iPhone 13 Pro Max Struggling with eye strain. Worth trying a 13 Pro instead of Max?

[Craigf56]

Apologies for starting a new thread on this but my question is quite specific.

Just moved back to Apple after probably ten years with Android. I’m loving the experience but I’m really struggling with tired eyes and it seems to have started with using my new phone.

I’ve used all sorts of OLED panels before and never had a problem, but I really am struggling.

Info on Notebook Check suggests the 13 Pro might be a better option than the Max, but has anyone made the change and found an improvement?

I can obviously try one in a shop but it’s always a bit of an artificial situation.


Thanks in advance.

 

[jimmy_uk]

Unfortunately, we have thousands of posts about eye strain since Apple introduced OLED to the iPhone. Also, temporal dithering and possibly face ID may also be factors.

The only way you will know if a particular display is going to work for you is to try it for yourself as everyone is affected differently. It appears that each iPhone has a different PWM rate and display manufacturer.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/eye-strain-while-using-iphone-x.2085427/page-206


Some say they have felt eye strain/headaches/nausea but then gotten used to the display, I'm sceptical if these reports are from people who are PWM sensitive (perhaps they were tired, stressed, dehydrated etc). Personally, I have been unable to use any of the OLED iPhones as they cause eye strain and fatigue which results in migraines, usually within an hour. The 13 series has seen some improvement for me as I was able to try them for longer before symptoms kicked it. The standard 13 iPhone was the easiest on my eyes but bizarrely caused me to keep burping with travel sickness type symptoms until after 4-5 days I ended up with a migraine and strained eyes.

In the end, any symptoms cannot be ignored because the brain will keep reminding me something is wrong until addressing the issue - which in this case is a fast/slow continues flashing (and moving) light source directly into my eyes!

 

[now i see it]

Jimmy is right.
For those who get nailed by OLED iPhones, generally the 13 Max has tended to be the worst offender of the 13 series.
Some people have tried (purchased and returned) every model and found a model in the 13 series that they could tolerate, (rarely ever the Max) but others haven’t and had to abandon OLED iPhones entirely.
Only truly accurate way for you to find out is to buy a model you’re interested in and try it out.

 

[Craigf56]

Thanks for the replies so far. 13 Pro ordered which I’ll have a go with if things don’t improve. I’ve previously suffered with dry eyes and I feel a bit better having out some drops in. If what notebook check says is right the 13 Pro should be better. But it really does seem to be one of things which affect different people in different ways. A phone that’s fine for one person who is sensitive will be a nightmare for another.

I shall report back!

 

[kargurin]

I don't think we fully understand the problem. I'm using the Note 10+ with no issues. Every phone after that is problematic. But the Note has a similar pwm frequency vs subsequent phones. It seems the iPhones have a worse effect on me in terms of eye strain and headaches than Androids. People have varying degrees of difficulty depending on platforms and models.

 

[trillionaire]

Honestly, when I switched from the iPhone X to an 11 Pro Max it was so much easier to read text. You can never go back once you get a bigger phone.

 

[kp98077]

interesting post... my friend has an android - google pixel 6a and I noticed how "soothing" this display was on the eyes!
Dumb question, but, is the display different on the regular iphone 13 vs 13 pro? if so, how?

 

[Jackbequickly]

I have got used to the ProMax size/screen and no way I would ever go back!

 

[OhMyMy]

interesting post... my friend has an android - google pixel 6a and I noticed how "soothing" this display was on the eyes!
Dumb question, but, is the display different on the regular iphone 13 vs 13 pro? if so, how?

The only difference I could think of is the ProMotion display in the Pro models that can ramp up to 120Hz which would make for a much smoother scrolling. It can also drop down to 10Hz on static content which adds to improved battery life.