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Other I get PWM headaches with OLED screens but still plan to get the iPhone 15

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saintforlife

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Feb 25, 2011
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My iPhone 11 is on its last legs. I'm tired of skipping upgrades for the last few years since Apple decided to make all their high end phones using OLED screens, which gives me headaches. I only used the iPhone XS, and 12 for about a week each, before I had to return them both due to the eyestrain and headaches they gave me.

But now I'm planning to just get the iPhone 15 Plus and tough it out. Do the headaches go away after prolonged use? Do your eyes eventually get used to the flickering screen? Will the 15 Plus be better than the 15 when it comes to PWM frequencies? Someone give me since hope.
 
Headaches don’t go away over time, and your eyes don’t magically get used to it. I’ve tested this theory with iPhone 13 Mini—it didn’t work, which you can read about in excruciating detail in the main eye strain thread. Some sensitive users have gotten over early headaches after the first day or two, but after that point it just doesn’t happen.

That being said iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 generations have seen some improvements, just not enough for me to not have persistent headaches where it’s practical to keep.

We can hope that Apple continues making improvements every generation and that iPhone 15 might be enough of a change for you to be able to use and enjoy it, although there’s no specific reason to think it will finally be resolved besides cautious optimism.
 
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saintforlife said:
My iPhone 11 is on its last legs. I'm tired of skipping upgrades for the last few years since Apple decided to make all their high end phones using OLED screens, which gives me headaches. I only used the iPhone XS, and 12 for about a week each, before I had to return them both due to the eyestrain and headaches they gave me.

But now I'm planning to just get the iPhone 15 Plus and tough it out. Do the headaches go away after prolonged use? Do your eyes eventually get used to the flickering screen? Will the 15 Plus be better than the 15 when it comes to PWM frequencies? Someone give me since hope.
Click to expand...

NO. The headaches will not go away and you may not tough it out. Last year, I tried to do the same for 6 weeks with iPhone 13 and it did not work. I used to get sand in eyes irritation and mild headaches after using iPhone 13 for 5 minutes. My eyes used to burn every night during sleep time. I thought my eyes would adjust in a week or 2 but it did not happen. The situation became worse as it was getting difficult for me to focus on my laptop screen or any other LCD phone. Something in my eyes changed - the axis or cylinder values - not sure. After 6 weeks, I decided to ditch the stupid OLED and got the iPhone 11. I was using XR before. After 2-3 days my eyes became normal - but I did not get a chance to visit the Optometrist. iPhone 11 is is still a pretty good phone - no lag no issues. Though the camera, in-hand feel and battery life on iPhone 13 was slightly better. But health is more important than luxury. Right? For your case, I can say every human is different, if you want to try it out - go ahead and keep us updated.
 
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JPack said:
Just get an iPhone 14/Plus and replace the display with a high quality LCD assembly. You can sell the OLED and get some money back.

shop.rewa.tech

Apple iPhone 14 Plus Incell LCD Assembly Screen Replacement - Aftermarket Premium

Apple iPhone 14 Plus Incell LCD Assembly Screen Replacement - Aftermarket Premium
shop.rewa.tech
Click to expand...
Engineers said that's doesn't work .. and may cause power and heat issues due t drivers or connectors if I don't forget
and the processor that apple makes it specially for only Oled displays
 
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Dejected said:
Engineers said that's doesn't work .. and may cause power and heat issues due t drivers or connectors if I don't forget
and the processor that apple makes it specially for only Oled displays
Click to expand...

What power and heat issues? Have you heard of an overheating iPhone 11 LCD display?

The display driver is built into the display assembly.
 
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Sorry to bother after a whole year, but how did it go for you?

I am thinking of getting regular 15 some day in the future, had previous serious issues with iPhone 11 Pro but somehow I am able to tolerate 12 (not mine). Right now I use SE and honestly I also get eye strain from this one, not as striking as it was with 11 tho but still.

Did you try some known lifehacks like putting a screen protector to produce more pixel reflexions (and thus manipulating color reproduction) or maybe reducing white point?
 
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