Latest news with #batteryLife
CNET
11 hours ago
- General
- CNET
These Settings Could Save Your Aging Android From the Junk Drawer
My Android phone's a few years old, and while it doesn't have the flashiest camera or thinnest design anymore, it still handles everything I need day to day. I used to think I'd have to upgrade just to get the newest features, but that's not the case. Thanks to long-term software support from companies like Google and Samsung, older phones can still get a lot of love. And with the right tweaks, I've managed to seriously boost my phone's performance without spending a dime. Before you start shopping for a new device, try a few of these tips. You might be surprised at how much better your phone can run with just a few small changes. It's true: Whether you have a Samsung Galaxy, Motorola or OnePlus phone, it's likely that you can still optimize your battery life and give your phone a new lease on life by making a few easy adjustments. Note that there might be some differences between Android devices, and phone manufacturers often put their own software on top of Android. Certain settings may be missing or in a different place, depending on the version of Android you're running and the maker of your phone. Need more Android tips? Check out these five tips to make your Android feel like new again and how to use Android's AI circle to search features. An overly bright display will drain your battery incredibly fast. Óscar Gutiérrez/CNET Settings to improve your battery life Living with a phone that has poor battery life can be infuriating, but there are some steps you can take to maximize each charge right from the very beginning: 1. Turn off auto screen brightness or adaptive brightness and set the brightness level slider to under 50%. The brighter your screen, the more battery power it uses. To get to the setting, pull down the shortcut menu from the top of the screen and adjust the slider, if it's there. Some phones may have a toggle for auto brightness in the shortcut panel; otherwise, you need to open the settings app and search for "brightness" to find the setting and turn it off. 2. Use Adaptive Battery and Battery Optimization. These features focus on learning how you use your phone, including which apps you use and when, and then optimizing the apps and the amount of battery they use. Some Android phones will have a dedicated Battery section in the Settings app, while other phones (looking at you, Samsung) bury these settings. It's a little different for each phone. I recommend opening your settings and searching for "battery" to find the right screen. Your phone may also have an adaptive charging setting that can monitor how quickly your phone battery charges overnight to preserve its health. Why you should use dark mode more often Another way to improve battery life while also helping save your eyes is to use Android's dedicated dark mode. Any Android phone running Android 10 or newer will have a dedicated dark mode option. According to Google, dark mode not only reduces the strain that smartphone displays cause on our eyes but also improves battery life because it takes less power to display dark backgrounds on OLED displays (used in most flagship phones) than a white background. Depending on which version of Android your phone is running, and what company made your phone, you may have to dig around the settings app to find a dark mode. If your phone runs Android 10 or newer, you'll be able to turn on systemwide dark mode. If it runs Android 9, don't despair. Plenty of apps have their own dark mode option in the settings that you can use whether or not you have Android 10. To turn it on dark mode, open the Settings app and search for Dark Mode, Dark Theme or even Night Mode (as Samsung likes to call it). I suggest using dark mode all the time, but if you're not sure, you can always set dark mode to automatically turn on based on a schedule, say from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. every day, or allow it to automatically switch based on your location at the time of sunset and sunrise. Using dark mode on any phone is an easy and good-looking way to save battery life. CNET Keep your home screen free of clutter Planning to hit up the Google Play Store for a bunch of new Android apps? Be prepared for a lot of icon clutter on your home screen, which is where shortcuts land every time you install something. If you don't want that, there's a simple way out of this: Long-press on an empty area of your home screen and tap Settings. Find the option labeled something along the lines of Add icon to Home Screen or Add new apps to Home Screen and turn it off. Presto -- No more icons on the home screen when you install new apps. You can still add shortcuts by dragging an app's icon out of the app drawer, but they won't appear on your home screen unless you want them to. Read more: Best Android Phones You Can Buy in 2024 Set up Do Not Disturb so that you can better focus If your phone routinely spends the night on your nightstand, you probably don't want it beeping or buzzing every time there's a call, message or Facebook alert -- especially when you're trying to sleep. Android offers a Do Not Disturb mode that will keep the phone more or less silent during designated hours. On some phones, this is referred to as the Downtime setting or even Quiet Time. Head to Settings > Sounds (or Notifications), then look for Do Not Disturb or a similar name. If you can't find it, search for it using the built-in search feature in your settings. Using the feature, you can set up a range of hours when you want to turn off the digital noise. Don't worry, any notifications you get while Do Not Disturb is turned on will still be waiting for you when you wake up. Also, you can typically make an exception that allows repeat callers and favorite contacts' calls to go through. Turn that on. If someone is calling you in an emergency, odds are they are going to keep trying. What someone who finds a lost or stolen Android phone will see after you use Find My Device to lock it. Jason Cipriani/CNET Always be prepared in case you lose your phone or it's stolen Is there anything worse than a lost or stolen phone? Only the knowledge that you could have tracked it down if you had turned on Google's Find My Device feature. To set yourself up for a successful recovery, here's what you need to do: Open the Settings app and then search for Find My Device. It's usually in the Security section of the Settings app. Or if you have a Samsung device, you can use Samsung's Find My Mobile service found in Settings > Biometrics and security > Find My Mobile. Once that's enabled, you can head to from any PC or mobile device and sign in to your account. Samsung users can visit to find a lost phone. Losing a phone is never a fun experience. Angela Lang/CNET If you run into any trouble setting any of this up, be sure to read through our complete guide to finding a lost Android phone. Assuming your phone is on and online, you should be able to see its location on a map. From there you can make it ring, lock it, set a lock screen note to tell whoever has it how to get it back to you or, worst-case scenario, remotely wipe the whole thing. And always keep your phone up to date As obvious as it may seem, bugs and other issues slowing down your Android device could potentially be fixed with a simple software update. Before you download and install the latest software update, make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi, or else this won't work. Now, open the Settings application and type in Update. You'll then either see Software update or System update -- choose either one. Then just download the software, wait for a few minutes and install it when it's ready. Your Android device will reboot and install the latest software update available. Always keep your phone updated to the latest software to avoid bugs and other issues. CNET There's a lot more to learn about a new phone, of course. Here are the best ways to boost your cell signal, and here's a flagship phone head-to-head comparison. Plus, check out CNET's list of the best cases for your Samsung phone. More of an Apple fan? We have tips for boosting your iPhone's performance, too.
CNET
a day ago
- Health
- CNET
I Force My Old iPhone to Stay in Low Power Mode Permanently. Here's How I Do It
One of the biggest problems with older smartphones is keeping the battery charged. Conventional wisdom says that the lithium-ion batteries in iPhones will maintain 80% capacity up to 500 charges, or about two to three years. After that, you'll start to notice your iPhone needing to be charged more often. Optimized charging and setting a charge limit can extend the health of your iPhone battery, but what about Low Power Mode? That special iPhone setting can squeeze a little more iPhone usage after your battery hits the 20% mark, but what if you kept it on all the time? Could setting Low Power Mode to run permanently let you use your phone longer before the charge runs out? Learn exactly what Low Power Mode disables, how to turn it on and off, and how to keep it on permanently if you'd like to see how it affects your iPhone's battery's charge. We'll also explain how to check your battery health to learn if it's time for a replacement (or a new iPhone.) For more, learn how to charge your iPhone charge faster, and three quick settings changes that could make your iPhone battery last longer. What is iPhone Low Power Mode? Low Power Mode is an iOS setting that disables some iPhone features to save battery charge when it is low. Your iPhone will ask you if you want to turn on Low Power Mode when your battery drops to 20%, and then again at 10%. Your iPhone tracks your Low Power Mode usage by marking that time in yellow. Screenshot by Peter Butler/CNET Apple says that Low Power Mode reduces the amount of power that your iPhone uses to make your battery last longer. You can tell when you're in Low Power Mode because your battery icon will be yellow. Your iPhone automatically turns off Low Power Mode when your battery charge reaches 80%. What happens when iPhone Low Power Mode is enabled? According to Apple, Low Power Mode makes these changes to save your battery's charge: Turns off 5G on most devices Locks your iPhone screen after 30 seconds of inactivity Reduces display brightness Lowers display refresh rate for iPhones with ProMotion Eliminates some visual effects Pauses iCloud Photos sync Suspends automatic downloads Pauses email fetch Stops background apps from refreshing How do I turn on iPhone Low Power Mode? You can turn it on manually by going to Settings > Battery and toggling on Low Power Mode. You can also turn on Low Power Mode manually with the iPhone Control Center or with Siri. How do I keep iPhone Low Power Mode on permanently? The manual way to keep Low Power Mode on all the time would be to simply put your iPhone into Low Power Mode after every time you charge it. But there's an easier, automated way to "set it and forget it." To automatically keep your iPhone in Low Power Mode at all times, you'll need to get a bit crafty and cerate your own Personal Automation using the Shortcuts app. There are many methods of automatically setting Low Power Mode using Shortcuts, but for me, the easiest is to turn on Low Power Mode whenever the battery is less than 100%. That way, your iPhone is essentially in Low Power Mode all the time, but it can also create backups, complete downloads and receive updates when it's plugged in and charged at 100%. Scroll to the right on your iPhone home screen to get to your App Library, then scroll down and tap Shortcuts (or search for it). Once the app is running, select Automation at the bottom of the screen, hit the blue "+" symbol in the upper right corner, then tap the blue Create Personal Automation button. Creating a personal automation in Shortcuts only takes a few steps. Screenshots by Peter Butler/CNET On the New Animation screen, scroll down and select Battery Level. Tap the bottom option, Falls Below, and then move the slider all the way to the right for 100%. Then click Next. You've set your condition for triggering an action. Now, create the action to set your iPhone to Low Power Mode. On the Actions screen, click the blue Add Action button. You can then type in "Low" in the search box and tap Set Low Power Mode, or tap Scripting and find it under Device. After you add the Low Power mode action, you can set it to run without asking. Screenshots by Peter Butler/CNET Once you've selected Set Low Power Mode, it will show up on your Actions screen as "Turn Low Power Mode On." Click Next. On the following New Automation screen, toggle Ask Before Running off to let Lower Power Mode be turned on automatically. If you want, you can request a notification come through every time the automation runs. Confirm "Don't Ask," then tap Done to finish. You're all set. Every time your battery drops below 100%, your iPhone will automatically switch into Low Power Mode How do you automatically turn on Low Power Mode at a specific battery charge, like 50%? Once you've learned how to create a shortcut to turning on Low Power Mode permanently, it's easy to adjust that setting to automatically activate Low Power Mode at any specific percentage of battery charge. To turn on Low Power Mode automatically when your iPhone battery hits 50%, edit that permanent shortcut to change the activation threshold from 100% to 50%. Go back into the Shortcuts app, tap the Automation tab in the middle of the bottom navigation, then tap on your "When battery level falls below 100%" automation to edit it. Under "When," tap the trigger "When battery level falls below 100%" and then move the resultant slider down from 100% to 50%. Then tap Back and hit Done. Now your iPhone will automatically shift into Low Power Mode when the battery drops below half charge. How much battery charge can Low Power Mode save? You're not going to get a definitive answer here. The value of Low Power Mode has been debated ever since it was introduced. While some estimates say battery charges will last about one and a half times longer using Low Power Mode, others show very little difference in battery usage. If you're concerned with making your iPhone battery last longer, you'll simply need to try out Low Power Mode for yourself and see the difference. How to turn Low Power Mode off again Turn off automatic Low Power Mode by disabling the automation or deleting it. Screenshots by Peter Butler/CNET If you find that Low Power Mode doesn't save your battery, you can turn off the automation by going into Shortcuts and toggling off Enable This Animation. To erase it completely, swipe left on your Low Power Mode automation on the main Automation screen, then tap the red Delete button. You can also create your own custom version of Low Power Mode by tweaking your iPhone settings to take some of the measures that Low Power Mode does. For example, you can save significant battery by stopping background apps from refreshing or adjusting your brightness settings. Check to make sure your battery is still healthy Maximum capacity compares your current battery performance with its performance when it was new. Apple/Screenshot by CNET Although turning on Low Power Mode permanently is an experiment you might want to try, if you find that you need to keep Low Power Mode on all the time to get decent iPhone battery performance, it's very possible that your battery could be degraded or have other problems. To check the health of your iPhone battery, go into Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. You'll see your battery's maximum capacity, as well as options for setting Optimized Battery Charging and Clean Energy Charging. If your iPhone battery's maximum capacity has dipped to 80% or lower, you'll see an "Important Battery Message" warning. This means that your battery has degraded significantly and needs to be replaced or restored.
Android Authority
2 days ago
- Business
- Android Authority
Surveys show there's one improvement you don't want from the Pixel 10 chip
Google's Pixel 10 series is widely expected to be the first with processors manufactured by TSMC instead of Samsung. This is a good thing in theory as TSMC-made chips have historically been more efficient than Samsung-manufactured silicon. It also sounds like this could be a long-term arrangement that lasts until the Pixel 14 series . This all got me wondering what people really want from the Pixel 10's processor. So we posted polls on the website , Twitter , and YouTube . It turns out there's one improvement you definitely don't care for. One thing you really don't want across all three polls is more powerful on-device AI. This accounted for under 8% of the vote across all three polls, and under 6% on our website and YouTube surveys. My first impression is that this means people either don't care about on-device AI or they think Pixel phones are already very capable in this regard. But after reading user comments, it's clear that the former is the case. YouTube user @ramsaygames9256 was one of several respondents to express their displeasure with AI: Nobody wants on device AI. Such a fad and a genuine mistake. This sentiment was echoed by Twitter user @WorryIdoNOT: Nothing. Maybe less AI. Better yet, NO AI at all. Meanwhile, YouTube user @jb3839 said Google should take notes: See Google, No cares about AI (sic). The most popular wish across all three polls was for improved battery life. The switch to TSMC has historically resulted in smartphone chips with improved battery life, and I'm expecting this from the Pixel 10 series as well. It also doesn't help that older Tensor-powered Pixel phones have often seen mediocre battery life relative to the battery capacity. This has improved with the Pixel 9 series, but colleague Joe Maring still decried the Pixel 9 Pro's battery life.
Digital Trends
3 days ago
- Business
- Digital Trends
The Apple Watch 10 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra are both on sale
Recently, another writer here detailed how much they love the OnePlus Watch 3's battery life, and it got me thinking about the watch line and what it has to offer. One thing I discovered that it was currently offering was this deal on the OnePlus Watch 2, where you can get it for $210 instead of $300, saving you $90. The OnePlus Watch 2 is a smartwatch that also has a decent battery life, but there's a lot more to it than that. So, tap the button below to see the deal for yourself or keep reading to see more about the OnePlus Watch 2's battery life, what other features it has, and why we think this is one of the best smartwatch deals out there right now. Why you should buy the OnePlus Watch 2 If, like Mark Jansen, you find that the "batteries tend to suck" on even the best smartwatches, you're probably still going to love the battery life of the OnePlus Watch 2. In our review of the OnePlus Watch 3, the watch that killed other smartwatches for Jansen, we found that it gave about "four full days of use on a single charge." The OnePlus Watch 2 has a "100 hours" battery life claim, but what did we really find when using it? Our OnePlus Watch 2 review find that in-the-field usage didn't quite reach 100 hours, but still said you can "easily expect three (or more) days of use per charge" and highlights the Power Save mode which extends the watch's battery life by literal days in exchange for not having an always-on display, Wear OS apps, or Google Assistant. If the battery life of the OnePlus Watch 3 is what excites you the most about it, use this deal as a chance to reexplore the OnePlus Watch 2.
Geeky Gadgets
5 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
iPhone 17: Stunning Design, But Is It Worth the Compromises?
The iPhone 17 is poised to redefine the smartphone landscape with its blend of advanced materials, innovative camera technology, and meticulous engineering. However, while it introduces several noteworthy innovations, it also brings compromises that may spark debate among users. From battery life limitations to incremental charging improvements, the iPhone 17 offers a mix of forward-thinking features and persistent challenges. This balance between progress and practicality makes it a compelling yet polarizing addition to Apple's lineup. The video below from SaranByte gives us more details. Watch this video on YouTube. Battery Life: A Lingering Weak Spot Battery performance remains a critical concern for the iPhone 17. Equipped with a 2,800 mAh battery, the device may struggle to meet the demands of a full day's usage for many users. Internal testing indicates that only about 60-70% of users can expect all-day performance under typical conditions, leaving a significant portion of users potentially needing to recharge before the day ends. While Apple has hinted at exploring higher-density battery technology, no concrete advancements have been confirmed. To mitigate this issue, Apple may reintroduce a USB-C power bank as a temporary solution for users requiring extended battery life. For a flagship device, this limitation could be a notable drawback, particularly for power users who rely heavily on their smartphones for work or entertainment. Design and Build: Thin, Light, and Resilient The iPhone 17 continues Apple's legacy of sleek and sophisticated design. At just 5.5 mm thick and weighing only 145 grams, it stands as one of the thinnest and lightest smartphones on the market. Constructed from a durable blend of aluminum and titanium, the device achieves a balance between resilience and portability. The 6.6-inch display has been engineered with enhanced structural integrity to resist bending, addressing concerns often associated with ultra-thin devices. These design choices reflect Apple's commitment to creating a smartphone that is both visually appealing and robust, making sure it can withstand the rigors of daily use without compromising on aesthetics. Display Technology: Gains and Losses The iPhone 17 introduces Apple's latest ceramic shield technology, which significantly improves screen durability and reduces the likelihood of damage from accidental drops. However, the decision to eliminate the anti-reflective coating, previously aimed at enhancing visibility in direct sunlight, may disappoint users who frequently use their devices outdoors. While the ceramic shield offers superior protection, the absence of an anti-reflective solution could detract from the overall user experience, particularly for those who prioritize outdoor usability. This trade-off highlights Apple's focus on durability but raises questions about whether functionality in diverse environments has been adequately addressed. Charging Speeds: Falling Behind the Competition Charging technology is another area where the iPhone 17 shows limited progress. The device supports 35W wired charging, maintaining the same capabilities as the iPhone 16 series. While this speed is sufficient for many users, it falls short when compared to the significantly faster charging options offered by several Android competitors. For users who value quick charging, this could be a source of frustration, particularly in scenarios where time is of the essence. Apple's decision to maintain the status quo in this area suggests a strategic focus on other priorities, such as design refinements and camera enhancements, rather than competing in the fast-charging race. Camera Features: Advanced Tools for Creators The iPhone 17 Pro models bring notable advancements in camera technology, catering especially to content creators and photography enthusiasts. One standout feature is the ability to record simultaneously with the front and rear cameras, a tool designed to appeal to vloggers and social media users seeking greater creative flexibility. Additionally, the telephoto lens has been upgraded to 14 MP with 3.5x optical zoom, delivering sharper images and enhanced detail. These improvements underscore Apple's commitment to pushing the boundaries of smartphone photography, particularly in its Pro lineup. By focusing on tools that empower creators, Apple continues to position its devices as essential tools for modern content creation. Color Options: A Fresh Aesthetic Apple is rumored to introduce a new 'Sky Blue' color option for the iPhone 17 Pro models, adding a contemporary and vibrant touch to its design palette. While additional color options are reportedly under consideration, no official announcements have been made. This emphasis on aesthetic customization reflects Apple's effort to cater to diverse user preferences, blending functionality with style. By offering fresh and modern color choices, Apple aims to enhance the visual appeal of its devices, making sure they resonate with a wide range of users. Balancing Innovation and Practicality The iPhone 17 represents a significant step forward in design, materials, and camera technology. Its ultra-thin, lightweight build and advanced camera features highlight Apple's dedication to innovation and user-centric design. However, concerns about battery life, charging speeds, and the removal of certain display enhancements may temper its appeal for some users. For those who rely on their smartphones for extended periods or demanding tasks, these compromises could prove challenging. Ultimately, the iPhone 17 showcases Apple's engineering expertise while illustrating the complexities of balancing innovative advancements with everyday practicality. Check out more relevant guides from our extensive collection on iPhone 17 Battery Life that you might find useful. Source & Image Credit: SaranByte Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
