Usable Smartphones?

I never really gave it a long try because it was far easier for me to port my image to a newer HTC. But when this one dies I'm still hunting. And the iPhone 7+ is up there.

@degen @Gurm @KM @Kray @ryans @shimmyzv @Wrightpt1 @JTL @PuffyCloud @Harrison (sorry if I forgot to include someone) Guys, earlier today I have searched for other types of alternatives not discussed in this topic e.g. alterative OS'es to iOS/Android, builds, phones etc. and found something interesting, which be a cure for all of us if we participate enough in the development process.

1. Librem 5 – A Security and Privacy Focused Phone running PureOS (will support Android apps sometime after release). More info: https://puri.sm/shop/librem-5/;
2. EELO OS - Security focused OS for phones forked from LineageOS. The eelo project will provide an alternative mobile operating system and associated web-services, including email, cloud storage, and online office tools. eelo is an open source, non-profit project, in the public interest.

1 - The ideas is simple - privacy oriented Debian based OS for phones which has all the important phone functionalities. Excerpt: "Librem 5, the phone that focuses on security by design and privacy protection by default. Running Free/Libre and Open Source software and a GNU+Linux Operating System designed to create an open development utopia, rather than the walled gardens from all other phone providers." . There have been many trials to create other OS than Android and iOS and all of them failed due to lack of apps and popularity. This one is interesting as the team behind Libre are creating both phone hardware and software and they understand that Android apps are a must for their OS, otherwise it will not be popular and die. As the development of the phone is in early stages I was thinking that we might impact the development of hardware software on this phone if "our voice is loud enough". I think that such small team might be easier to reach in comparison to Android devs (which is impossible to reach and have an impact to).

So far they have raised $2,328,946 for phone development so the phones will definitely ship. But I am not sure if they are going to be good for our eyes. Maybe if many of us participated in the development process we could guide the developers to find the cure for all of us?

2 - EELO - is more straight-forward - it is a fork of LineageOS (which many of you Guys tried), but mostly privacy oriented. It will lack Google apps and instead will use open-source app stores, apps, etc. I like the idea behind the OS, but not sure about the eye strain as many of you guys reported that LineageOS still causes strain for you. But the development is in very early stages, we might participate as "trivial trials" and report to the dev team if the OS causes strain or not. Then they might be interested in changing the OS Of course with the devices, which screen's does not give any eye strain. Also I would suggest to make the developers aware of our problems by writing a letter with explanations of our problems and "our informal organization".

Guys, what do you think about these options? I think for now we all have some temporary solutions by using android 5, screen protectors, etc. etc. But after 2-3 yars the android 5 will be obsolete and we will be left without any solution. Yes, there are new screen technologies comming, but we are not 100% sure if they will help us.

randomboolean I like the Librem project. Shame of Google close sourcing many of the Android OS components.

Has anyone had a chance to try RAZER PHONE (https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/22/16810080/razer-phone-high-refresh-screen-review)? The panel is IGZO IPS LCD (IGZO is type of TFT) and it's refesh rate is different and can reach up to 120Hz. Though not sure if Android and apps will still be rendered in standard 60 HZ or they changed them to be rendered in bigger refresh rate. This phone might be an eye strain solution for some...

More on IGZO technology: http://www.versiondaily.com/advantages-disadvantages-igzo-display/

Hi everyone, I'm having a hard time finding a usable phon here. I recently tested 4 phones without any luck. Any help is highly appreciated !

Phones I tested and which cause eye strain
- Nokia 3 Android 7.1.1
- Nokia 5 Android 7.1.1
- Motorola Moto G5 Android 7.1.1
- Motorola E4 Android 7.1.1 This phone is giving less strain compared to the others

Phones I've used without any eye strain:
- HTC Desire 625 Android 5.1
- Moto E2 (XT1511) Android 5.1
- Alcatel OneTouch Pop S3 Android 4

michiel Most of the people here have troubles finding modern phone with Android 6 or newer. Eye strain is most probably caused by both software and hardware. Some usable phones might be HTC ONE M8 or M7, OnePlus 3 or Oneplus X. The safest bet is Android 5. Do you know if you are sensitive to PWM or other factors?

So unfortunately, after buying the LG G4 and downgrading it to Android 5, it gives me eye strain.... I checked the stats and it uses newer graphics card than my lumia Adreno 418. So I think I am sensitive to something what comes from this graphic card. Will have to sell it because the phone comes sealed and once the seal removed it is impossible to return (the seller told me I will be able to return...).

So next step for me is Oneplus X. I checked the stats - they are the same as my beloved lumia (Adreno 330, amoled screen, Qualcomm Snapdragon processor) and it comes with Android 5. It is also easy to flash this phone so if it turns out to be good for my eyes I will try android 6/7 and even 8.

During the last days I also checked couple of Samsung phones - A8 (2018), S6 EDGE PLUS, S7 (all Android 7 or 7.1). All give eye strain, blurry vision and some dizziness.

randomboolean I've got the same symptoms, mostly eye strain and dizziness and some anxiety, lmk if something works out for you. I'm going to try Galaxy S9 when it's released but I'm not hopeful.

ryans Allright, just bought 2 Oneplus X bargains on Ebay, but will only reveive them after 1,5 weeks.. Might also buy another one tomorrow. I am very hopeful this will finally work for my eyes. And if it does I will not stop here, because Android 5 will soon be outdated.

randomboolean Thank you for your response, I don't think I'm sensitive to PWM. I tested the Nokia 3 ,5 and Moto E4 and according to notebookcheck they don't use PWM. But still they cause me eye strain. What I do know is that I only see with one eye, so I can't see depth. I appreciate your HTC suggestions however I need a dual sim phone because I travel a lot. Right now I I'm thinking of trying the Samsung J3 Duos (2017) which has a AMOLED screen.

ryans Am I the only person in the world who uses Android 7.0 just fine? (LG V20). Will pull exact build number in a bit.

I've had the phone for over a year.

JTL Do you know what your issues are (PWM, dithering, colors, blue light, or something else)? I'm still unsure of mine. I'll checkout LG v20, am worried Amazon might start rejecting my returns for trying out all these phones.

I have noticed that 2 lenovo phones k8note and k8plus cause less eye strain, though I have to tint the screen yellowish using a blue light reducing app. Both these phones use Mali gpu and Mediatek cpu. Also the LCDs seem to be slightly older tech without eye-popping colour.

Devotee Could you describe "less"? Do you still feel discomfort, blurry eyes? How much time does it take to return back to normal vision after using those phones? Which Android version did you use 7 or 8?

Hi
Sony Xperia z3 i can use it for any period of time.
Sony Xperia zx can't use it even for 30 minutes.
The issue seems to be related to the brightness and i think most of our problems is dry eyes related even the doctor said it is not.

Riva I am glad you have found atleast one phone which works for you. What Android version are you running on Z3? Were you running Android 6 on XZ? I also tested XZ and the lowest was Android 6, if I recall correctly. I could still find new Z3 for sale so if it was OK for my eyes, would buy this phone...

Has anyone tried the new Galaxy S9?