Pixel 9 Pro Is Problematic But Not Pixel 9?

K-Moss

"Here's an update.... I returned my pixel 9 pro and got a regular pixel 9 and the screen is much better for my eyes. Totally normal now. I think it's just the crazy screen that the pro has that was doing it and causing problems for me..."

"Yes I tried all the apps.. honestly, it's just that the screen is a different type of screen. Pixel 9 is great."

Any idea why the Pixel 9 Pro bothered them while the Pixel 9 was perfectly fine?

https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/1hl71de/pixel_9_pro_hurts_my_eyes/

JTL

K-Moss Any idea why the Pixel 9 Pro bothered them while the Pixel 9 was perfectly fine?

Both have 240Hz PWM, so that's not it.

K-Moss

JTL You think the harms and issues caused by PWM are overstated in general? PWM is one of those things we can measure and that we can cognitively understand probably isn't good for us, but generally it's not an insurmountable problem?

JTL

K-Moss You think the harms and issues caused by PWM are overstated in general? PWM is one of those things we can measure and that we can cognitively understand probably isn't good for us, but generally it's not an insurmountable problem?

I certainly think PWM is a problem that's understood how to test for it with the proper equipment (oscilloscope, amplified photodetector), but despite that there are allegedly some displays that despite not having PWM suffer from other luminance fluctuations despite being marketed as "PWM free". On the other hand we have other types of devices (such as OLED displays) that because of the magnificent work of companies such as Samsung still suffer from PWM flicker to this day, and that's also a real problem.

528491

K-Moss I do think the topic of PWM is indeed overblown in this forum. For example, although I'm light sensitive, I've never noticed any difference between PMW and non-PMW electronics. I'm light sensitive in general (even to regular sunlight), it's just that LEDs tend to be much more aggressive than other types of light.

JTL

__528491__ As I said in another thread recently

Even if these factors aren't a primary cause of the issue in your particular case. I wouldn't be surprised if they are just "adding gasoline to the fire" so to speak.

In addition while this certainly doesn't apply to everybody I have met certain people with photosensitive epilepsy or eye damage where the (lack of) PWM certainly makes a difference. It's not the end of the story, but it's just one factor (of many) to consider.

Gwanatu

Brightness plays a big factor. Pixel 9 isn't as bright as Pixel 9 Pro by about 300 nits, which could be this person's threshold. PWM negatively affects me around 1400 nits in my experience.

K-Moss

Gwanatu Makes sense that the brighter is the screen, the more impactful the effects of any PWM.

I still think IPS must be safer for the eyes and brain on a long term basis.