iPad auto brightness question?

How can I tell if auto bright is working correctly on the latest iPad? If I turn on auto bright the screen gets slightly brighter. If I turn it off it gets slightly dimmer.

Comparing it to my Samsung Galaxy Tab if I set auto bright "ON" I can definitely tell it's working.

I've read there's an ambient light sensor somewhere on the iPad but I can't find it. And perusing the iPad 3 user guide it does not show you where it is on the iPad. I have the iPad in a folio leather case and I removed it from the case just to make sure it was not interfering with the light sensor. I also have a screen protector on the iPad but don't want to remove unless i'm absolutely sure i'm blocking the so-called light sensor wherever it is.

EDIT: So far no more Wifi drops since the first occurrence. There I just jinxed myself.

 

Howdy Rodster,

I don't have an iPad 3 (I have an iPad 2), but the light sensor is typically on the front near the camera. I know on the black models it is harder to see thatn the white ones. Plus, if your screen protector is made for the iPad (probably needs to be for the iPad 3 as well), it would have the appopriate cut-outs built in. This goes for your folio case as well. With that said, the easiest way would be to go outside and see if the screen gets brighter automatically, that would be a sure fire way to check if it is working. Incidentally, a screen protector for the iPad is practially only needed as a potential anti-glare surface, or maybe to help keep fingerprints down. The glass screen is pretty scrach resistant, and if you keep it in a case (or use something like a smart cover), should be sufficiant to protect it from getting scratched. Good luck!

Rich S.

 

Thanks Rich, I took it outside in the bright sun and it definitively makes a difference.

 

I find that the iPad's auto brightness isn't that drastic indoors. The display doesn't seem to adjust all that much when going from different lighting conditions or even whenever I turn the lights completely off. I think it is more of a casual adjustment and not near as drastic as with my MBA or MBP that I sold. Going outside really changes things though. It is the same thing with my phone; a series of minor adjustments until it detects sunlight.

My iPad 3, iPad 2, and iPad 1 have all been like this so I think it is just the way that the hardware/software handles things. I know someone with an iPhone 4 and from what I can tell, it operates kind of the same way.

 

Yup that summarizes my experience as well. I guess I was comparing the iPad auto bright with my Galaxy Tab which works equally indoors as well as outdoors.