Proven practices to extend your phone battery life
In today’s hyper-connected world, our smartphones are lifelines. But with constant use, that precious battery life dwindles faster than we’d like.By understanding how batteries work and implementing some key strategies, you can significantly extend your phone’s uptime.
Demystifying the Battery:
Modern phones primarily use Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Unlike older Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries, Li-ion batteries don’t suffer from “memory effect,” where partial charges reduce overall capacity. However, Li-ion batteries do degrade over time, and certain practices can accelerate this process.
The key culprit? Stress. Li-ion batteries don’t like extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. Heat, in particular, can damage the internal components and reduce battery life. Additionally, constantly draining the battery completely or charging it to 100% puts stress on the system.
Optimizing for Efficiency: Your Phone’s Hidden Gems
Thankfully, both phone manufacturers and operating system developers are constantly innovating to improve battery life. Here are some features to leverage:
Battery Saving Mode: Most phones come with a built-in battery saver mode that reduces background activity, lowers screen brightness, and limits app refresh rates. While this might slightly affect performance, it’s a lifesaver when your battery is low.
Adaptive Battery/Doze Mode: Android’s “Adaptive Battery” and iOS’ “Doze Mode” use AI to learn your app usage patterns and prioritize battery for frequently used apps. Less frequently used apps are restricted in the background, saving precious juice.
Optimized Charging: Some phones offer “Optimized Charging” which learns your charging habits and stops charging before reaching 100%. This reduces stress on the battery, especially overnight charges.
Dark Mode: Many apps and operating systems now offer a dark mode theme. This not only reduces eye strain but also saves battery life, especially on phones with OLED displays.
Beyond Built-in Features: Taking Control
In addition to these built-in features, here are some user practices that can significantly improve battery life:
Screen Settings: The display is often the biggest battery drain. Reduce screen brightness manually or enable auto-brightness. Additionally, shorten the screen timeout period to minimize the time your screen stays on when not in use.
Location Services: Location services are essential for many apps, but constantly running GPS can drain your battery. Enable location services only for apps that truly need it, and consider using Wi-Fi for location when possible, as it’s less power-hungry than GPS.
Background App Refresh: Many apps continue to refresh data in the background, even when not actively used. Restrict background refresh for apps you don’t use frequently.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi: While essential for connectivity, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi constantly search for devices and networks. Turn them off when not in use.
App Management: Identify battery-draining apps using your phone’s battery usage settings. You can then force close these apps or restrict their background activity. Consider uninstalling apps you rarely use.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Phone Batteries
The quest for longer-lasting phone batteries is an ongoing battle. Here are some exciting advancements on the horizon:
