Best smartphones supporting 1 nit brightness in 2025

You want a screen that feels gentle on your eyes, especially late at night or when you just need a break from harsh light. In 2025, the iPhone 16 series and the M5 iPad Pro stand out as your top choices for devices that support true 1 nit brightness. The iphone 16 pro, for example, features a display that can reach a minimum brightness of just 1 nit. If you love reading before bed or have sensitive eyes, these devices help you enjoy your content with less strain and more comfort.

Key Takeaways

• Devices like the iPhone 16 series and M5 iPad Pro support a minimum brightness of 1 nit, making them ideal for nighttime use and reducing eye strain.

• Using a device with 1 nit brightness helps prevent common eye discomforts such as dryness, blurriness, and headaches, especially in dark environments.

• The iPhone 16 series is particularly beneficial for sensitive eyes, offering features like Night Shift and True Tone for added comfort.

• The M5 iPad Pro provides a larger screen for reading, allowing users to enjoy content without disturbing others in low-light settings.

• Testing devices in a dark room before purchase can help you find the best fit for your eye comfort and reading habits.

Device comparison: 1 nit brightness

Minimum brightness and display specs

When you look for a device that supports 1 nit brightness, you want to know how the screen performs in both dark and bright settings. The iphone 16 and M5 iPad Pro both deliver impressive results. The iphone 16 pro uses advanced OLED technology, which helps it reach a true minimum brightness of just 1 nit. This means you can use your phone in a dark room without feeling like the screen is too harsh on your eyes. The M5 iPad Pro features an Ultra Retina XDR OLED display. This panel also supports a minimum brightness of 1 nit, making it perfect for reading in bed or relaxing at night.

Here’s a quick table to help you compare the main display specs:

You might notice that both devices use OLED panels. These panels allow for deeper blacks and better control over minimum brightness. New advancements, like Samsung’s QD-OLED and LG’s stacked OLED, push higher brightness even further while keeping the lowest levels gentle for your eyes.

Price and availability

You probably want to know how much these devices cost and where you can find them. The 11-inch M5 iPad Pro launched at $999, but you can often find it for around $935 now. That’s a nice discount if you shop around. The iphone 16 and iphone 16 pro are available in most major regions, with prices that vary depending on storage and carrier deals.

• Standard warranty for both devices is one year.

• AppleCare+ gives you extra coverage for accidental damage.

• You get same-day service and express replacement for the iphone 16 in many areas.

• The M5 iPad Pro offers 24/7 priority access to Apple experts.

If you want a device with 1 nit brightness, both the iphone 16 pro and M5 iPad Pro give you great options for comfort, support, and value.

Reviews: iPhone 16 and M5 iPad Pro

iPhone 16 series: 1-nit minimum brightness experience

You probably want to know how the iphone 16 feels when you use it in the dark. Many users say the screen feels gentle, even when you turn the brightness all the way down. The iphone 16 series introduces a 1-nit minimum brightness, and this makes a big difference for anyone who checks their phone at night or uses the Always-On display. You can glance at your notifications or the clock without lighting up the whole room.

• The 1-nit minimum brightness works especially well with the Always-On display. You get information at a glance, but the screen stays dim and comfortable.

• The OLED panel on the iphone 16 pro keeps colors accurate and text sharp, even at the lowest brightness.

• You can use your phone in a pitch-black room without feeling like the screen is too bright.

Users also talk about the blue light filter on the iphone 16. You might notice less eye strain during late-night reading. The filter helps you relax and fall asleep more easily after using your phone. If you have sensitive eyes, you will appreciate how the iphone 16 pro handles low-light situations.

Tip: Try turning on Night Shift or True Tone for even more comfort when you use your iphone 16 at night.

M5 iPad Pro: low-light and eye comfort

The M5 iPad Pro also supports a minimum brightness of 1 nit. You can read, watch videos, or browse the web in bed without disturbing anyone next to you. The Ultra Retina XDR OLED display looks stunning, even at the lowest settings. Many people enjoy using the M5 iPad Pro for nighttime reading or drawing.

However, some users have noticed issues when using the M5 iPad Pro at very low brightness. You might experience flickering, which can feel uncomfortable if you have sensitive eyes. A few users even returned their previous iPad Pro models because of severe eye strain at low brightness. Others feel confused about why flickering happens and wonder if it can be fixed.

• Some users report flickering and eye strain at low brightness on the M5 iPad Pro.

• One person returned their M4 iPad Pro due to severe eye strain at low settings.

• Another user questioned if flickering at low brightness could be eliminated.

If you want the best eye comfort, you should test the M5 iPad Pro in a dark room before you buy it. Everyone’s eyes react differently. You might love the display, or you might notice the flicker. The good news is that the minimum brightness gives you more control over your experience.

Benefits of 1-nit minimum brightness

Eye comfort and health

You probably know how uncomfortable your eyes can feel after staring at a bright screen for too long. When you use a device with a high minimum brightness, your eyes work harder, especially in dark rooms. This can lead to all sorts of problems. You might notice your vision gets blurry, or your eyes feel dry and itchy. Sometimes, you get headaches or even a burning sensation. If you keep using bright screens, you may start to blink less, which makes your eyes even drier.

• Common issues from higher minimum brightness include:

  • Vision blurring

  • Dryness

  • Headache

  • Eye redness

  • Burning sensation

  • Double vision

  • Eye pain

  • Itching

  • Intolerance to light

  • Excessive blinking

You can avoid many of these problems by choosing a device with 1 nit brightness. The iphone 16 and iphone 16 pro both let you lower the screen to a gentle glow. This helps reduce eye fatigue and makes your eyes feel more comfortable, even after long hours of use. You also protect your eyes from chronic dry eye syndrome, which can cause lasting discomfort if you ignore it.

If you care about your eye health, picking a device with a low minimum brightness is a smart move.

Nighttime reading and usability

Have you ever tried using your phone in bed and felt like the screen was lighting up the whole room? With 1 nit brightness, you get a screen that feels soft and easy on your eyes. You can read, scroll, or check messages without disturbing anyone next to you. The iphone 16 series makes nighttime reading much more pleasant. You won’t have to squint or look away because the screen is too bright.

You also sleep better when your device doesn’t blast your eyes with harsh light. Bright screens can mess with your sleep by disrupting your natural rhythms. When you use a device with a low minimum brightness, you help your body relax and get ready for rest. The M5 iPad Pro and iphone 16 both give you this advantage, so you can enjoy your favorite book or comic late at night without worry.

Adjusting minimum brightness on devices

Set minimum brightness on iPhone 16

You want your screen to feel gentle, especially at night. The iphone 16 pro lets you lower the brightness to a soft glow. To set the minimum brightness, swipe down from the top right to open Control Center. Move the brightness slider all the way to the left. This gives you the lowest setting possible.

Some users notice that the iphone 16 screen looks dimmer than older models, even when they set the slider to the same spot. You might find that the minimum brightness does not always reach the 1 nit level, especially if you compare it to the iphone 14 Pro. Sometimes, software updates can affect how the brightness works. If you run into problems, try setting up your phone as new after an update. This can help fix issues with the brightness slider.

Tip: If your screen feels too dim or too bright, check for software updates or restart your device. Sometimes, a fresh start helps.

Set minimum brightness on M5 iPad Pro

The M5 iPad Pro makes it easy to adjust your screen for comfort. You can slide the brightness bar in Control Center to the lowest setting. This device can reach a minimum brightness of 1 nit, which feels perfect in a dark bedroom. If you used older iPad Pro models, you will notice a big difference. The new model gives you more control at night.

You might run into a few bugs. Some users report that the brightness slider gets stuck or grayed out after the device wakes from sleep. Others say the option disappears from settings after an update. If this happens, restarting your iPad usually brings the slider back.

• The new iPad Pro can reach 1 nit, which is great for dark rooms.

• Previous models did not have this feature.

• Sometimes, the brightness slider may not work after sleep or updates.

Note: If your brightness slider is missing or not working, a quick restart often solves the problem.

Buying guide: choosing for low-light use

Best for sensitive eyes

If you have sensitive eyes, you want a device that feels gentle and easy to look at, even in the dark. The iphone 16 pro stands out for people who notice flicker or get eye strain from screens. Its OLED display with 1 nit brightness lets you use your phone at night without discomfort. Many users say the screen stays smooth and does not flicker at low settings. You can also turn on features like Night Shift or True Tone to make the display even softer. If you often feel tired after looking at screens, the iphone 16 pro could be your best choice.

Best for nighttime reading

Do you love reading before bed? The M5 iPad Pro gives you a big, bright screen that drops down to just 1 nit brightness. You can read comics, books, or articles without lighting up the whole room. The larger display makes text easy to see, and you can adjust the text size for comfort. Some people notice flicker at low brightness, so you should test the iPad in a dark room if you can. If you want a device just for reading, the M5 iPad Pro offers a great experience with lots of space for your favorite stories.

Other features to consider

When you pick a device for low-light use, you should look at more than just minimum brightness. Here are some features that help protect your eyes and make using your device more comfortable:

Tip: Try using dark mode and blue light filters at night. These features can make a big difference in how your eyes feel after long reading sessions.

You get amazing comfort with both the iphone 16 and M5 iPad Pro. Each device supports 1 nit brightness, so your eyes feel relaxed at night. If you want the smoothest low-light experience, the iphone 16 stands out for sensitive eyes. The M5 iPad Pro gives you a bigger screen for reading.

• Choose the device that fits your habits.

• Test them in person if you can.

Your eyes deserve the best care. Pick what feels right for you.

FAQ

What does 1 nit brightness mean for my eyes?

1 nit means your screen gets super dim. You can use your device in a dark room without hurting your eyes. This helps you read or scroll at night and keeps your eyes comfortable.

Can I set 1 nit brightness on older iPhones or iPads?

You can't reach true 1 nit brightness on older models. Only the iPhone 16 series and M5 iPad Pro support this feature. If you want the lowest brightness, you need one of these newer devices.

Why does my screen flicker at low brightness?

Some OLED screens flicker when you lower the brightness. You might notice this on the M5 iPad Pro. If flicker bothers you, try testing the device in person before you buy.

How do I fix a stuck brightness slider?

Try restarting your device. Most of the time, this brings the slider back. If you still have trouble, check for software updates or reset your settings.

Which device is better for nighttime reading?

📚 The M5 iPad Pro gives you a bigger screen for reading books and comics. The iPhone 16 series works great for quick reading and messaging. Pick the one that fits your habits best.

See Also

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