iPhone 12 Pro Reducing White Point to Solve PWM Issues on iPhone 12 (Pro)

[Corncab44]

I have a 12 pro, and have noticed it makes me slightly queasy to look at and find myself squinting more than normal. I don’t know if this is due to PWM; I’m coming from a Galaxy S8 and based on available information the PWM on that phone is similar.

In any case, I tested the following solution, which involves lowering the white point and running brightness very high (I just have it at max). I notice a marked improvement in the viewing experience, though I will do some more testing.

Using DC Dimming to Stop PWM Flickering in iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max, Google Pixel 4 and 4 XL

Just like the previous generation of OLED-equipped iPhones, the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max both employ OLED panels that are prone to flickering that is particularly visible to those with sensitive eyes. The flickering is caused by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), a technology used by OLED manufacturers

blog.elcomsoft.com

Have other folks tried this method? I’m still not sure I want to keep a phone that relies on this somewhat unwieldy work around to be usable. Also I am concerned that having the brightness technically set at max all the time (I adjust it by changing the white point) will impact the battery. It obviously isn’t at the max brightness possible for the screen, but I don’t know enough about how these oleds draw power in low white point, max brightness set ups.

 

[snipr125]

I have a 12 pro, and have noticed it makes me slightly queasy to look at and find myself squinting more than normal. I don’t know if this is due to PWM; I’m coming from a Galaxy S8 and based on available information the PWM on that phone is similar.

In any case, I tested the following solution, which involves lowering the white point and running brightness very high (I just have it at max). I notice a marked improvement in the viewing experience, though I will do some more testing.

Using DC Dimming to Stop PWM Flickering in iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max, Google Pixel 4 and 4 XL

Just like the previous generation of OLED-equipped iPhones, the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max both employ OLED panels that are prone to flickering that is particularly visible to those with sensitive eyes. The flickering is caused by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), a technology used by OLED manufacturers

blog.elcomsoft.com

Have other folks tried this method? I’m still not sure I want to keep a phone that relies on this somewhat unwieldy work around to be usable. Also I am concerned that having the brightness technically set at max all the time (I adjust it by changing the white point) will impact the battery. It obviously isn’t at the max brightness possible for the screen, but I don’t know enough about how these oleds draw power in low white point, max brightness set ups.

Ive done the same thing as I get PWM issues at lower brightness levels (below 40%) on my 12 Mini. So turned off Auto brightness, and set it at about 50% with white point at about 75%. With this set up i get no head aches or eye strain at all, and the display is not too bright.

I would try lowering your brightness as at Max its going to blind you and also kill the battery quicker. Lower the brightness in increments to the lowest you can go where you dont get PWM issues.

 

[Corncab44]

Ive done the same thing as I get PWM issues at lower brightness levels (below 40%) on my 12 Mini. So turned off Auto brightness, and set it at about 50% with white point at about 75%. With this set up i get no head aches or eye strain at all, and the display is not too bright.

I would try lowering your brightness as at Max its going to blind you and also kill the battery quicker. Lower the brightness in increments to the lowest you can go where you dont get PWM issues.

I think I'm going to just go with a refurbished 11. Gives me no issues and don't really feel like worrying about PMW. As you note, it's an inexact science... and given the phone is nearly twice as much. I just wish the text was *slightly* crisper on the 11. Otherwise I'm happy as a clam with it.