The excessive use of a smartphone, irrespective of the display’s brightness level, can lead to eye strain, which can deteriorate vision, leading to headaches and a disruption of the overall sleep schedule. To combat these pitfalls, manufacturers have adopted Pulse-Width Modulation panels that function at higher frequencies to mitigate the aforementioned harmful effects, with Google introducing this technology on its Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL for the first time. However, as you will read on, it is not as big of an upgrade as we are being led to believe, and you will understand shortly.
Using any Pixel 10 Pro or Pixel 10 Pro XL for longer than usual will result in reduced eye strain thanks to PWM displays, but Google’s upcoming lineup will also support up to 480Hz
Remember that PWM is significantly different than refresh rate or touch response rate, so when Android Authority reported that both the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL will ship with 480Hz PWM displays, do not assume that you will experience that exceptionally smooth scrolling. Instead, depending on how this figure is, it will be beneficial in eye strain reduction. For instance, devices like the OnePlus 13 have an impressive 2,160Hz PWM, with the HONOR raising the bar with its Magic 7 Pro, which is equipped with a 4,320Hz panel.
Given that Google’s Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL are categorized as flagships, why are their LTPO OLEDs limited to a 480Hz PWM? The report explains that each display is accompanied by its own driver IC, with the more premium panels capable of higher PWM frequencies. Of course, it is important to note that there are a ton of factors that will reduce eye strain when delivering a balanced viewing experience. For instance, phone makers can tweak their PWM clock speeds in the firmware, and other times, it is a matter of cost or how precise the contrast and gamma control is.
The higher the PWM frequency, the less freedom a company has in the available brightness steps, which can also affect color tones. In short, Google and others have to prioritize what trade-offs or advantages they want to offer consumers, and there is not one single preference that delivers a favorable outcome. Another thing to keep in mind is that while increasing the PWM frequency can reduce eye strain and headaches, not everyone can perceive the 480Hz value on the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL. Some users might be more susceptible to it.
Regardless, what Google is doing with its upcoming handsets is a step in the right direction, but it is disappointing that the same upgrade will not arrive to the less expensive Pixel 10 models. Perhaps the PWM frequency will be lower on the non-Pro versions, but for the time being, we do not have confirmation on this information.
News Source: Android Authority
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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