Techniques for generating an indication of ambient light intensity are provided. The techniques include obtaining a set of one or more low light level measurements during a low light level display panel period of a display; obtaining a set of one or more high light level measurements during a high light level display panel period of the display; and generating an ambient light level result based on analysis of the set of one or more low light level measurements, the set of one or more high light level measurements, and calibration information.