OLED screens use PWM dimming to adjust brightness, basically flickering the display really fast. For some people, that flicker leads to eye strain. Lately, phone makers have been tackling the issue by bumping up PWM frequencies, something brands like OnePlus already do on their flagship devices. Google is jumping in too, but with a catch in how it’s applied.
Flicker is one of those things we barely notice but are constantly exposed to through screens and modern lighting, and it takes a real toll on the body. Engineers and researchers have long pointed out that this kind of light fluctuation can lead to headaches, strained or blurry vision, migraines, and even trigger more serious issues like photosensitive epilepsy. It can also worsen autism symptoms in children. The IEEE 1789 standard lays all of this out as guidance for how LED lighting should be designed to minimize those risks.
PWM dimming isn’t something you usually notice, but for people sensitive to flicker, it can cause anything from eye strain to headaches. With the Google Pixel 10 Pro, Google is tackling the problem through a new accessibility toggle called “Adjust brightness for sensitive eyes,” which Android Central spotted during a hands-on test.
Why the Pro Fold only gets the fix inside
Enabling the setting increases the PWM frequency from 240Hz to 480Hz, reducing the visible flicker that often causes discomfort for sensitive users. Meanwhile, Android Central points out that the option only applies to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s inner display. The reasoning is straightforward: its outer screen uses the same panel type as the standard Pixel 10, which doesn’t support the “sensitive eyes” adjustment.
Brands like OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Honor have been ahead of the curve in making their displays easier on the eyes, using high PWM dimming rates and low blue light certification. Google is only now bringing similar tech to the Pixel 10 Pro models, and while it’s a bit late to the party, it’s still a much-needed step forward.
Google Pixel 10 Pro
- SoC
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Google Tensor G5
- Display type
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Super Actua
- Display dimensions
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6.3-inch
- Display resolution
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20:9
- RAM
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16GB
- Storage
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128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB with Zoned UFS / 1 TB with Zoned UFS
The newest Pro Pixel features a faster, more efficient Tensor G5 chip, an upgraded ISP, and a brighter display. These hardware improvements, combined with an array of new AI features, position it as a leading Android phone for 2025.
