Dim Retina MBP screens

I believe Anandtech stated in his review that the screens were about 10% dimmer. That is probably to be expected as the smaller pixels, by nature, let in less light. But in everyday use, it is fine. Yes, I also have a 17" MBP with the Anti-glare screen and I don't need to turn the brightness nearly as high. Currently, I am using my screen at about 55% brightness in my home during the daytime with slight overcast skye.

 

I wouldnt say they are very dim, they are more dim but not enough to call an issue. I dont even use mine at max brightness all that much.

 

I believe that people have posted pictures of 2 rMBPs on full brightness and one was much dimmer than the other so I think there is some variation depending on the individual screen.

 

samsung brighter

I think the samsung is brighter than the LG version.

 

They're both too dim but the LG is even dimmer than the Samsung.

I suspect Apple restricts the maximum brightness so that when reviewers review the units, they will report excellent battery life with brightness set to maximum.

 

I doubt Apple would do this. It's the smaller pixels that are at the cause of this. The retina iPad 3 needed 2 light bars instead of 1 on the iPad 2s with the low resolution display to achieve acceptable brightness levels. I have both and the iPad2 is still brighter than the 3 at maximum brightness.

LCDs work like little shutters on a window. The larger the pixel, the more light gets through. But when you have a higher resolution screen, the pixels are increased and have to be made smaller so less light comes through.

 

The maximum brightness on my 15" rMBP is blinding. In a room with low light, it is especially noticeable.

 

Mine as well.

 

Never noticed a difference. If there is a difference it is very small.

 

difference

I just got a new rMBP. (this was my third try, first LG had IR and 2nd LG had low brightness)

this new one, is a samsung, and has pretty much the same brightness as my 2008 matte MBP. I run it about 2-3 clicks from top and top brightness is TOO bright. So, IMHO there IS a difference and it is most likely vendor specific.

 

In the evening, under all incandescent lights, I always run mine 2-3 clicks less than half, when surfing sites like MR with white backgrounds.

During the day, by an open window, I set it at half.

Samsung screen.