Database Users

[Q] Dark screen app (?) to reduce brightness? Is it possible?

Hello
I have a Samsung I9000 Galaxy S which is way too bright even at the lowest setting.
Anyways so I got an idea of an app but I dont know whether its technically possible or not!
So is it possible to create an App that works just like a transparent dark glass which covers your screen and you see through it and can perform all functions normally but due to the app the screen becomes dark so that it doesn't strain the eyes?
Also current "minimum" brightness on the Galaxy S is "10" even with 3rd party apps. Is it a limitation of Android or Samsung firmware? Also is it technically possible to go into - values such as "-30" ?

Ah, great topic. I have the same problem on my HTC Desire. Interesting to hear what the experts have to say.

Yeah these amoled screens are uber bright!

Download AdjBrightness from the market, it rules.

Grus said:
Download AdjBrightness from the market, it rules.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have read on the net that it doesnt work for Galaxy S.

The app is called screen filter. Don't really know too much about it other than it works fantastically well and its free. Reduces brightness to almost nothing if you want, and the app functions as a widget for toggling as well.
I've been going around posting this in as many places as i can because this freaking app really helped me out, I could hardly look at the screen in the dark at all but now its good to go. Hopefully help some new galaxy purchasers out.

You can't go into minus values but you can set it to 0, which is 1 above the screen actually being off.
You need to be rooted, then you can just adjust the value with adb.

mr_schticker said:
The app is called screen filter. Don't really know too much about it other than it works fantastically well and its free. Reduces brightness to almost nothing if you want, and the app functions as a widget for toggling as well.
I've been going around posting this in as many places as i can because this freaking app really helped me out, I could hardly look at the screen in the dark at all but now its good to go. Hopefully help some new galaxy purchasers out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Screen filter works amazing! This is exactly what I was looking for, Thanks.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

I wish the "auto-brightness" on all devices worked like it does on the Note 10.1!

I wish the "auto-brightness" on all devices worked like it does on the Note 10.1!
Like most other Android devices, the Note 10.1 has an "Auto Brightness" option. However, unlike most other Android devices (in my experience so-far), you can further tweak the brightness even when "Auto Brightness" is enabled, effectively adjusting the sensitivity of the auto-brightness mechanism.
Try it in a very dark room. With "Auto brightness" ticked in the pop-up notification panel, the screen should be relatively dark. Move the slider all the way to the right, and it will add a little bit of extra brightness, but still be quite dark. Move it all the way to the left, and it will subtract a bit of brightness, making it even more dark - even though Auto Brightness is still selected and operational.
Some have said suggested before that doing this adjusts a "maximum brightness". This is not the case (as illustrated by what happened in a darkened room). Instead, this adds a little or subtracts a little from the brightness that would be determined by the auto brightness setting.

i have a note10.1 and galaxy s3, auto brightness both work as you say with the newest firmware.
though the s3 was like other android devices, in recent jb stock roms it changed.
so i guess all samsung devices will have such autobrightness,if a new stock rom comes.actually it just works as what ios autobrightness do.
Sent from my GT-I9300

yep, I love the "Manual Auto-Brightness" feature!! ALL ROMS should have this!!

MercuryStar said:
Like most other Android devices, the Note 10.1 has an "Auto Brightness" option. However, unlike most other Android devices (in my experience so-far), you can further tweak the brightness even when "Auto Brightness" is enabled, effectively adjusting the sensitivity of the auto-brightness mechanism.
Try it in a very dark room. With "Auto brightness" ticked in the pop-up notification panel, the screen should be relatively dark. Move the slider all the way to the right, and it will add a little bit of extra brightness, but still be quite dark. Move it all the way to the left, and it will subtract a bit of brightness, making it even more dark - even though Auto Brightness is still selected and operational.
Some have said suggested before that doing this adjusts a "maximum brightness". This is not the case (as illustrated by what happened in a darkened room). Instead, this adds a little or subtracts a little from the brightness that would be determined by the auto brightness setting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When i move the brightness slider, auto brightness gets unchecked!
How are u guys doing it?
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk

Smrsxn - I get the same as you. As soon as I touch ut, auto is unchecked. ???
Sent from my GT-N8013 using XDA Premium HD app

It's a superb feature (I have it on my note 10.1). Looking forward to getting it on my s3 too
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

Well, my experience is the same as others -- it's either auto or manual. I don't know how the "auto-manual" can be enabled. I am assuming they are describing something similar to iOS where you adjust the brightness slider, and the auto-adjustment is relative to that. I find the auto-brightness a bit too dark for my taste, but don't want to keep it at top brightness non-stop. So I use Lux Auto Brightness (I opted for the free app) and have been happy with the results.

Hmm.... I'm on the leaked JB rom (Dr. Akrim version). I never spent time with stock ICS so not sure if this is the difference.
On this ROM, the Auto check box stays on as you move the slider.

oohyeah said:
Hmm.... I'm on the leaked JB rom (Dr. Akrim version). I never spent time with stock ICS so not sure if this is the difference.
On this ROM, the Auto check box stays on as you move the slider.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This probably works only on JB.
It does not work on stock ICS for me
And ditto about auto brightness being too dark.
I usually have to turn it off.

blud7 said:
This probably works only on JB.
It does not work on stock ICS for me
And ditto about auto brightness being too dark.
I usually have to turn it off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey I am on ics, on the very first build, didn't do any updates. For me the brightness thing works like a charm. Maybe check your settings or something
Sent from my GT-N8010 using xda app-developers app

Xperia phones work exactly the same way. AFAIK its only HTC phones who have crappy auto britghtness.

I have auto -manual mode but I'am on an old firmware from july even before the tab is released
Sent from my GT-P7500 using xda app-developers app

I can adjust the slider while auto is on, but there is no difference when i slide it.
I´m on ICS, and Samsung had better named it: Auto Darkness
The way it is, it is completely useless.

hamma said:
I can adjust the slider while auto is on, but there is no difference when i slide it.
I´m on ICS, and Samsung had better named it: Auto Darkness
The way it is, it is completely useless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try it i a dark room and you will notice it,
Sent from my GT-P7500 using xda app-developers app

Very true. It is undoubtedly the best implementation of auto brightness. I'm loving it.

I think I might now know what issue you might have.
Maybe you covered the the top bezel, the one opposite of the samsung logo. If you do this then the light sensor thinks you're in a dark room and reduces the brightness to almost the lowest level.
Sent from my GT-N8010 using xda app-developers app

i think the auto brightness is ALWAYS just a teeny bit too dark, even if its slided all the way to the right. I would love it if i could "slide it a little more to the right", that the slider was a little more sensitive, allowing more tweaking on the auto levels.

sysl0rd said:
I think I might now know what issue you might have.
Maybe you covered the the top bezel, the one opposite of the samsung logo. If you do this then the light sensor thinks you're in a dark room and reduces the brightness to almost the lowest level.
Sent from my GT-N8010 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven´t covered the sensor.

Auto is ALWAYS too dark for me.
When I drag slider, auto gets turned off

I found out why it was always too dark. I had energy mode switched on.

brightness fluctuating?

Hey folks so i bit the bullet and gave my dna to the wife (still love that thing) and got a brand new G2.
Something weird is up w the brightness or contrast on this phone though: even w auto brightness off and brightness set to minimum the brightness seems to randomly adjust itself when interacting w the screen. Is this a bug or some kind of feature im not aware of? The DNA had it a bit when scrolling but nowhere near as noticeable as this.

I've noticed this as well and from my understanding this is something that all G2s have.
From what I have found this only happens when the brightness is low (i.e. less than %50) and has something to do with the phone trying to adjust the brightness based on what is being displayed on the screen. I have noticed it the most when using the XDA app when I'm scrolling down through a thread; the display brightness seems to randomly jump up and down just a bit as you scroll down with your finger. If you're not scrolling the brightness won't jump up and down.
Initially I thought it was just something goofy with the auto brightness, but as you pointed out the 'flickering' still occurs even when auto brightness is turned off. Hopefully this is just something that can be fixed with a software update as it is a bit annoying.

I use lux brightness app now and have no problems with this issue,it was an issue before.
Sent from my LG-D800 using xda app-developers app

I've noticed it too. Even with automatic brightness off, CABL turned off, and brightness at 68%, it'll still do it. I've poked around with Xposed, and I have yet to figure out why it does that. I've heard speculation that it's controlled in the kernel, so hopefully a kernel dev can figure out how to disable it.

I noticed this as well but its completely gone on on these new AOSP ROMs. If you are looking for a solution this is the best IMO.

xketch said:
I use lux brightness app now and have no problems with this issue,it was an issue before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try Lux or Velis Auto Brightness ftw. Way better than how the system handles auto brightness.
Sent from my LG-VS980 using xda app-developers app

Hmm i just noticed theres a "content adaptive backlight" app running..wonder if thats the culprit.

This thread seems to debunk that theory as disabling content adaptive backlight seems not to do anything.

yes it's cabl. many posts of mine were about this. we've come to the conclusion it may be activated on the kernel level bc changing anything in the app or build prop does nothing. it's gotta be kernel related. but yes it's content adaptive back light. it sucks.
Sent from my LG G2 using Tapatalk Pro

[Q] Way TOOO dim

I guess I should have done my research about OLED screens, but I feel that this screen is way too dim both indoors and outdoors. Is anyone else having problems with this? I know that the peak brightness is 475 on autobrightness, but I feel that the screen never reaches that. On another note, the colors seem very saturated and unreal even on movie mode...
Is there any way I can set the autobrightness to kick in at a higher lux indoors? I know it seems like I am venting, but I really like this phone but the display brightness may make me abandon for the Nexus 5...
Thank you everyone!

goft20 said:
I guess I should have done my research about OLED screens, but I feel that this screen is way too dim both indoors and outdoors. Is anyone else having problems with this? I know that the peak brightness is 475 on autobrightness, but I feel that the screen never reaches that. On another note, the colors seem very saturated and unreal even on movie mode...
Is there any way I can set the autobrightness to kick in at a higher lux indoors? I know it seems like I am venting, but I really like this phone but the display brightness may make me abandon for the Nexus 5...
Thank you everyone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root the phone and install a custom ROM. That will give you the ability to change the auto brightness levels easily.
You could also turn off auto brightness and set it manually so you fan boost it all the way up whenever you wanted.
As far as the hardware capabilities the screen is capable of being plenty bright. I could see mine if I was standing on the face of the sun.
Sent from your phone. You should be careful where you leave that thing.

Skipjacks said:
Root the phone and install a custom ROM. That will give you the ability to change the auto brightness levels easily.
You could also turn off auto brightness and set it manually so you fan boost it all the way up whenever you wanted.
As far as the hardware capabilities the screen is capable of being plenty bright. I could see mine if I was standing on the face of the sun.
Sent from your phone. You should be careful where you leave that thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have rooted and installed a custom ROM (omega)...is there any way that I can do it on this rom or do I need cyanogenmod?
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

goft20 said:
I have rooted and installed a custom ROM (omega)...is there any way that I can do it on this rom or do I need cyanogenmod?
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know much about custom TW ROMs as I run aosp exclusively. I know its easy in cm ROMs. If its not a native feature of Omega I'm sure there is a mod you can tweak it with. You would have to search though. I don't know where to direct you.
Sent from your phone. You should be careful where you leave that thing.

Skipjacks said:
I don't know much about custom TW ROMs as I run aosp exclusively. I know its easy in cm ROMs. If its not a native feature of Omega I'm sure there is a mod you can tweak it with. You would have to search though. I don't know where to direct you.
Sent from your phone. You should be careful where you leave that thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

Screen too bright even on lowest brightness

Hello, I have recently purchased Moto G4 Play and I find the display of it too bright even on the lowest settings.
I used to read news and ebooks at bedtime but it is very stressful with this level of brightness.
I have tried 'Screen Filter' app and it slows down the mobile plus the actual brightness is not reduced.
I will root my device if it is going to help me with this brightness issue.
What would you recommend? My device is still in the 10 day window for return from Amazon.
Thanks.

Not sure about stock but the brightness goes pretty low on the XOSP rom I'm using right now.
Because you mentioned you use it for reading, I would recommend Twilight or f.lux(both available on playstore f.lux needing root).
They really help with the screen saturation and make it easier on your eyes.
I tried screen filter and it worked perfectly. Maybe it has something to do with the stock rom.
An alternate to screen filter would be Lux Lite it worked as good as screen filter maybe this works in your case.

Thanks for quick reply
MaanasDwivedi said:
Not sure about stock but the brightness goes pretty low on the XOSP rom I'm using right now.
Because you mentioned you use it for reading, I would recommend Twilight or f.lux(both available on playstore f.lux needing root).
They really help with the screen saturation and make it easier on your eyes.
I tried screen filter and it worked perfectly. Maybe it has something to do with the stock rom.
An alternate to screen filter would be Lux Lite it worked as good as screen filter maybe this works in your case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for quick reply.
I am already using Twilight : ), I am little scared about rooting this brand new mobile due to warranty issues. Just for comparison,
the lowest brightness on Moto G4 Play is like Middle for Moto G3 / E3.
Can I claim warranty after rooting this device?

manasn said:
Thank you for quick reply.
I am already using Twilight : ), I am little scared about rooting this brand new mobile due to warranty issues. Just for comparison,
the lowest brightness on Moto G4 Play is like Middle for Moto G3 / E3.
Can I claim warranty after rooting this device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It says on the bootloader unlock page that you cannot once the bootloader is unlocked. So you can't claim the warranty after rooting. But mostly they don't bother letting you claim it on some hardware problems but you should still think of it as void and not take any chances.

Twilight Pro is much enhanced that the free version. I'm using it since I bought this phone. It has "Bed Reading" profile which helps you read in the dark without letting you put stress on your eyes and help you sleep as soon as you leave your phone. According to me, just leave it on default settings and switch to Bed reading at night.

Thanks for reply
cy56 said:
Twilight Pro is much enhanced that the free version. I'm using it since I bought this phone. It has "Bed Reading" profile which helps you read in the dark without letting you put stress on your eyes and help you sleep as soon as you leave your phone. According to me, just leave it on default settings and switch to Bed reading at night.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, thanks for reply! I've got 'Bed Reading' profile option too but I am using the twilight free version. Anyway, buying it for sure since it certainly helps me and so should the dev get helped.
I have no compelling reason to root this device except this brightness issue, and I am little worried about Nougat update too, feeling maybe Lenovo will roll back its promise.

When I downloaded it first, it asked me to buy for just ₹20 ($0.29) and there was no reason for denial

What about the adaptive brightness?
I had adaptive brightness set to true when I was facing such a problem. Now it works fine. You can check the Ambient Light sensor in GPS Status and Toolbox app.

If you have Xposed installed there are a couple of modules that can lower the minimum brightness

Thanks for reply
moshiach101 said:
If you have Xposed installed there are a couple of modules that can lower the minimum brightness
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for reply, just one question.
Does this will reduce the brightness organically? Meaning no gimmick like 'Screen Filter' or anything?

manasn said:
Thank you for reply, just one question.
Does this will reduce the brightness organically? Meaning no gimmick like 'Screen Filter' or anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Screen filter puts an overlay over everything else, the backlight is still the same it just looks a little dimmer cause everything is a little greyer.
Xposed can lower the backlight
http://repo.xposed.info/module/com.smartmadsoft.xposed.aio

Lowers actual backlight
Sent from my Moto G4 Play using XDA Labs

Great find. Now the brightness is perfect for night reading, and it will also improve battery life.
I don't understand though why manufacturers limit the min brightness when it's "free", maybe to artificially segment the market (flagships always have excellent low brightness)... There are cheap chinese phones that have hardware backlight limits, but for G4 Play it's definitely not the case, it's just software limited.

nick_white said:
Great find. Now the brightness is perfect for night reading, and it will also improve battery life
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GravityBox (xposed) can dim the "real" brigthness too...
Note that if the lcd brigthness set to minimum (GravityBox or AllMy....), Youtube videos cant be played in full screen.

rafaelrgi said:
Note that if the lcd brigthness set to minimum (GravityBox or AllMy....), Youtube videos cant be played in full screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works for me. But how does it manifest when it doesn't work?

nick_white said:
It works for me. But how does it manifest when it doesn't work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- Using GravityBox or AllMy..., ser the minimun brightness to 1 (or even 2)
- Without adaptative brightness, set the brightness (slider) to minimum
- Go to Youtube, play a video and expand it to fullscreen
The screen becames totally black, but the video still playing (the audio still playing).
Note that if the brightness slider isn't at the true real minimun, everything works nicely.

I tried exactly that, but it works for me. I also use Youtube background playback Xposed module.