How does the always-on display feature on the iPhone 14 Pro compare to the S23 Ultra's similar feature

Comparison of Always-On Display Features: iPhone 14 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Both the iPhone 14 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra feature always-on display (AOD) technology, but they implement it in distinct ways that reflect their respective operating systems and design philosophies.

Display Technology and Functionality

- iPhone 14 Pro:
- Utilizes a more advanced OLED panel capable of a refresh rate that can drop to 1Hz, allowing for significant power savings while displaying essential information like time, widgets, and notifications. The display dims the wallpaper to its lowest brightness, maintaining visibility without using excessive power. This approach is designed to provide a familiar look, as it mirrors the iOS 16 Lock Screen, allowing users to see their customizations even when the phone is idle[1][3][5].

- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra:
- Features a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, which enhances smoothness during interactions. The AOD on Samsung devices typically shows a black screen with minimal information, such as the clock and notifications, which some users find less distracting compared to Apple's implementation. Samsung has offered this feature for longer than Apple, making it more refined in terms of user feedback and customization options[2][4].

Customization Options

- iPhone 14 Pro:
- Customization is somewhat limited. While users can personalize their Lock Screen with various widgets and wallpapers, the always-on display reflects these choices without providing additional flexibility. Recent updates have allowed some adjustments, such as disabling wallpaper and notifications for a more muted display, but many users still desire a simpler AOD mode akin to Android's[1][5][7].

- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra:
- Offers more extensive customization for its AOD. Users can choose different styles and what information is displayed, allowing for a more personalized experience. This flexibility caters to diverse user preferences, making it easier for individuals to tailor the AOD to their liking[4].

Battery Efficiency

- Both devices leverage OLED technology for power efficiency; however, their strategies differ:

- iPhone 14 Pro: The AOD feature is optimized through Apple's A16 Bionic chip and its Display Engine, which manages power consumption effectively even when the display is active at low refresh rates. Apple claims this results in minimal battery impact during normal use[1][3].

- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: While also efficient, the S23 Ultra's AOD can be more demanding due to its higher refresh rate capabilities. However, Samsung has integrated features like Eye Comfort Shield to mitigate blue light exposure during prolonged use[4].

User Experience

- iPhone 14 Pro:
- The always-on display has received mixed reviews; some users appreciate seeing their customized Lock Screen at all times, while others find it distracting or prefer a simpler interface. The integration with iOS features like Live Activities adds utility but may not suit everyone’s preferences[3][5].

- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra:
- Generally praised for its straightforward approach to AOD, which emphasizes essential information without overwhelming the user. Its design aligns with traditional Android implementations of AOD, which many users find familiar and effective[2][4].

Conclusion

In summary, while both the iPhone 14 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra offer always-on display features that enhance usability by showing key information at a glance, they cater to different user preferences through their design philosophies and customization capabilities. The iPhone's approach focuses on integrating with existing iOS aesthetics while providing limited customization options, whereas Samsung's offering leans towards flexibility and user control over displayed content.