Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) in OLED screens can cause headaches, eye fatigue, and dizziness. We compare 87+ devices on PWM sensitivity to help you make the right choice.
PWMRating.com started from a very practical problem: buying a phone should not feel like a medical gamble.
My name is Dimitri Kappos, and I am unfortunately highly sensitive to PWM flicker. Over the years I have tested a lot of phones myself, trying to understand why some screens felt fine while others caused headaches, eye strain, dizziness, or fatigue within minutes.
For a long time this problem was easy to dismiss because it sounded subjective. I am glad that PWM sensitivity is finally getting more attention, and that more people are sharing clear, repeatable experiences. It turns out I am definitely not the only one.
This site is built for people in that same position: people who want the technical display data, but also real-world experiences from other sensitive users before spending money on a device. The goal is not to sell a perfect answer. The goal is to build a careful, sourced, community-driven guide that gets better with every report.
Every device starts at 0.0 stars until registered users rate it based on real experience.
PWM frequency and DC-dimming flags are technical indicators. The public ranking is based on registered user ratings, not on an automatic verdict.
DC dimming or >1000 Hz
Still verify with user reports
500-1000 Hz
Useful technical context
200-500 Hz
Read real-world reports
60-200 Hz
Treat conservatively
<60 Hz
Needs strong evidence
PWM is a method to control screen brightness - and for sensitive users, it can cause significant health issues.
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) dims a screen by quickly switching it on and off. At low frequencies (<400 Hz), this can be perceived as flicker by some people.
Common complaints include: headaches, eye strain, blurred vision, dizziness, and nausea - especially when used at low brightness and in dark environments.
The solution: DC dimming. This reduces the voltage to the backlighting instead of pulsing it via PWM. No flicker, no complaints. More phones are supporting this.
Look for devices with DC dimming or a PWM frequency >1000 Hz. Our database shows exactly what each device offers, so you can choose consciously.
High/DC band
High/DC band
High/DC band
Have experience with a phone, laptop, monitor, TV, or car display? Share your notes in the PWM Rating community. Real-world reports help sensitive users avoid expensive mistakes.