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


  • Total voters
    64

JPack

macrumors G5
Mar 27, 2017
13,568
26,262
Best bet will be SE4 as chances are, it will be LCD regardless of the size.
 

Drj44

macrumors newbie
Dec 21, 2017
7
7
I first had the problem with the iPhone X. With time, I started wondering if I had just imagined it. Today I received a new iPhone 14 pro to replace my old iPhone 8 Plus and I seem to have a hard time keeping my eyes focused on the screen. Maybe I had not imagined it after all. I am going through all the display and accessibility options thinking there MUST be a magic switch that solves the issue. In the loss process I am still at the denial phase!
I just reduced the refresh rate and …. Maybe it is better? This is one of the hardest thing that eye strain is so subjective that trying to quantify amounts of unpleasantness is hard. How do you judge if a screen is more or less irritating?

One thing that I wonder though, is that since the iPhone X not much analytical study seems to have happened. Has there been no physiological research that has been carried out to understand why some people are affected and others not? What is the physiological response that creates the strain? Some quantification? Let‘s stick some electrodes in some brains will you mr doctor?

In my case I suffer from an eye disease (cone dystrophy) that means I have use the phone at low brightness, ergo I am stuck! Do any of you also have eye conditions? Is that the common denominator?

What will I do? I will try for a few days. If it does not get better, I will go back to my iPhone8 and hope it can hold until the next big screen lcd…

Thanks for the thread that tells me i am not alone
 

davedvdy

macrumors 6502a
Oct 25, 2011
803
589
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.
Excellent post.

One thing I have brought up that I noticed too was that blue light mimics a lot of the PWM sensitivity symptoms (migraines, nausea, eye fatigue, etc).

I put a blue light filter on my iPhone 14 Pro Max, adjusted the brightness, white point and my personal symptoms are currently gone. At first I posted here, just maxing out the brightness worked, but some of those symptoms came back stronger than ever. I think the ambient room lighting is what makes a difference in some cases for some people like myself.

That may not work for everyone and the flickering itself can still be the issue, but as you well said...does that make their symptoms imaginary? Absolutely not.
 

Populus

macrumors 603
Aug 24, 2012
5,987
8,450
Spain, Europe
This year I’m gonna try, for the third and last time, to get an iPhone 14/13 mini, and give OLED one last chance. From mid December, through Christmas, to the end of the return period in January. If I’m okay, I’ll keep it.

If my eyes get sore and red again, I’ll definitely stick with LCD getting an iPhone SE third generation, and making it last as long as possible.

It’s a pity, because iOS 16 doesn’t look as good with the old screen design with the huge bezels and the button, but if I have no choice then… 🤷🏻‍♂️
 

nadiamo

macrumors newbie
Sep 24, 2013
27
62
14 Pro was a no for me. I always felt it's too bright for me despite playing around with different settings. I had one day of headache with it, but the main symptom for me was I felt dizzy the whole time. I returned it on day 12, and since returned to my 11 and has been symptom free. However I'm now debating again if I should give another model a try. Not sure which one to pick though since the reviews in the other thread really don't favor a particular device. Following this thread to see if anyone has good suggestions!
 

jimmy_uk

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Oct 19, 2015
2,482
3,309
UK
14 Pro was a no for me. I always felt it's too bright for me despite playing around with different settings. I had one day of headache with it, but the main symptom for me was I felt dizzy the whole time. I returned it on day 12, and since returned to my 11 and has been symptom free. However I'm now debating again if I should give another model a try. Not sure which one to pick though since the reviews in the other thread really don't favor a particular device. Following this thread to see if anyone has good suggestions!
The 14 Pro was equally as bad for me. The 14 Plus was also not good after only a few hours. The 14 I used for a week and didn't have eye strain or headaches but did feel a motion sickness unease that I couldn't live with. I also felt the display was too yellow and blotchy. I haven't tried the 14PM so my vote would go to the standard 14.
 

jimmy_uk

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Oct 19, 2015
2,482
3,309
UK
This year I’m gonna try, for the third and last time, to get an iPhone 14/13 mini, and give OLED one last chance. From mid December, through Christmas, to the end of the return period in January. If I’m okay, I’ll keep it.

If my eyes get sore and red again, I’ll definitely stick with LCD getting an iPhone SE third generation, and making it last as long as possible.

It’s a pity, because iOS 16 doesn’t look as good with the old screen design with the huge bezels and the button, but if I have no choice then… 🤷🏻‍♂️
Any luck with a fresh order for a 14 or 13 mini now the extended returns period is in effect?
 

jimmy_uk

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Oct 19, 2015
2,482
3,309
UK
Best bet will be SE4 as chances are, it will be LCD regardless of the size.
Likely we won't see an updated SE until 2024 according to the rumours, not great for us still using old iPhones.
 

Ac1d 8urn

macrumors 6502
Nov 10, 2020
344
793
Wisconsin
I really like my SE and would be fine with it for a while but I do want something with better battery. So I went to Best Buy and just played with the 14s for a good half hour or so. Standard 14 was okay but my head felt a little swimmy after a few mins, it felt like it would probably get worse the longer I used it. Both pros were a huge nope, pretty much instant eye strain. But the 14 plus seemed… just fine. I played around with it for a good 10-15 mins and felt no eye pain or dizziness. I don’t really want another huge phone, but if it’s the only one I can use comfortably then I’ll get over the size. With the holiday return periods coming up I might just give it a try 🤞🏼
 

jm31828

macrumors 65816
Sep 28, 2015
1,394
896
Bothell, Washington
I really like my SE and would be fine with it for a while but I do want something with better battery. So I went to Best Buy and just played with the 14s for a good half hour or so. Standard 14 was okay but my head felt a little swimmy after a few mins, it felt like it would probably get worse the longer I used it. Both pros were a huge nope, pretty much instant eye strain. But the 14 plus seemed… just fine. I played around with it for a good 10-15 mins and felt no eye pain or dizziness. I don’t really want another huge phone, but if it’s the only one I can use comfortably then I’ll get over the size. With the holiday return periods coming up I might just give it a try

It’s interesting given how the 14 and 14 plus appear to be the same pwm-wise according to notebook check.
Glad you found one that might work!
 
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JM

macrumors 601
Nov 23, 2014
4,086
6,381
I would rock the SE3. My wife has one and I’m always impressed with the photos quality it takes. Plus, the lightness and best one handed use out of all models is a real pleasure.
 

Ac1d 8urn

macrumors 6502
Nov 10, 2020
344
793
Wisconsin
It’s interesting given how the 14 and 14 plus appear to be the same pwm-wise according to notebook check.
Glad you found one that might work!

I think it has something to do with the bigger size. I've noticed my SE3's screen doesn't hurt my eyes, but focusing on such a small screen does bother me after a while even though it's LCD. I can stare at my 8+ for hours with zero adverse effects. I'm getting old lol.
 

jm31828

macrumors 65816
Sep 28, 2015
1,394
896
Bothell, Washington
I think it has something to do with the bigger size. I've noticed my SE3's screen doesn't hurt my eyes, but focusing on such a small screen does bother me after a while even though it's LCD. I can stare at my 8+ for hours with zero adverse effects. I'm getting old lol.
LOL I'm right there with you, I think.



But great point about the size. It seems text is the same size on the SE as it is on a regular 13 or 14, isn't it? It's just that it's crammed into a smaller window, and overall you are straining to try to see pictures and icons and things like that a lot more. That's what I'm finding anyway, along with the odd dry/slight burning feeling in my eyes when using the SE that I can't quite explain.
 

jimmy_uk

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Oct 19, 2015
2,482
3,309
UK
I think it has something to do with the bigger size. I've noticed my SE3's screen doesn't hurt my eyes, but focusing on such a small screen does bother me after a while even though it's LCD. I can stare at my 8+ for hours with zero adverse effects. I'm getting old lol.

LOL I'm right there with you, I think.



But great point about the size. It seems text is the same size on the SE as it is on a regular 13 or 14, isn't it? It's just that it's crammed into a smaller window, and overall you are straining to try to see pictures and icons and things like that a lot more. That's what I'm finding anyway, along with the odd dry/slight burning feeling in my eyes when using the SE that I can't quite explain.

The SE has a much lower PPI and under 1080p resolution. This will definitely be contributing to some eye strain and challenge when reading text etc when compared to the 8 Plus and OLED iPhones. Not so much an issue with the iPads as you hold them further away (excluding the Mini 6 as iPad iOS and text is so small), but using a phone closer to your eyes can really show the dip in PPI.

I've been very spoilt with the 5k iMac, most displays look trash to me now - this includes my 2k Ultra wide monitor on my home setup.
 

jm31828

macrumors 65816
Sep 28, 2015
1,394
896
Bothell, Washington
The SE has a much lower PPI and under 1080p resolution. This will definitely be contributing to some eye strain and challenge when reading text etc when compared to the 8 Plus and OLED iPhones. Not so much an issue with the iPads as you hold them further away (excluding the Mini 6 as iPad iOS and text is so small), but using a phone closer to your eyes can really show the dip in PPI.

I've been very spoilt with the 5k iMac, most displays look trash to me now - this includes my 2k Ultra wide monitor on my home setup.
Yeah, I agree with you on the 5K iMac- I have a 27" 2017 iMac that I bought a few years ago, and it is amazing, I could never step down in resolution again in regards to a computer monitor.

On my phone, surprisingly it wasn't a big deal moving from my 13 Pro to the SE- sure I noticed a difference, but the colors and resolution still look great.

As i've stated in other threads, though- I do still want to try the regular 14, because if I can get one that truly is comfortable for the eyes- without the slight left eye pain I got from my 13 Pro, or the dry/burning eyes I get on the SE, I would gladly keep it and stick with it, even if it's bigger than I really would like.... and I do have to admit OLED looks nicer.
 
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jimmy_uk

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Oct 19, 2015
2,482
3,309
UK
Yeah, I agree with you on the 5K iMac- I have a 27" 2017 iMac that I bought a few years ago, and it is amazing, I could never step down in resolution again in regards to a computer monitor.

On my phone, surprisingly it wasn't a big deal moving from my 13 Pro to the SE- sure I noticed a difference, but the colors and resolution still look great.

As i've stated in other threads, though- I do still want to try the regular 14, because if I can get one that truly is comfortable for the eyes- without the slight left eye pain I got from my 13 Pro, or the dry/burning eyes I get on the SE, I would gladly keep it and stick with it, even if it's bigger than I really would like.... and I do have to admit OLED looks nicer.
I actually still prefer LCD for computing devices as colours don't instantly shift when moving your head or device. LCD is still more comfortable but I do like my OLED TV for the deep blacks when gaming etc.

The huge advantage the OLED iPhones have is the high PPI and resolution but I still think the Mini-LED 12.9" iPP is the best screen I've seen in a long while as it has fantastic contrast and crisp whites. Not loving these yellow whites on the OLED iPhones at all.
 
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jm31828

macrumors 65816
Sep 28, 2015
1,394
896
Bothell, Washington
I actually still prefer LCD for computing devices as colours don't instantly shift when moving your head or device. LCD is still more comfortable but I do like my OLED TV for the deep blacks when gaming etc.

The huge advantage the OLED iPhones have is the high PPI and resolution but I still think the Mini-LED 12.9" iPP is the best screen I've seen in a long while as it has fantastic contrast and crisp whites. Not loving these yellow whites on the OLED iPhones at all.
Yeah, agreed on the yellow whites. Not a fan. I have won the screen lottery on the two OLED phones I've had, though, in that the whites were pretty good, not very yellow at all. However, when going to my SE, I was surprised at how white/blue the whites are on the LCD displays.

I've seen some people mention issues with PWM on the mini-LED iPad Pro- any issues for you? It's surprising to hear there are issues given how incredibly high the PWM frequency is on those. I have not ever gotten to look at the display on one of those yet.
 
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jimmy_uk

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Oct 19, 2015
2,482
3,309
UK
Yeah, agreed on the yellow whites. Not a fan. I have won the screen lottery on the two OLED phones I've had, though, in that the whites were pretty good, not very yellow at all. However, when going to my SE, I was surprised at how white/blue the whites are on the LCD displays.

I've seen some people mention issues with PWM on the mini-LED iPad Pro- any issues for you? It's surprising to hear there are issues given how incredibly high the PWM frequency is on those. I have not ever gotten to look at the display on one of those yet.
Sadly I did find the Mini-LED iPP 2021 bothered my eyes. It's the usual overly bright shimmer across my vision, my eye muscles felt sore and strained. At the time I didn't try to fiddle with any settings to try and improve the situation as I was stubborn and wanted to use the device how it came out of the box, especially due to the total cost with the Magic Keyboard. Having issues with the 13 Pro and 13 iPhones and then the ipad had me returning for refunds thinking it was another write off year to PWM.

Now I'm starting to think that my brain doesn't like 120hz refresh, like it's too smooth and artificial. I would like to revisit the 12.9".
 
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esaelias187

macrumors regular
Jul 25, 2017
232
132
So i was using the iphone 11 but screen smashed

So im currently using the iphone se 2022

Its good but too small and also for some reason us giving me a weird strain even though same screen as iphone 11.


I wanted to repair 11

Cost was 229 pounds for screen only
If i replaced it refurbished 379
Brand new is 439

Today i ordered 14 non pro

My plan

See iphone 14 if bad
Buy new iphone 11
Sell smashed screen one
Keep weird eye strain se 2022 as back up phone

So i think iphone 11 it is
 

jimmy_uk

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Oct 19, 2015
2,482
3,309
UK
So i was using the iphone 11 but screen smashed

So im currently using the iphone se 2022

Its good but too small and also for some reason us giving me a weird strain even though same screen as iphone 11.


I wanted to repair 11

Cost was 229 pounds for screen only
If i replaced it refurbished 379
Brand new is 439

Today i ordered 14 non pro

My plan

See iphone 14 if bad
Buy new iphone 11
Sell smashed screen one
Keep weird eye strain se 2022 as back up phone

So i think iphone 11 it is
Hopefully the 14 is good for you and you can bail on the 11. 👍
 

esaelias187

macrumors regular
Jul 25, 2017
232
132
Hopefully the 14 is good for you and you can bail on the 11. 👍
Still confused why the se is giving dry eyes but lets see

I actually dont mind the 11

But iphone 14 would be good! Does anyone kmow the refresh rate on this
 

jm31828

macrumors 65816
Sep 28, 2015
1,394
896
Bothell, Washington
Still confused why the se is giving dry eyes but lets see

I actually dont mind the 11

But iphone 14 would be good! Does anyone kmow the refresh rate on this

To support your comment about the SE here on this thread for others who may see this, I have the exact same issue with my SE as well. I've been using an SE now for just over two weeks, and every time I use it I get very dry feeling eyes, sometimes they even start to water, and there is a mild burning sensation.
It's not terribly uncomfortable, just noticeable. Some days it's barely noticeable and other days it's much more noticeable.

I wish I had an answer for you as to why that is happening- and it's especially odd that you didn't have this issue with your 11, since as far as I know both displays are identical other than the size- both have Temporal Dithering from what I understand (which I would think is the culprit for any potential eye discomfort since these displays do not have PWM).

I wish you luck on the 14 non-pro!

After the discussion on these threads last night and today, I may place an order and pick it up tomorrow at my local Apple Store if I have time, and use it for a week or so to see if it's good. If it is, I will be within the exchange window with my carrier where I could exchange my SE for a 14 (costing me a $35 restocking fee, but at least able to exchange and keep the remaining $150 discount I got from them for buying a new phone, per some incentives I had on my account), and then go and return my test 14 to the Apple store.

That seems a better idea than just keeping the one I purchase from Apple and selling the SE, which may end up going for far, far less than I paid for it, but would be a bit of an annoying process.
 
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now i see it

macrumors G4
Jan 2, 2002
11,257
24,288
326 ppi LCD screens (aka retina) are not perfectly sharp. That’s what’s in the SE iPhones. For some people (myself included) that slight fuzziness makes my eyes forever hunt for sharpness where none actually exists.
That constant focus probing of the eyes- trying to find focus when its actually impossible, tires them out eventually and that = eye strain.
 
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jm31828

macrumors 65816
Sep 28, 2015
1,394
896
Bothell, Washington
326 ppi LCD screens (aka retina) are not perfectly sharp. That’s what’s in the SE iPhones. For some people (myself included) that slight fuzziness makes my eyes forever hunt for sharpness where none actually exists.
That constant focus probing of the eyes- trying to find focus when its actually impossible, tires them out eventually and that = eye strain.
Interesting- it's odd that some of the people (myself and the other poster) who are experiencing this on the SE did not experience it on the iPhone 11- nor on older phones like the 7 or 8.
(though in my case, I was younger back then- maybe my eyes are just getting older now lol)

There is also temporal dithering on these LCD displays, which does cause some people issues- but there is even less out there to read on this than there is about PWM.
 
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