K-Moss Just wanted to update my reply for accuracy in the archives. The reason the Edge display had so much more pixel noise is because of the inferior sensor on the G Play's camera. Edge's camera sensor is perfectly clear.
That said, I ended up returning the Edge because the G was more comfortable for my eyes. For my next phone, I'll get another IPS LCD (I assume) but with upgraded specs.
Now let me be clear. The Moto Edge is a spectacular device. It is way superior to the G Play. However, I determined eye comfort and eye health more important than other considerations.
Besides that, I don't currently make much use of a phone besides as a phone. Therefore, I imagine I could have gone with the OLED Edge and not been too bothered by it. Certainly it is a nicer and more impressive device, in all ways. However, with the IPS LCD I know if I do want to use the screen for any extended periods that it will not strain my eyes like the Edge.
Price was not a consideration.
Also, I just spoke with an engineer in China. He told me he doesn't use any OLED devices and won't buy an OLED phone until they stop flickering. He said he is a heavy user so he doesn't want to make any compromises. He uses the Realme 9 Pro. He said he would sooner use a feature phone over an OLED phone. He continued:
"I believe that long-term use of an OLED phone is bad for my eyes."
He continued further:
"The part of PWM that worries me the most is that the screen emits excessively bright light. Although it's only momentary, to some extent, it feels a bit like a laser shining into your eyes."
I asked him to elucidate on that.
"I don’t know how to explain it, but if you understand the principle of PWM, the screen’s brightness actually alternates between bright and dark. The brightness perceived by the eyes is similar to an average value."
He also said:
"I would say that if there is something purely evil, it’s OLED, not PWM."
Wow. There you have it. OLED itself is "purely evil" according to this Chinese engineer who is an admitted power user.
He continued:
"The modulation depth of OLED is much greater than that of IPS, and even with DC dimming, OLED still flickers. That's evil."
More from our discussion:
"I believe high contrast can easily cause eye fatigue, and TN panels typically have lower contrast, which aligns with my experience. However, contrast is only one of the reasons. I think color is also important. I believe the traditional 72% NTSC color gamut is more suitable for long-term use."
This comment reminds me of this, posted by a LEDStrain member:
"Oled produces unatural colors, what you see inside that display is so arificial that our eyes are triggered and the brain more."
The Chinese engineer said also:
"I'm not a screen color expert, but I think the software environment for daily use isn't designed for wide color gamuts, which might easily cause eye fatigue, somewhat similar to the impact of high contrast.
Although wide color gamut and high contrast tend to bring a sense of satisfaction when watching movies, they can also easily cause eye fatigue."
More useful comments extending on colors and their impact, taken from this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DQby7Hqfmk
"It is not only PWM. I find that I get problems with screens (both phone and computer) when the colors are too vivid and exaggerated. I just found this today and am testing it: From Android Settings, tap Display, and then tap Screen mode. Tap Natural (or Basic). Don't choose Vivid. Also under Settings, Accessibility, Display there may be some setting affecting color. My Android phone is old so can't check it now."
"Same! Glad to see someone saying this. My fix has been to change everything to black and white colors "
Black and white can be accomplished by putting on Android's Bedtime Mode.
"I have made the Macbook Pro 16 (2021 model) work for my eyes by doing the following: Display refresh rate 47,95 Hz, Created a custom display preset (out of the Internet & Web preset) with RGB colors (decreasing the amount of colors), White point D50 and luminosity 48 (the lowest possible). The screen is then covered with a Targus magnetic privacy screen. This privacy screen makes it a bit darker and matt (and it just feels better for the eyes with this screen). Now my eyes are okay using that screen. I also made another preset with the luminosity 60 when I need it to be brighter and switch between these two. Many people complain about a large number of colors being stressful."