Other Eye-strain while using iPhone X and up

[pwm away]

Vivo X300 Pro

Does the Vivo X300 Pro have DC dimming at high brightness + high frequency PWM at low brightness, or full brightness high frequency PWM?
From memory, they started offering full brightness high frequency PWM as an option on the X100 series.

Unfortunately, this phone isn't available officially in my country. The import prices seem to be in the range of iPhone 17 Pro Max, which I just feel uncomfortable spending on a phone.

 

[pwm away]

So the iPhone Air was on sale here, and with some vouchers I had, I managed to get it down to ~ the iPhone 17 price. So I decided to go ahead.

I've just finished the initial setup, and will see how I go.

One thing I immediately noticed, which is different to other iPhones so far, is that the screen, even during setup, was beautiful, at least to my eyes. The colour theme was nice, not too yellow, not too "strange", like other iPhones.

Whether it gives me symptoms, I'll have to see over the next days.

The settings I'm going with so far, are "Reduce Motion" (which I've needed since iOS 7, so that's standard for me), and of course "Display Pulse Smoothing".
I also have a matte display protector applied (something else I need on my phones; I cannot stand the glare).

 

[PwmMen]

Does the Vivo X300 Pro have DC dimming at high brightness + high frequency PWM at low brightness, or full brightness high frequency PWM?

The Vivo has several eye protection features.
One of them is a PWM frequency of over 2000, across the entire brightness.

 

[MICHAELSD]

Does this iPhone still cause headaches and migraines immediately upon use? - yes

Do I still have to think about how to mitigate flickering every time I pick it up? - yes

Can I realistically keep using this flickering iPhone OLED for the next few years? - no

While sensitivity is reduced in frequency and intensity, iPhone 17 is not the generation that proposes a solution to the flicker-sensitive community.

 

[Abiyork]

I don't have an iPhone anymore and I'm glad I took this step. I have an Vivo X300 Pro.
I have no complaints and it has a much better camera, better antennas and a better battery.
I really like Android now too. OriginOS 6 is close to iOS and works perfectly with macOS.

I don't miss anything and will stick with Vivo in the future. Cheaper and more technical and ahead of the iPhone.

I am the same the the TCL NXTPAPER, dont miss my iphone at all.

 

[MICHAELSD]

I’ll probably eat these words but I’m adjusting to the iPhone Air in a way I haven’t with any past modern iPhone. I feel like I’ve typed that before but oddly the past few iPhones I’ve tested were even worse during the day, whereas I’m using it fairly comfortably right now. Let’s assume a Pro is better, although this generation all devices really seem to have consistent brightness controllers, and I’m contemplating whether I’m willing to put up with occasional discomfort to finally upgrade. Overall though in retrospect when I think back to how intensely past iPhones have affected me this has been a noticeably improved generation.

 

[MICHAELSD]

It may not be flicker-free, but at least the next generation will come closer to harnessing the power of the sun into users’ hands.

iPhone 18 Rumored to Feature Much Brighter Display

Apple's iPhone 18 will feature a significantly brighter display, according to a Chinese leaker. In a new post on Weibo, the user known as "Instant Digital" said that Chinese supplier BOE has little hope of making panels for the iPhone 18 because Apple's brightness requirements for the...

www.macrumors.com

To clarify, the PWM toggle doesn’t do nearly enough to create a practical experience for sensitive users.

 

[AshX]

I recently was interviewed by Nick Sutrich for Android Central about some COVID-related issues related to PWM and dithering. Thought I’d share it with you all.

https://www.androidcentral.com/phon...-than-you-think-especially-for-people-like-me

 

[PwmMen]

It's incorrect to claim that only one company manufactures smartphones for people suffering from PWM.
Oppo, Vivo, Honor, and others are manufacturers that place particular emphasis on eye health. They have integrated many features. Chinese manufacturers, in particular, are very active when it comes to eye health. It's not just OnePlus.
The article reads like an advertisement and ignores all the other manufacturers who have been prioritizing eye health for years.

Or are OnePlus smartphones the only ones available in the US, requiring imports?
Even so, they should be mentioned and not ignored, as OnePlus doesn't work for everyone.
I have a Vivo X300 Pro, and it's an excellent smartphone for people like us who suffer from PWM.

 

[AshX]

It's incorrect to claim that only one company manufactures smartphones for people suffering from PWM.
Oppo, Vivo, Honor, and others are manufacturers that place particular emphasis on eye health. They have integrated many features. Chinese manufacturers, in particular, are very active when it comes to eye health. It's not just OnePlus.
The article reads like an advertisement and ignores all the other manufacturers who have been prioritizing eye health for years.

Or are OnePlus smartphones the only ones available in the US, requiring imports?
Even so, they should be mentioned and not ignored, as OnePlus doesn't work for everyone.
I have a Vivo X300 Pro, and it's an excellent smartphone for people like us who suffer from PWM.

I don’t use Android so I have no idea, but it appears that OnePlus must be one of the few that is more easily obtainable in the US.

I didn’t interpret the article as an advertisement. I took it as, hey, let me mention an Android phone so that I can write about a serious issue and here’s this musician dude’s story. Nick takes a lot of risks to the point people are surprised he’s even allowed to write about PWM and dithering. Believe me, it’s not that easy to get tech journalists to cover this given the possible ramifications of damaging people’s health with products. I think many would prefer not to rock the boat.

I don’t think it’s helpful to be overly critical when literally everyone affected by these devices have been begging forever for some visibility. Then when we get it people want to nit pick. I’m just grateful to Nick for sharing my story. Perhaps this will do just a little bit more to raise awareness.

 

[pwm away]

I have a Vivo X300 Pro

I might have missed it, but I remember you being able to use the iPhone 17 Pro Max without issues; you seemed very happy with it. I'm curious how you got to try the Vivo X300 Pro, if the iPhone 17 Pro Max was working for you.

 

[PwmMen]

I simply wanted a better camera, so I tested the Vivo X300 Pro.
I liked it so much, as it beats the iPhone 17 Pro Max in most areas, that it became my daily driver.
Camera, display, reception, software AI—everything is better than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. I even like Android now.
Apple has simply been asleep at the wheel with the iPhone for the last few years and hasn't really evolved.
iOS and the Apple ecosystem alone aren't enough for me anymore. Vivo, by the way, is also perfectly integrated into the apple ecosystem.
Therefore, there was nothing left for me to choose the iPhone over. I'll keep my other Apple devices, though.

 

[MICHAELSD]

I simply wanted a better camera, so I tested the Vivo X300 Pro.
I liked it so much, as it beats the iPhone 17 Pro Max in most areas, that it became my daily driver.
Camera, display, reception, software AI—everything is better than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. I even like Android now.
Apple has simply been asleep at the wheel with the iPhone for the last few years and hasn't really evolved.
iOS and the Apple ecosystem alone aren't enough for me anymore. Vivo, by the way, is also perfectly integrated into the apple ecosystem.
Therefore, there was nothing left for me to choose the iPhone over. I'll keep my other Apple devices, though.

Custom Hardware Eye Protection

Comfort
Always on
Equipped with 2160 Hz high-frequency PWM dimming across all brightness levels and full DC dimming, this technology provides comprehensive eye care around the clock.

This is highly intriguing. I would consider testing this if there is a way to purchase without commitment.

 

[scooterdooter]

tl;dr - stuck on iphone 11? Try Moto Stylus 2025 for 3 weeks with settings tweaks

-------------

I have been lurking this thread since the beginning. I'm sorry but I left the apple ecosystem years ago and this may not help anyone here looking to get back into the Apple ecosystem. I wanted to buy the Iphone 17 but the pwm fix did nothing just like on the Pixel 10 pros. I'm tired of waiting and need to upgrade to something that isn't going to kill my eyes and isn't terrible. So if you are in USA, your choices are very limited and android. LCD models keep getting worse and the writing is on the wall that all devices are going LED. The only three choices in USA:

Compare OnePlus 15R vs. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) vs. Motorola Edge (2025) - GSMArena.com

www.gsmarena.com

A). Motorola Stylus 5G 2025 (globally - Neo 60 stylus??)
Snapdragon
AMOLED - LTPS

B). Motorola Edge 2025 (globally - Neo 60??)
MediaTek Dimensity
p-OLED

C). OnePlus 15R
Snapdragon
AMOLED - LTPS

(Nothing phones are bad; Samsung Xcover 7 Pro works but has a terrible camera and is horribly overpriced)

Motorola Stylus 5G 2025
1. Lower refresh to 60hz - stays at 60Hz (120Hz mode vacillates between 60Hz and 120Hz based on touch = not good)
2. Enable flicker protection - fixed low modulation across all brightness
---
May not be needed for some:
3. Enable "extra dim" and turned up high - i.e. "reduce white point" on apple
4. Enable "night mode" and turned up high - turns the screen yellower / reduce blue light
5. Default natural display (other modes made the screen darker or brighter than the sun)
6. use adb to disable HDR everywhere (I don't think this did anything at all)

Week 1 - 95% good - slight discomfort, symptoms short lived
Week 2 - 99% good - slight eye tiredness below ~30% brightness
Week 3 - All symptoms gone

I can use the Stylus 2025, across all brightness, and even in a pitch black room with zero issues at all. This is the first AMOLED since the Note 2-4/S2-S6/oneplus 7/7t era that felt this great. Bad - the camera sucks in extreme low light compared to flagships. If you are on an iphone 11, this is at best a side grade on the camera. Battery life is not great with default settings as well. With tweaks it is fine. OS updates until 2027; security updates till 2028.

Never tried the Edge 2025, but it appears the same settings will work. Oneplus 15R looks great but kind of expensive compared to Stylus.

 

[kargurin]

I broke my Moto Razr a few weeks ago. It was wonderful, a brutal wind was pulling my hat off so I grabbed it with the phone in hand and off it flew way way up in the air. And thud.

Needed another phone right way so got the Moto Edge because the new Razrs were not in stock. It's often been mentioned as a good phone for PWM people. It was not as good as my Razr. For me. But I did notice after a few days I grew more comfortable with it. ,

Then after a couple days I noticed Costco running a great deal from T Mobile to switch and get a new phone on them. Done! The Razr arrived a few days later and while two models later than the one I broke it was so much better than the Edge. So I returned the Edge. I have very mild discomfort from the Razr. I only notice it after extensive phone usage. I'm typing all this on my Razr. BTW I really like the form factor. So much better than the candy bar style. And they fixed the horrible camera they put in the first Razr.

 

[DJTaurus]

Last month i had thoughts to sell my air. Even if it’s light and slim it’s still TALL and WIDE. I don’t like big phones…. i really missed the one hand quick usage of the smaller factor. So i searched for a base iPhone 17 with same panel to my air…… Samsung G9Q…… and voila STILL NO ISSUES. I have been using it the last 3 days and zero issues like my iPhone air.

Guys seriously what don’t you try too to found an iPhone with a Samsung panel (?) As you know i am a super sensitive user….. i have tried every iPhone out there, every model from each line since iPhone XS back then when i started getting nausea. I am probably also the only one that tested most of the LCD 3rd party manufacturers out there with swapping the OLED.

What are you waiting for ????

 

[MICHAELSD]

I broke my Moto Razr a few weeks ago. It was wonderful, a brutal wind was pulling my hat off so I grabbed it with the phone in hand and off it flew way way up in the air. And thud.

Needed another phone right way so got the Moto Edge because the new Razrs were not in stock. It's often been mentioned as a good phone for PWM people. It was not as good as my Razr. For me. But I did notice after a few days I grew more comfortable with it. ,

Then after a couple days I noticed Costco running a great deal from T Mobile to switch and get a new phone on them. Done! The Razr arrived a few days later and while two models later than the one I broke it was so much better than the Edge. So I returned the Edge. I have very mild discomfort from the Razr. I only notice it after extensive phone usage. I'm typing all this on my Razr. BTW I really like the form factor. So much better than the candy bar style. And they fixed the horrible camera they put in the first Razr.

So happy to hear that the latest Motorola Razr is continuing to work well for you, @kargurin. Truth be told this was one of my favorite phones I’ve tested, and the only phone that would make me consider switching temporarily to Android had it not still caused sensitivity with or without the flicker reduction setting enabled. Do you notice the newer Razr having an even better, more comfortable display?

Last month i had thoughts to sell my air. Even if it’s light and slim it’s still TALL and WIDE. I don’t like big phones…. i really missed the one hand quick usage of the smaller factor. So i searched for a base iPhone 17 with same panel to my air…… Samsung G9Q…… and voila STILL NO ISSUES. I have been using it the last 3 days and zero issues like my iPhone air.

Guys seriously what don’t you try too to found an iPhone with a Samsung panel (?) As you know i am a super sensitive user….. i have tried every iPhone out there, every model from each line since iPhone XS back then when i started getting nausea. I am probably also the only one that tested most of the LCD 3rd party manufacturers out there with swapping the OLED.

What are you waiting for ????

Also glad to hear that @DJTaurus was able to find a workable iPhone 17. I am considering testing an iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Pro, but it could be frankly tedious to find a device with a specific panel. While I don’t mind testing different models, exchanging devices in an attempt to get what’s considered the best Samsung panel is a random process that’s not guaranteed.

I believe that if Apple is committed to making a push and focusing on getting modulations as low as possible, perhaps iPhone 18 will be a larger step change. Display Pulse Smoothing alleviates the strongest behind-the-eye throbbing I’m accustomed to from OLED iPhones, while the LG GVC Air still exhibits all of the negative traits of a flickering display for sensitive users. I’m still optimistic about future generations being slightly better and becoming more practical, and accustomed to this at this point. The one positive to come out of this is that I’ve been able to test a wider variety of devices than I normally would have the joy to do, at least guilt-free.

 

[dannyh5319]

Last month i had thoughts to sell my air. Even if it’s light and slim it’s still TALL and WIDE. I don’t like big phones…. i really missed the one hand quick usage of the smaller factor. So i searched for a base iPhone 17 with same panel to my air…… Samsung G9Q…… and voila STILL NO ISSUES. I have been using it the last 3 days and zero issues like my iPhone air.

Guys seriously what don’t you try too to found an iPhone with a Samsung panel (?) As you know i am a super sensitive user….. i have tried every iPhone out there, every model from each line since iPhone XS back then when i started getting nausea. I am probably also the only one that tested most of the LCD 3rd party manufacturers out there with swapping the OLED.

What are you waiting for ????

I had both the pro and pro max with Samsung displays but felt brain fog with max along with right temple headache and heart palpitations with the pro,but no eye strain on either it could be a dithering thing.

 

[scooterdooter]

So happy to hear that the latest Motorola Razr is continuing to work well for you, @kargurin. Truth be told this was one of my favorite phones I’ve tested, and the only phone that would make me consider switching temporarily to Android had it not still caused sensitivity with or without the flicker reduction setting enabled. Do you notice the newer Razr having an even better, more comfortable display?
....

I believe that if Apple is committed to making a push and focusing on getting modulations as low as possible, perhaps iPhone 18 will be a larger step change. Display Pulse Smoothing alleviates the strongest behind-the-eye throbbing I’m accustomed to from OLED iPhones, while the LG GVC Air still exhibits all of the negative traits of a flickering display for sensitive users. I’m still optimistic about future generations being slightly better and becoming more practical, and accustomed to this at this point. The one positive to come out of this is that I’ve been able to test a wider variety of devices than I normally would have the joy to do, at least guilt-free.

RAZR - modulation not so good:

vs

Moto Edge (and Stylus confirmed to have low modulation across all brightness):

15R (great until 25%)

The only apple models coming that may work are 17e/18e *if* they are not LTPO and *if* apple lowers modulation under 10% and *if* apple has a fixed rate across all brightness/refresh rates. Chances are slim that will happen. If the 17e LTPS works, then what? Apple will shove the LTPO screens in them eventually.

Samsung is going nuts and removing the polarizer to chase the brightness checkbox means s26 will be terrible:

I'm excited for the Galaxy S26 Ultra's display, but I'm also worried about what Samsung might leave out

A built-in privacy display and automatic epilepsy triggers are cool, but will Samsung finally take dimming seriously?

www.androidcentral.com

That leaves google which won't fix anything until Samsung does.

Thread started: Nov 6, 2017. Since that time, the only usable OLED I feel perfectly fine with is the Stylus 2025. That is eight f*%&$ years of waiting for a flagship device that never materialized and just blindly finally finding a "budget" device that actually works.

 

[kargurin]

So happy to hear that the latest Motorola Razr is continuing to work well for you, @kargurin. Truth be told this was one of my favorite phones I’ve tested, and the only phone that would make me consider switching temporarily to Android had it not still caused sensitivity with or without the flicker reduction setting enabled. Do you notice the newer Razr having an even better, more comfortable display?


Also glad to hear that @DJTaurus was able to find a workable iPhone 17. I am considering testing an iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Pro, but it could be frankly tedious to find a device with a specific panel. While I don’t mind testing different models, exchanging devices in an attempt to get what’s considered the best Samsung panel is a random process that’s not guaranteed.

I believe that if Apple is committed to making a push and focusing on getting modulations as low as possible, perhaps iPhone 18 will be a larger step change. Display Pulse Smoothing alleviates the strongest behind-the-eye throbbing I’m accustomed to from OLED iPhones, while the LG GVC Air still exhibits all of the negative traits of a flickering display for sensitive users. I’m still optimistic about future generations being slightly better and becoming more practical, and accustomed to this at this point. The one positive to come out of this is that I’ve been able to test a wider variety of devices than I normally would have the joy to do, at least guilt-free.

It feels like the old display though apparently they are not exactly the same. This phone is faster, much better camera, and has improved hinges but that's it. It is interesting to see the modulation profile does not score as well as alternatives. I can only tell you the Edge felt worse on *my* eyes and head. I think there is perhaps a tolerable PWN profile that may be different for everyone. It may be a big window, a small one or nothing at all . After all it is the brain reacting to the pulse modulation of light and it has the ability to adapt. Used the phone for 4h and 30 minutes today. Which would have not been possible with any other one I'm aware of. I do hope Apple comes out with a flip phone.

 

[MICHAELSD]

It feels like the old display though apparently they are not exactly the same. This phone is faster, much better camera, and has improved hinges but that's it. It is interesting to see the modulation profile does not score as well as alternatives. I can only tell you the Edge felt worse on *my* eyes and head. I think there is perhaps a tolerable PWN profile that may be different for everyone. It may be a big window, a small one or nothing at all . After all it is the brain reacting to the pulse modulation of light and it has the ability to adapt. Used the phone for 4h and 30 minutes today. Which would have not been possible with any other one I'm aware of. I do hope Apple comes out with a flip phone.

Motorola Razr’s LG pOLED really has eye-popping, vibrant colors. I found the form factor and display to be enjoyable, and the foldable design alone made it much more compelling than a Motorola Edge or a majority of other Android smartphones. Do you use the Flicker Reduction setting? It wasn’t immediately apparent whether the display caused more or less sensitivity with the setting enabled. The Razr UI was also designed incredibly well with lots of gimmicks and novelty as well as practical use, I.e. consistent continuity from the external display to the internal 6.9” display.

 

[MICHAELSD]

From the PWM_Sensitive community on Reddit: iPhone 17 Pro with aftermarket OLED display. DC like dimming.

Explore this post and more from the PWM_Sensitive community

www.reddit.com

Seeing an aftermarket OLED approach so closely to true DC dimming, not the PWM-adjacent dimming that iPhone 17 still uses, makes me wish it would just come this way from the factory. Eventually this may be what I’ll resort to doing: outfitting an aftermarket OLED with a much gentler dimming approach.

 

[scooterdooter]

From the PWM_Sensitive community on Reddit: iPhone 17 Pro with aftermarket OLED display. DC like dimming.

Explore this post and more from the PWM_Sensitive community

www.reddit.com

Seeing an aftermarket OLED approach so closely to true DC dimming, not the PWM-adjacent dimming that iPhone 17 still uses, makes me wish it would just come this way from the factory. Eventually this may be what I’ll resort to doing: outfitting an aftermarket OLED with a much gentler dimming approach.

Motorola and Oneplus have models that can deliver that today from the factory with OLED:

1. fixed refresh across all brightness and stays fixed even during touch i.e. 60/60, 120/120, 240/240
2. DC dimming across all brightness
3. low amplitude across all brightness

Apple almost delivered the above on a few token models and that was by accident. (early 13 production models and 12 MAX??) Today all the panels have almost unified into a single one. The probability that apple would produce a low volume, one off model with such specs is near zero now.

Apple's Next iPhone: What to Expect From the 2026 iPhone 17e

We're likely just weeks away from Apple's next iPhone launch, with the company set to introduce the iPhone 17e. The iPhone 17e is a follow-up...

www.macrumors.com

"The ‌iPhone‌ 17e is expected to feature the same display panel as the ‌iPhone 16e‌"

17e will be a bust. 18 will be a bust. 18e is 18-24 months away--if it even exists. Until apple sales fall off a cliff, they won't do anything other than fake "solutions." You should not be rewarding apple with any sales.

 

[john g.]

Last month i had thoughts to sell my air. Even if it’s light and slim it’s still TALL and WIDE. I don’t like big phones…. i really missed the one hand quick usage of the smaller factor. So i searched for a base iPhone 17 with same panel to my air…… Samsung G9Q…… and voila STILL NO ISSUES. I have been using it the last 3 days and zero issues like my iPhone air.

Guys seriously what don’t you try too to found an iPhone with a Samsung panel (?) As you know i am a super sensitive user….. i have tried every iPhone out there, every model from each line since iPhone XS back then when i started getting nausea. I am probably also the only one that tested most of the LCD 3rd party manufacturers out there with swapping the OLED.

What are you waiting for ????

I have a 17 pro that I have been using since early November and it is not causing me problems.
I was curious about this, so I checked on which screen I have.
I have the G9N.
Not sure if that's supposed to be one of the "good" ones or not. FYI.

 

[olavsu1]

I read this topic. Your problem is more likely with the lighting in your rooms and streets. You use lamps for lighting that flicker with the frequency of the mains voltage. And if the flickering frequency of the lamp coincides with the refresh rate of the monitor, then this is very bad. You notice the flickering and it gets on your nerves. It is better to set the frequencies to be unequal. If the ceiling lamp flickers at a frequency of 60Hz, then set the monitor refresh rate to 75Hz, not 60Hz or 120Hz (the latter are good in Europe, in Europe the lighting flickers at a frequency of 50Hz) or even better, look for lamps for lighting that do not flicker.