iPad display response time comparison

[keviig]

After having owned an iPad Air 2, Pro 12.9 and Pro 9.7" i'm left with the feeling that the new Pro models have slower pixel response times, and thus more motion blur. I love the other improvements in the Pro models, like the blistering fast A9X and new 4 speaker system, but the motion blur actually gave me headaches (eyes trying to focus on blurred image perhaps?) so i ended up sticking with my Air 2.

I haven't been able to find any information about this (Apple doesn't quote response times). So i decided to do a primitive test at the local retailer using my iPhone 6s Plus recording at 720p 240fps. I filmed all three iPad's at the home screen, focusing on the "Touch ID" retail demo icon while switching from one home screen to another at the same speed. All apps were closed on all iPad's while doing the test. While not as big as expected, there is a visible difference between the models.

Here are the results:

Pro 12.9":

Pro 9.7":

Air 2:


Edit:
Tab S2 (OLED) 9.7":

 

[Simacca]

The response time on my IPP 9.7 is definitely slower than on my old air 2. Am used to it now, but still slightly disappointed that it's not improved from the air 2.

 

[keviig]

The response time on my IPP 9.7 is definitely slower than on my old air 2. Am used to it now, but still slightly disappointed that it's not improved from the air 2.

Yeah i love every aspect of the iPP 9.7" except the blur. I have until wednesday to return the Air 2 (14 days return no questions asked) if i am to switch to the iPP 9.7". The Pro is on sale at the moment where i live, so it's only roughly $50 more than the Air 2. Did you get used to the blur over time? Does it annoy you now? Apperciate any answers.

 

[Simacca]

Yeah i love every aspect of the iPP 9.7" except the blur. I have until wednesday to return the Air 2 (14 days return no questions asked) if i am to switch to the iPP 9.7". The Pro is on sale at the moment where i live, so it's only roughly $50 more than the Air 2. Did you get used to the blur over time? Does it annoy you now? Apperciate any answers.

I have got used to the blur, but still notice it. I wouldn't go back to the air 2 for this reason though.

 

[keviig]

I have got used to the blur, but still notice it. I wouldn't go back to the air 2 for this reason though.

Sounds good. I'll probably pick up a 32GB space gray iPP 9.7" on monday if the sale is still on. Thanks for taking the time to reply!

 

[TheRealAlex]

Sounds good. I'll probably pick up a 32GB space gray iPP 9.7" on monday if the sale is still on. Thanks for taking the time to reply!

I've been saying this from day 1 unlike the iPad Air 2 the 9.7 Pro has a custom display timer Apple can run it faster or slower selectively. Now if you start an App like C.Anatomy all that blur goes away. But if just the home screen to save battery Apple slows things down. Almost imperceptible

 

[lagwagon]

After having owned an iPad Air 2, Pro 12.9 and Pro 9.7" i'm left with the feeling that the new Pro models have slower pixel response times, and thus more motion blur. I love the other improvements in the Pro models, like the blistering fast A9X and new 4 speaker system, but the motion blur actually gave me headaches (eyes trying to focus on blurred image perhaps?) so i ended up sticking with my Air 2.

I haven't been able to find any information about this (Apple doesn't quote response times). So i decided to do a primitive test at the local retailer using my iPhone 6s Plus recording at 720p 240fps. I filmed all three iPad's at the home screen, focusing on the "Touch ID" retail demo icon while switching from one home screen to another at the same speed. All apps were closed on all iPad's while doing the test. While not as big as expected, there is a visible difference between the models.

Here are the results:

Pro 12.9":
View attachment 636679
Pro 9.7":
View attachment 636678
Air 2:
View attachment 636677

Edit:
Tab S2 (OLED) 9.7":
View attachment 636680

This is more or less due to the variable refresh rate in the new Pro model screens. Whenever there isn't anything super intensive on screen it will drop down to 30 as a way of saving battery. (And can go all the way up to 240 when the Pencil is active on the screen)

The 12.9" makes it more noticeable because of the larger screen.

 

[keviig]

I've been saying this from day 1 unlike the iPad Air 2 the 9.7 Pro has a custom display timer Apple can run it faster or slower selectively. Now if you start an App like C.Anatomy all that blur goes away. But if just the home screen to save battery Apple slows things down. Almost imperceptible

I know it has a custom display timer that reduces the refresh rate to 30hz when the image is static. I am 100% sure the home screen is rendered in 60hz when there are animations being done, it is way too smooth for 30hz. But low refresh rate does not cause blur. Pixel transition time, which is constant (given the same color shift) in ms regardless of hz. The pixels can't shift color quickly enough, leaving a ghost image behind.
[doublepost=1466328206][/doublepost]

This is more or less due to the variable refresh rate in the new Pro model screens. Whenever there isn't anything super intensive on screen it will drop down to 30 as a way of saving battery. (And can go all the way up to 240 when the Pencil is active on the screen)

The 12.9" makes it more noticeable because of the larger screen.

I heard about the variable refresh rate in the keynote, exciting technology for sure. But low refresh rate does not cause blur. Also, while switching between home screens, the animations are rendered at 60hz. The issue is the high transition time of the pixels. I do agree however that the big 12.9" screen of the iPad pro makes it a lot more visible. Do you have a source of the panel being able to do 240hz?

 

[Simacca]

I know it has a custom display timer that reduces the refresh rate to 30hz when the image is static. I am 100% sure the home screen is rendered in 60hz when there are animations being done, it is way too smooth for 30hz. But low refresh rate does not cause blur. Pixel transition time, which is constant (given the same color shift) in ms regardless of hz. The pixels can't shift color quickly enough, leaving a ghost image behind.
[doublepost=1466328206][/doublepost]
I heard about the variable refresh rate in the keynote, exciting technology for sure. But low refresh rate does not cause blur. Also, while switching between home screens, the animations are rendered at 60hz. The issue is the high transition time of the pixels. I do agree however that the big 12.9" screen of the iPad pro makes it a lot more visible. Do you have a source of the panel being able to do 240hz?

I agree. My iPad 3 had the same blur as this so I just think it's the panel that's to blame and not the variable refresh rate.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Maybe slower, not sure but a non-issue for me.

 

[keviig]

Maybe slower, not sure but a non-issue for me.

Yeah i've gotten used to it to the point where i don't really think about it anymore. Still quite blurry when scrolling webpages though, but the rest is fine.