Samsung Galaxy S27 Pro and S27 Ultra to get flicker-free displays
According to insiders, Samsung is preparing changes to the displays on Galaxy S27 Pro and S27 Ultra that could reduce screen flicker and make the phones more comfortable to use for people sensitive to PWM. The flagships, scheduled for early 2027, are expected to support DC dimming.
The problem with Samsung’s current displays
Samsung’s modern OLED displays use pulse-width modulation (PWM) to adjust brightness. Rather than continuously reducing pixel brightness, the technology controls how long each light pulse lasts. As brightness decreases, the pixels emit light for less time in each cycle, making flicker more noticeable.
For example, the displays in the Galaxy S26 series use PWM at a frequency of around 480 Hz. Although most users don’t notice the flicker, prolonged phone use can cause visual discomfort, eye strain and headaches in people who are sensitive to it. Samsung did not include a dedicated DC dimming mode or a flicker-reduction setting in the Galaxy S26.
New OLED displays
According to leaker Walle, the Galaxy S27 Pro and S27 Ultra may support DC dimming. Unlike PWM, this technology adjusts brightness by changing the electrical current supplied to the pixels. This approach can make flicker less noticeable, especially during prolonged phone use.
Both models are expected to feature Samsung M16 OLED panels. Meanwhile, according to preliminary information, the standard Galaxy S27 and S27 Plus will retain M14+ generation panels. Support for DC dimming on the lower-end models has not yet been confirmed.
However, switching to DC dimming has its limitations. At very low brightness, changes in current can degrade color reproduction, especially when displaying dark shades. Manufacturers therefore often use a hybrid system: DC dimming at medium and high brightness, and PWM at low brightness.
Samsung may choose a similar approach for the Galaxy S27 Pro and S27 Ultra. In that case, flicker will not be eliminated entirely, but it may be reduced at certain brightness levels.
