iPhone 14 Pro If you've tried iphone 14 series but still cannot use OLED, what will you do now?

[jimmy_uk]

This thread is really for those who are PWM-sensitive and have found they are unable to use the iPhone 14 series. Thread: "Eye-strain while using iPhone X and up".

This could be because of effects caused by the screen that causes eye strain, headache, motion sickness, a physical response etc.

Personally, I have been unable to use any OLED iPhone since the release of the X and I have tried most of them. The 14 Pro has been no different. While I could use it without feeling any ill effect at the time, the next day I had terrible eye strain and a migraine that wiped me out for a day.

I know others are still having issues with the OLED iPhones. It would be interesting to find out what you are planning on doing now.

I understand there will be many that won't be aware of PWM or OLED issues and/or won't be affected by it. This is good and I'm happy you can use any iPhone of your choosing. But for those of us who do struggle, it's good to have some space to discuss what's next.

(also please refrain from the usual "get your eyes checked" or "see a Doctor" replies. This is not the issue).

This is the main thread for all PWM iphone related discussions (5 years old, over 6000 posts 😵‍💫) : eye strain while using iphone x and up

 

[luigi.lauro]

I don't experience this issue, but I guess if I were in that position, I would probably go with a SE 2022, hoping that newer SE in the future will keep LCDs displays, and maybe grow bigger (iPhone 8 Plus like)

 

[Shirasaki]

First, I kindly ask anyone who thinks this “sensitive to PWM issue” issue is imaginary or fake to not reply with snarky comments. I’ve seen enough people posting those in similar threads and it is very disappointing.

To me, I think I don’t have the sensitivity issue, but I use iPad Pro way more than iPhone and iPad doesn’t have OLED screen just yet that uses PWM for brightness. I to plan to upgrade to iPhone 14 Pro Max so I’ll see.

 

[jimmy_uk]

I'm still uncertain what to do, my 7 Plus is aging but still functional. I most certainly feel like I'm missing out on new features, speed and improved cameras being the clear front runners. Having used the 14 Pro for an evening I can see I'm driving a milk float while everyone else has upgraded to Ferrari's!

I'm glued to having at least a 1080p display and I really appreciate the larger and wider Plus display, so the 11 and SE 2022 have never felt like options due to they're lower resolutions and size. But now in year 5, I feel like beggars can't be choosers.

The rumoured SE 2023 is said to be the XR body with a newer processor. I've said this many times before: While getting a new battery, fast processor etc would be appreciated, the lower 828p display would be a huge downgrade. I'd really want an upgraded 8 Plus but this ain't gonna happen. 🤷‍♂️

I am seeing Chinese Android phone makers talking about eye health regarding their displays and they are ramping up the PWM frequencies into the thousands in response. It's just feels like it will be another lottery and for an OS I don't really want to use. But I have been with iphone from the beginning so maybe I'm just suffering from Stockholm Syndrome.

 

[Evilxardas]

My problem seems more "complex" than yours because I have also been sick with LCD screens so my problem is not simply related to OLED technology.

I have three OLED phones at home that do not give me any problem: Iphone X, Pixel 4A and Samsung A52S (it's a 120HZ). Knowing my problem with displays I never tried to change the iphone X until now, with the iphone 14P which I can't use. Zero eye strain, I don't seem to have trouble focusing or anything, but it causes me brain fog/disorientation.

First time in my life that I have problems with an OLED.

Other devices I have had problems with: MBA 2018, MBP 16" 2019, and Ipad Pro 10.5". All three LCDs.
Moving to windows, my desktop (RX480 + Alienware aw2518hf 240hz flicker free) never gave me any problems, until I upgraded windows to 20H1! After that upgrade I was devastated, I had to take 10 days off from work because I was no longer able to look at any display. So I restored a backup and a year later I upgraded to 21H1 which is not giving me any problems and I blocked the updates.

The work PC is a Dell latitude 7420, which I can't use so I connected it to a portable 17" external monitor via USB-C, for almost a year everything was fine, in August it upgraded and I couldn't use the external monitor anymore either. I tried changing the cable from USB-C to HDMI and the problem disappeared!

So in my case it seems to be an interaction problem between software and monitor, not simply the monitor itself! The two macbooks I tried were making me sick with their display and also connected to my alienware.

So to answer the question in the thread, I will stay another year with the iphone X, then try the iphone 15 and if they don't work out I will go back to android with pixels!

 

[gmxplode]

I tried iphone 14 all models in store today and got instant headache (started severe in 5mins) . i had similar problems when i had iphone X and returned to get iphone 11 but its really sad that i cant upgrade to any other model because of OLED And PWM , please Apple do something!

 

[davidd444]

Returned the iPhone 14 for store credit, purchased a 128gb iPhone SE 2022 and will wait for the 6.1 inch iPhone SE 4 next year or 2024 w my $350 dollar credit

 

[jimmy_uk]

My 14 Pro and 14 orders where returned this week. I could use both without feeling eye strain on my focus muscles but the 14 Pro wiped me out as mentioned and while the 14 non pro didn't cause any headaches I still felt like the light from the display was irritating my eyes (bright light glimmer) and was uncomfortable physically to use (internally I felt off). I also hated the muddy yellowy OLED I had.

I tried various settings: brightness up, white point reduced, reduce motion, attention aware off. Nothing worked to ease the discomfort I felt. I really hate these OLEDs.

But it might not just be OLED and PWM as while I was in the Apple store I had a play with the 14 Pro Max (heavy), SE 2022 (tiny), ipad Pro 11 + 12.9 (both awesome) and the Macbook Air M2 (stunning laptop). Max 15 minutes of use and I left the store with aching, stinging eyes. WTF?!

 

[davidd444]

At this point I’m waiting till the hz is higher. Heard that the next generation Samsung displays will be up to 1440hz. I’m going back to LCD, no new iPhone is worth my eyes. Hopefully apple adopts Samsung new displays..they are getting better year by year.

 

[MiyamiSky]

Returned the iPhone 14 for store credit, purchased a 128gb iPhone SE 2022 and will wait for the 6.1 inch iPhone SE 4 next year or 2024 w my $350 dollar credit

Didn't know the SE was still around. I might have to check it out. I've been able to play with settings on iphone 14 pro to get the symptoms to be bearable but Idk how this will be in the long run

 

[thejadedmonkey]

Is PWM more a problem on the 14 series than it was on the 13?

 

[jimmy_uk]

Is PWM more a problem on the 14 series than it was on the 13?

I'd say for me it's slightly better for the 14 non pro. 14 Pro gave a reaction the same as 13 Pro. I haven't tried the Pro Max but this appears to have lower PWM than the 14 Pro and last year's 13 Pro Max.

I don't see the 14 Plus being any better than the others so I'm out again this year.

 

[kp98077]

maybe the iphone Plus maybe worth a try.. and say they are "all the same" if so they you are looking at google 6a

 

[twdawson]

I suffer with this problem as well but I dont use the iPhone mini for anything other than answering a call.
Everything else I just use the iPad mini which does not have the OLED problem.

My backup phone is the 2020 SE and is a very capable little phone.

 

[MICHAELSD]

Honestly I’m still trying to stick it out with the iPhone 14 series for now, but I’ll go back to an iPhone SE if it’s not practical long-term. The third-generation iPhone SE is surprisingly nice, it’s just that my usage changes completely with both devices; I.e., I wouldn’t watch movies or play games on iPhone SE, whereas I would on an iPhone 14 Pro Max headaches notwithstanding.

 

[jimmy_uk]

maybe the iphone Plus maybe worth a try.. and say they are "all the same" if so they you are looking at google 6a

Notebookcheck has the Pixel 6a at 240hz.

"At the lowest brightness setting, the display flickers back and forth between 34 and 240 Hz fairly inconsistently. At higher brightness settings, the amplitude continues to rise, so that users who are sensitive to PWM flickering should expect some difficulties."

I don't see this being comfortable to use?

 

[MICHAELSD]

Might I suggest the Galaxy Fold or Flip?

Both are cool alternatives to iPhone, and Notebookcheck reports that there’s no PWM above 99% brightness so for those willing to make it work it’s likely to be possible.

I do feel weird even suggesting it though, as I’m diehard iPhone through and through.

 

[Populus]

Hey OP, I think you forgot one option on the poll: Wait for the next iPhone SE, which will probably use LCD on a new design (probably either an iPhone X or XR design)

 

[MICHAELSD]

Hey OP, I think you forgot one option on the poll: Wait for the next iPhone SE, which will probably use LCD on a new design (probably either an iPhone X or XR design)

That seems like a plausible option.

I skipped iPhone XR specifically since I was still upset about my headache struggles with iPhone X, so to think the solution years later is to accept an iPhone based on that chassis is a bit frustrating to say the least.

 

[jimmy_uk]

Might I suggest the Galaxy Fold or Flip?

Both are cool alternatives to iPhone, and Notebookcheck reports that there’s no PWM above 99% brightness so for those willing to make it work it’s likely to be possible.

I do feel weird even suggesting it though, as I’m diehard iPhone through and through.

The Fold looks incredible - but who can use a screen at 100% brightness when they are so bright even at 50-60%?

And if having to use filters and work arounds is the solution to this then count me as someone who isn't willing.

 

[jimmy_uk]

Hey OP, I think you forgot one option on the poll: Wait for the next iPhone SE, which will probably use LCD on a new design (probably either an iPhone X or XR design)

I guess this is covered by "None of the above".

Personally an SE in an XR body doesn't bode well due to the under 1080p resolution (828p). This is just another form of eye strain for me as I seen fuzzy text. But I'm aware others will be happy.

Now if they gave us an LCD SE Plus, SE X, SE Mini then I'd be over the moon.

 

[Populus]

I guess this is covered by "None of the above".

Personally an SE in an XR body doesn't bode well due to the under 1080p resolution (828p). This is just another form of eye strain for me as I seen fuzzy text. But I'm aware others will be happy.

Now if they gave us an LCD SE Plus, SE X, SE Mini then I'd be over the moon.

Yeah, same. I really hope next SE doesn’t get the XR body, but because it’s too large for me. Like you said, either an SE X or an SE mini, with LCD instead of OLED, would be a dream.

 

[Fatus_Asticus]

If I had this issue, I would go to the store and play with the devices and brightness settings before buying them. It would be frustrating to buy a new device full of hope that the issue would be resolved or at least tolerable only to have to return it.

 

[Populus]

If I had this issue, I would go to the store and play with the devices and brightness settings before buying them. It would be frustrating to buy a new device full of hope that the issue would be resolved or at least tolerable only to have to return it.

Sadly, this is hard to notice on the store. There, you have a very bright ambient light, and you start to get bothered by this issue when using the iPhone with low brightness on a dimmed ambient. And usually you only use the dummy units in the store for a few minutes, unlike your new shiny iPhone you play with for hours.

Also, I won’t go into controversy here, but I’ll say that, at least with the LCD models and even some OLED models, the dummy iPhones on the store have better screens than those iPhones you buy. Seen with my own eyes, made the comparison side by side in the store, with both devices with auto-brightness off and True Tone off. As I said, I won’t go into any sort of argument, if people want to disagree, it’s okay, I won’t reply back. I know what I’ve seen.

 

[davedvdy]

Is PWM more a problem on the 14 series than it was on the 13?

For me, it absolutely was a lot worse at the start going from the 13 Pro to the 14 Pro Max. I now crank the brightness to 100% and reduced white point and the migraines are gone now.