Google adds ‘sensitive eyes’ display PWM setting on Pixel 10 series

Ben Schoon | Aug 22 2025 - 3:15 am PT

The PWM refresh rate of your smartphone’s display is something you probably never think about, and that most people probably have no idea even exists. But, for some, that rate can make or break the experience, which is why it’s great to see that, on Pixel 10, Google is adding a “sensitive eyes” setting that boosts the PWM rate for those who need it.

PWM stands for “pulse-width modulation,” and it’s effectively a trick that displays use to make the screen look brighter or dimmer. The display “flashes” very frequently in a way that you probably can’t see, but makes everything work as we’ve come to expect. If you’ve ever seen a photo of a display with black lines going across it, that’s a result of the PWM rate.

As mentioned, most people never think about this, but it is still important.

For some people, a low PWM rate can lead to a display causing them discomfort, eye strain, or even physical sickness. Every phone is different in this regard, but generally speaking a higher PWM rate will eliminate this issue for those who are sensitive to it. Google, though, has never offered a very high PWM rate on Pixel devices, settling at 240Hz.

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On the Pixel 10, though, Google is offering an option to boost the display’s PWM rate for those who need it. As Android Central’s Nick Sutrich – who covers this topic in-depth – details, the “Adjust brightness for sensitive eyes” setting doubles the PWM rate to 480Hz. Still far from the 3,000+ rate found on phones from the likes of Honor and other brands, but a considerable step in the right direction.

Google briefly describes the setting saying: