An unknown effect, present on most recent smartphones, annoys more and more Android users. This phenomenon invisible to the naked eye can cause headache or nausea in some people. An alarm signal has just been launched to force Google to react.
For several years, Smartphones manufacturers are looking to display ever more lively and varied colors on their screens. To achieve this, many use a technique called “Temporal dithering”, or temporal trament in French. This method consists in flashing sub-pixels very quickly to simulate additional colors. If this approach makes it possible to improve the display at a lower cost, it also causes serious inconvenience in certain sensitive users.
Temporal tramenting can cause migraines, nausea or persistent visual discomfort. Unlike the PWM, which is sometimes indicated in the characteristics, it is almost never officially mentioned. Result: it is very difficult to know if a model is equipped with it before purchasing. Even high -end phones like the latest Samsung Galaxy S25, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold or the recent OnePlus models incorporate this type of screen. An official report, submitted to the follow -up of Android bugs (AOSP), has just alert Google to the consequences of this technique. In a few days, dozens of users supported this request to require a deactivation option.
Temporal traming forces some users to abandon their smartphone
Today, those who are sensitive to these effects have almost no alternative. Manufacturers do not give precise information on the flashing rate or on the areas of the screen concerned. In practice, you have to test yourself with a idle microscope or camera to detect rapid color changes. Brands like TCL have started to offer the deactivation of temporal tramenting on certain tablets, but these options remain exceptional. For the majority of recent Android phones, no adjustment yet avoids this phenomenon.
Faced with this situation, users are asking for a real accessibility solution to deactivate temporal traming and protect the most vulnerable people. Without this option, many are forced to abandon modern smartphones or turn to electronic ink models, not very suitable for daily use. While the screens are technically perfected, the visual comfort and user health should not be overlooked. It remains to be seen if Google and the manufacturers will answer this call to guarantee devices really usable by all.