Jay Verma
The Samsung Galaxy S24 series debuts a new AMOLED display with an enhanced PWM rate of 492Hz. Previously, Samsung’s AMOLED panels on Galaxy phones operated at a 240Hz PWM, causing discomfort for some users such as headaches and eye strain. For years, Apple maintained a 240Hz PWM rate before escalating it to 480Hz with the iPhone 13 series.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S24 | iPhone 13 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | AMOLED | OLED |
| Maximum PWM Rate | 492Hz | 480Hz |
| Eye Comfort | Improved PWM rate for comfort | Improved PWM rate for comfort |
| Availability | Pre-order now, full release on January 31 | Currently available for purchase |
| Additional Deals | Exclusive pre-order deals available | Not specified |
Samsung Galaxy S24
For many users unfamiliar with pulse width modulation (PWM), this technology became a concern when Apple transitioned to OLED displays on the iPhone X in 2017. Some users reported feelings of discomfort, attributing it to the rapid on-and-off cycle of the OLED display which occurred 240 times per second, creating an illusion of dimmer or brighter brightness levels.
The low flickering rate of the OLED display has been a source of discomfort for many PWM-sensitive individuals, leading Apple to improve the PWM rate to 480Hz with the launch of the iPhone 13. Samsung is now surpassing Apple’s 480Hz PWM rate with the Galaxy S24 series, including the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Plus, and Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Measurements of the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s display reveal a significantly higher PWM rate of 492Hz and a more eye-friendly dimming pattern at high brightness levels.
In recent months, manufacturers like Honor and OnePlus have also improved the PWM rate of their displays, achieving notably higher numbers, reaching up to 3,840Hz on many Honor phones and up to 2,200Hz on the OnePlus 12. Additionally, companies such as OnePlus, Motorola, and Nothing have introduced dimming solutions resembling LCDs while maintaining the visual quality of an OLED display.
Personal usage of the Galaxy S24 Ultra indicates a more comfortable display experience compared to the Galaxy S23 Ultra, which had caused eye discomfort within a few seconds of use. Further evaluation will be necessary following the phone’s full release on January 31 to gauge the broader user reception of these new settings for daily use.
Future software updates from Samsung could potentially address this issue by introducing DC-like dimming at high brightness levels and further escalating PWM rates at low brightness levels. Studies show that PWM rates under 1,000Hz have been linked to issues at low brightness levels, particularly as the peak brightness of OLED displays continues to increase.
The industry’s commitment to prioritizing eye health is evident through the increasing emphasis on blue light reduction, flicker-free displays, and display certifications from standards organizations.
What is PWM?
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is a method used to control the brightness of displays, including OLED and AMOLED screens. It operates by rapidly turning the display’s pixels on and off to create different levels of brightness. The frequency at which this on-and-off cycling occurs is measured in hertz (Hz). A higher PWM rate indicates a faster on-and-off cycling, which can contribute to a more comfortable viewing experience for individuals sensitive to flickering displays. Manufacturers have been increasing PWM rates to address comfort and eye strain issues associated with lower rates.
What is AMOLED?
AMOLED stands for “Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode”, and it refers to a type of display technology commonly used in smartphones, televisions, and wearable devices.
AMOLED displays are known for their vibrant colors, high contrast ratios, and energy efficiency. Unlike traditional LCD displays, each pixel in an AMOLED screen emits its own light, allowing for true blacks and more power-efficient designs. This technology enables manufacturers to create thinner and lighter devices while providing exceptional image quality. Additionally, AMOLED displays have the flexibility to be curved or bent, leading to innovative form factors in device design. Which type of Television you should buy?
What is 492Hz?
492Hz refers to the pulse width modulation (PWM) refresh rate of the Samsung Galaxy S24’s AMOLED display. This measurement indicates how rapidly the display’s pixels turn on and off to create different levels of brightness. A higher PWM rate, such as 492Hz, can contribute to a more comfortable viewing experience for individuals sensitive to flickering displays. The increased PWM rate of the Samsung Galaxy S24 aims to provide users with a more eye-friendly and comfortable display experience compared to previous models.
