👁️Let's talk about the PWM flickering on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, because it's causing some concern online.
What's PWM? OLED displays control brightness by flickering pixels on and off rapidly. At 480Hz, that's 480 times per second. Most people can't perceive this at all. But some people are sensitive to it, reporting eye strain, headaches, and fatigue—especially at lower brightness levels.
The S26 Ultra's 480Hz is on the lower end of the PWM spectrum. Some phones use much higher frequencies (OnePlus uses 2880Hz, for example), which is theoretically better for sensitive users. The iPhone handles this differently, using DC dimming at higher brightness levels, which eliminates flickering entirely.
Here's the thing: you probably already know if you're PWM-sensitive. Have you used OLED phones before without issues? You're almost certainly fine. Do fluorescent lights bother you? Do certain screens give you headaches? Those are hints you might be sensitive.
If you are sensitive, there are workarounds. Higher brightness levels reduce the PWM effect. Enabling Extra Brightness mode in display settings can help. The Eye Comfort Shield (blue light filter) might reduce strain too.
The vast majority of people will never notice PWM. It's a real concern for a small percentage of users, but it shouldn't be a deciding factor for most people. If you're worried, visit a store and use a display model for 15-20 minutes at low brightness. You'll know quickly if it bothers you.
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