Dark Mode Versus Light Mode for Smartphones and Tablets

People tend to rely upon vision more than other senses. At the same time, most folks employ their excellent vision by staring at a screen for work, school, communication, or entertainment.
And very often, device users need to squint at relatively small screens on smartphones and tablets. These devices offer portability and mobility, but they’re not always optimized for an excellent viewing experience. As a result, almost everybody suffers from eye strain at times.
Frequent screen users should consider their screen settings to relieve eye strain and improve comfort. In particular, consider the pros and cons of dark vs. light mode. While dark mode may reduce glare, it won’t offer the best solution for everybody.

What Does Dark Mode Mean?

Smartphones, tablets, and various applications might offer a dark mode setting. This mode inverts the usual color scheme to display light text on dark backgrounds.
Typical devices have the default set to light mode, with light backgrounds and dark text. Because of this, device users might not realize the alternative setting to dark mode exists. They should look for dark mode under the device’s display settings, sometimes called dark theme.

Dark Vs. Light Mode for Smartphones and Tablet Computers

Some potential benefits of the dark mode setting include:
  • Less exposure to blue light: According to WebMD, research demonstrates a possible link between eye damage and blue light.
  • Reduced glare: The contrast between the light from the screen and the rest of the room can cause discomfort.

Dark Mode Doesn’t Work for Everybody

Dark mode offers apparent benefits, but it won’t provide the right choice for everybody. For one thing, people with common vision issues, like nearsightedness, will find it harder to focus in dark mode. In fact, they might suffer more eye strain from dark mode than from light mode.
Harvard Medical School published some alternative tips to maximize comfort and reduce the risk of developing vision problems from frequent screen use. For instance:
  • Matte screen filters for tablets and smartphones help reduce glare and usually only cost about $10.
  • Some people may find that turning down the brightness setting in light mode offers plenty of relief.
  • Just turning away from the screen to give eyes time to rest three or four times an hour should help too.
  • Have eyes checked to ensure the proper prescription for glasses or contacts.
Computer vision syndrome describes a common problem that frequent screen users may experience. Primarily, people don’t blink as often when peering intently at a screen as they usually do, and this may result in dry eyes. Try to remember to blink periodically and use artificial tears for extra lubrication.

How to Protect Screens and Tablets

Today’s smartphones and tablets offer settings to help people protect their vision and avoid eye strain. Likewise, prudent device owners will also want to take steps to protect their smartphones and tablets.
An extended warranty for tablets and smartphones from Upsie should offer the protection that even the most frequent screen user needs. A few highlights of extended warranties for phones and tablets from Upsie include:
  • Upsie covers new and refurbished devices. Customers have 60 days after purchase to protect tablets and up to 120 days after purchase to protect smartphones.
  • Besides offering the most competitive prices for protection plans, Upsie gives customers 24-7 live claims service and flexible repair options, including local and mail-in service centers.
  • Upsie protection plans cover smartphones and tablets against damage from accidents, wear, and other defects not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
In addition to tablets and smartphones, Upsie also offers protection plans for PCs, home theater, smart home devices, and much more.

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* This article is over 6 months old and may or may not be updated.