it's only a phone
 
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MICHAELSD

macrumors 603
Jul 13, 2008
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Same, I have eye strain, but not nearly as bad as it was. I think I'm getting used to it, so I'm gonna keep trying it.

I'm also hopeful for Iris iOS to be updated, that would solve a lot of the problem.

Still no word from Apple on your end?

After all that time they told me it was the OLED technology... I told them to review this thread and escalate it.

I’m not sure Iris will fully alleviate it since PWM is apparent even at 100% brightness.

I checked out the 8 Plus and the X is definitely the better phone. Really don’t want to move to it but my eyes started throbbing while I was driving tonight and it was concerning.
 
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bevsb2

Contributor
Nov 23, 2012
4,982
15,092
After all that time they told me it was the OLED technology... I told them to review this thread and escalate it.

I’m not sure Iris will fully alleviate it since PWM is apparent even at 100% brightness.

I checked out the 8 Plus and the X is definitely the better phone. Really don’t want to move to it but my eyes started throbbing while I was driving tonight and it was concerning.

Get the 8 Plus. You'll enjoy your phone and life in general more if your eyes don't hurt.
 
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matthijst

macrumors 6502
Jun 8, 2009
266
242
I am experiencing the same issue with my X - mild headache, eye strain.
It just took me a while to find out where it does come from and unfortunately, that while was longer than 14 days return period.
Does anybody know, if there is still a way to return a device which actually causes me pain? I would be happy to downgrade to 8.
I called Apple and explained the situation.
Was able to return it after 4 weeks.
 
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