# Displays Should Be Designed for People, Not for Testing Equipment
## Introduction
In the realm of smartphone innovation, display performance is frequently evaluated with benchmarks and calibration instruments. Nevertheless, what appears impressive in theory does not always equate to a pleasant and satisfying user experience. Several manufacturers, especially Samsung, have been tuning their displays to secure top positions in metrics rather than focusing on practical usability. This methodology has resulted in problems such as pronounced flickering, artificial color adjustments, and eye fatigue, which adversely affect users.
## The Development of Smartphone Displays
Samsung has consistently been at the forefront of display technology, making OLED screens popular with the introduction of the Galaxy series in 2010. Throughout the years, OLED technology has seen substantial advancements, providing deeper blacks, vibrant hues, and improved energy efficiency. However, recent trends indicate that Samsung and other vendors are placing greater importance on display statistics rather than user comfort.
### The Issue with Display Ratings
Platforms like **DXOMark** evaluate smartphone displays based on a range of technical metrics, including brightness, contrast, and color precision. While these metrics offers valuable benchmarks for comparison, they may not accurately represent everyday usage. Manufacturers have begun to tweak their displays to achieve better ratings, occasionally at the expense of user experience.
One of the most troubling strategies is the application of **Frame Rate Control (FRC) dithering**, which artificially heightens the color depth of an 8-bit display to imitate a 10-bit panel. This method involves quickly toggling between two colors to create the perception of an additional shade. While this may perform well under examination, it can result in discomfort and eye strain for users, particularly those sensitive to flickering.
## The Pixel Ruse: How Displays Mislead the System
Numerous contemporary smartphones claim to support **HDR10**, but not all genuinely provide true 10-bit color. Instead, they depend on **8-bit + FRC dithering** to replicate a broader color spectrum. This technique employs rapid pixel flashes to deceive the human eye into observing more colors than what the display can naturally generate.
Michael Hamilton, an ISF calibration instructor, notes that **8-bit displays with FRC cannot effectively eliminate color banding** and may introduce flickering anomalies. These anomalies might remain unnoticed in still images but become evident during motion, resulting in issues such as ghosting and unnatural video movement.
## Samsung’s Flickering Challenges
Samsung’s displays also experience complications from **Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) dimming**, a method used to control brightness by flickering pixels on and off at a rapid rate. Although this technique enhances contrast and power efficiency, it can lead to substantial discomfort for users who are sensitive to flickering.
In contrast to other manufacturers that have embraced **high-frequency PWM dimming** (like **4320Hz PWM dimming on the Honor Magic 7 Pro**), Samsung persists with **low-frequency PWM dimming** at **480Hz**, which is more likely to induce eye strain and headaches.
## The Industry’s Reaction
As Samsung continues to emphasize benchmark performance over user comfort, other companies are opting for a different strategy. Brands like **BOE and Visionox** are manufacturing OLED displays with **genuine 10-bit color reproduction** and **elevated PWM dimming frequencies**, mitigating flicker-related challenges.
For instance, the **OnePlus 13** and **Honor Magic 7 Pro** sport **authentic 10-bit panels** that do not depend on dithering, providing a more natural and comfortable visual experience. These devices also incorporate **DC dimming**, an alternative to PWM that helps minimize flickering at reduced brightness levels.
## The Demand for Improved Accessibility Features
Google, Apple, and Samsung possess the ability to tackle these challenges by introducing **accessibility features** that permit users to disable dithering and modify display flickering settings. Google rolled out **colorblind modes** in Android L back in 2014, demonstrating that software enhancements can elevate user experience. However, the company has yet to offer similar settings for display flickering and dithering.
By granting users greater control over display configurations, manufacturers can ensure their devices are accommodating for all individuals, including those sensitive to flickering.
## Conclusion
The current inclination towards optimizing displays for benchmarks instead of practical usability is a troubling concern. While Samsung remains at the top of display rankings, its dependence on **FRC dithering and low-frequency PWM dimming** is leading to discomfort for numerous users. Other brands, like **OnePlus, Honor, and Motorola**, are adopting a more consumer-friendly approach by providing **genuine 10-bit panels and high-frequency PWM dimming**.
It is time for the industry to redirect its attention from **testing tools to human experience**. Display technology should prioritize **eye comfort, authentic color reproduction, and accessibility features** over artificial improvements aimed at achieving better benchmark scores. Until companies such as **Samsung, Google, and Apple** acknowledge this issue, users will continue to experience unnecessary eye strain and discomfort.
The responsibility lies with them—will they respond?
