Smartphone companies often emphasize several buzzwords, from high megapixel count to rapid charging speeds. A new addition to this list is the display’s ‘peak brightness,’ reaching numbers as high as 6,000 nits, which may sound appealing at first glance.
However, does high peak brightness actually matter on smartphone screens, and how does it impact user experience? This edition of MSP Explained will delve deeper into this topic and investigate whether peak brightness numbers are as beneficial as brands claim them to be.
First, Let’s Get the Basic Jargon Out of the Way
To determine the importance of peak brightness, it’s crucial to understand some fundamental terms,
- Nits: This is the unit of measurement for brightness. One nit equals one candela (a unit of light intensity on a surface) per square meter. Generally, the higher the nit count, the brighter the display.
- Lumen: This measures the intensity of light emitted from a source like a light bulb. In contrast, nits measure the brightness of the illuminated area.
- Peak Brightness: This term refers to the brightness levels achieved on a small display area, especially during the playback of HDR content (High Dynamic Range) where color and sharpness are crucial.
- Maximum Brightness: The maximum brightness, also known as High Brightness Mode (HBM) of a smartphone display, represents the full brightness level achieved primarily outdoors when the display is fully illuminated.
- Auto Brightness or Typical Brightness: This denotes the brightness level achieved mainly indoors when the display is fully lit, typically lower than peak brightness values.
So, How Is Peak Brightness Different From Maximum Brightness?
Peak brightness should not be confused with maximum brightness on a smartphone. While the former is attained in a small display area, the latter is achieved across the entire display, particularly in outdoor settings.
Peak brightness figures are also achieved in controlled environments, with brands often omitting specific details. Additionally, sustained peak brightness levels can pose a risk of screen burn.
The same applies to maximum brightness to maintain the phone’s performance and prevent overheating issues. If you are an iPhone user, you may have observed how the brightness automatically adjusts in sunlight to protect the display.
Does Peak Brightness Make a Difference?
Not really. Peak brightness is usually brief, as it demands more power and can quickly heat the phone. While these values are not inaccurate, they may not be applicable in everyday scenarios.
The high nit count is not the sole factor to consider when evaluating a display. Display technology also plays a significant role. LCD screens may perform better than OLEDs in brighter conditions, but OLEDs excel in producing deeper blacks and offering superior contrast and vibrancy.
Additionally, how a brand optimizes a display for sunlight can affect brightness and content readability.
What ‘Brightness’ Aspect Matters in the Display?
The most critical aspect would be the HBM. This signifies the maximum brightness level, especially in direct sunlight. Prioritize this feature, as visibility in sunlight is crucial. Enable the phone’s automatic brightness, also known as adaptive brightness mode.
Typical brightness is also essential, particularly for the average user. This can be manually adjusted based on the desired brightness level, making it relevant for everyday use.
Phones With the Highest Claimed Peak Brightness
Today, many smartphone manufacturers highlight peak brightness as a key highlight of the phone’s display. Below is a list of smartphones with the highest peak brightness along with their maximum brightness.
Smartphone | Peak Brightness | HBM |
Realme GT Neo 6 SE | 6000 nits | 1600 nits |
OnePlus 12 | 4500 nits | 1600 nits |
Redmi K70 Pro | 4000 nits | THAT |
iQOO 12 | 3000 nits | 1400 nits |
Xiaomi 14 Ultra/Xiaomi 14 | 3000 nits | 1000 nits |
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | 2600 nits | THAT |
Google Pixel 8 Pro | 2400 nits | 1600 nits |
iPhone 15 Pro Max/15 Pro | 2000 nits | 1000 nits |
Conclusion
Manufacturers are promoting the peak brightness of a phone’s display, and while this is not a mere gimmick, it may not be sustainable for daily or typical use cases. So, if brightness levels are crucial to you, pay attention to,
- The HBM figures (for outdoor usage)
- The typical brightness (for indoor usage)
A phone display with 1000 nits of HBM will be sufficiently bright for outdoor scenarios. For casual indoor activities like scrolling or video streaming, 600 to 800 nits are sufficient. Ultimately, screen efficiency, color accuracy, and vibrancy hold more significance than the advertised brightness levels.