Usable Smartphones?

So OnePlus X gives me terrible headache and eye strain (worse than Oneplus ONE with IPS screen). I installed original Android 5.1.1, Twilight app, set brightness to 100% and dimmed the display with the app. The specifications of the phone are the same as on Lumia 930, so I assume there is something in screen that gives eye strain. I am not sure what else I could try. These phones are already outdated and they are unusable, so going "back" in time would mean buying only used laggy, unusable phones.

So we are stuck on 2013-2014 without the solution for the future. I think eventually we will need to go back to basics and buy Nokia 3310 (2017 edition). One of my clients are still using old phones, and when asked how do you check emails and everything he says - I don't, I just phone everybody, like on good old days. He is over 60 years old so he is used to it. Not a solution, but more of a bahaviour change. For example amputees cannot walk or write, we cannot look at the new screens and use new devices.

randomboolean

I would agree about trying to avoid screens whenever possible however for most office workers this isn't a choice. Many employers are now giving work phones/tablets to staff as well.

Most office hardware is (thankfully) 5+ years behind so it's not an issue.... yet.

However once smartphones/W10 machines/LED becomes compulsory (because all the old equipment has died) this does pose a real issue, unfortunately it seems to a very small minority of users.

I'm still OK with my iPhone 6S, I don't use it for hours on end but it is far more comfortable than any modern PC monitor/GPU.

diop I also use an iPhone 6S+, and it's been the most tolerable cell phone I have used since my old iPhone 3GS

KM Hmm did not know that these apps might do more harm than help us. I will try to root the phone and install f.lux and change to other drivers. Let's see if that helps. But this phone is hard to flash and root, have already bricked it for 2 times...

diop Exactly my thoughts. Thats' why I am thinking buying as many "outdated but new unused" devices(still possible to find unused 2014 phones, etc.) as possible and future proof ourselves. The technologies does not change so rapidly, so we might wait for new eye strain free devices for over decade.. And this is really bugging me as I am a IT project manager and I am almost unable to do my daily duties due to this problem. It is easier for programmers as they do not have so many meetings with so many different clients and devices. Sounds like I need to change careers

It's really strange how differently people are affected as iphone 6s is unusable for me, but many of you huys report it is good for you. What OS version are you using? I think there might be different manufacturers of screens so it might be you got a "good screen".

The Nokia 3 and 5, Moto G5 and Moto E4 were all causing me eye strain. Finally I found a phone that doesn't hurt my eyes not even with low brightness set.
It is the Samsung Galaxy J3 Duos (2017)
Hopefully this can help other people who are looking for a phone that's comfortable on the eyes. Good luck everyone !

randomboolean I received a brand new iPhone 6S+ less than a month ago, after Apple accidentally broke the battery compartment while attempting a battery replacement. The new phone works just as well as the old phone (with longer battery life of course!) I did notice some small unrelated alternations though. The sound and even feeling of the vibrate feature is different than my last 6S+

michiel The Samsung J3 uses a Samsung chip instead of the Snapdragon. Since it's a Samsung chip, the display is probably very closely matched, and probably has stellar driver support in the stock ROM. The chip is an Exynos 7570. It's also got a 720p screen.

Interestingly, the S8 also uses an Exynos chipset, but it uses the 8895 and has a 4k screen...

Gurm

Also it does not use Amoled. It has a PLS TFT LCD display. I am also testing and it seems I can use it. I was lead to this after using Samsung Galaxy Tab E which does not use Amoled as well and it is fine for my eyes.

randomboolean

I am testing a friend's J3 which is is bought sometime ago from Amazon.co.uk (UK resident). I am still testing it, when i visit her and play with the phone for an hour or so, it does not bother me. Can i check something within the phone that it would be useful to share?

Peter Thanks, I just received the phone and will let you know how does it go for me. If it gives me eye strain it would be nice to compare the android, build, kernel, etc. versions between my device and yours to check for differences. If it gives me eye strain I will return it.

I wish someone would make a phone with decent specs that uses one of these less offensive chipsets and screens. My dad has the J3, it's an ok phone but certainly less powerful than I'd like. I also briefly used a Samsung Galaxy Prime and that was also fine but again the chipset was garbage.

There was a trend of people making stripped-down phones, for example HTC had the mini for a while which was a 720p screen with a decent processor and less storage (but a MicroSD slot remedies that).

randomboolean Android is version 7. 'Less' means that I get strain after about 30 minutes, but no migraines, just that the eyes get tired. Significantly there are no migrainous symptoms like nausea, etc. for about that much time. On increasing the brightness to say 20%, mild symptoms do appear after about 10-15 minutes, though not as severe as they do with other phones so far. It's hence possible to get some quick work done.

Devotee I tested the phone yesterday and get the same feelings. No headaches, but still blurry vision after 15-30 mins. Might be a good enough option just for answering/calling people, reading quick mail, but no prolonged use(youtube, email writing,etc.). I will still return the phone as they shipped the wrong color and will think about this for couple of days.

randomboolean
I bought this 2017 verion of the J3 with Model number SM-J330F and Android 7.0 in The Netherlands
https://www.coolblue.nl/product/791865/

Sharing my personal experience is i've never had problems with any 3.5inch smartphones. Old or more recent, I have zero symptoms. Of Course such phones are almost useless nowadays and antiquated. Not sure what is specifically different in larger phones other than the screen size which I don't believe to be the issue. I can vouch that the Htc One X has been the only usable smartphone above 3.5inch for me although not completely free of symptoms. Im ordering the Htc One M8 to see if its manageable.

Does anyone have any advice on whether there is in adjustment period for some devices such that devices that don't give you instant eye strain have potential for adaption. My migraines peaked in 2011/2012 where I couldn't use any devices for more than 10 minutes without medication, during that period I was taking 10mg Amitriptyline for migraines. Most devices become usable for 2-3 hours.

George1989 If the HTC One X was ok for you, the M8 should be (although there are multiple screen vendors, you might get unlucky) as long as you keep it running Lollipop (Android 5). It becomes unusable on Android 6/7.