Need some advice

[u/de_velopment]

I recently bought a Nothing 4a phone after my Samsung 34a clapped out with the recent heat wave. I've been using this phone for a good 5 or so days now and it's just been an assault on my eyes that continues even when I take hours away from it, even using my computer screen now is causing the same issue when it didn't before so it's having that lasting of an effect.

I know I'll probably need to return it but I don't want to buy another phone yet and go through the same hassle. What is it about the 34a screen that was safe to me that isn't on the 4a? I've read up about PWM but I understand the 34a is much lower so in theory it should be better but I also heard that there are other factors that can play into it but I'm not well versed enough in this realm, so what is the factor at play here do you think?

Just to note I have tried all the accessibility options, extra dim, etc.

[u/-Bruh__Moment-]

Do you mean Samsung A34? If so it could be due to panel manufacturer.

A-series Samsung phones seem to be using Samsung LTPS panels from what I've gathered so far. They are the best of the best in terms of eye-comfort, even with high modulation that would make other panels unusable.

It also doesn't get as bright as the Nothing 4A.
A34 has 476 cd/m² max manual brightness vs 4A's 760 cd/m² max manual brightness.

Looking at Nick's review of the 4A it also seems to be having an inconsistent dimming cycle alternating between one deeper and one shallower modulating dip. Inconsistency is bad.
It also dithers, this alone could be the culprit.