eSIM Guide

Extend Phone Battery Life

Written by Harry
August 15, 2023
6 Min Read

Phone Battery

Phone batteries are essential components that power our mobile devices. They store and provide electrical energy to keep our phones running. Here are some key points about phone batteries:

  • Types of batteries: Most modern smartphones use lithium-ion (Li-ion) or lithium-polymer (Li-Po) batteries. These battery technologies offer higher energy density, longer lifespan, and faster charging compared to older battery types like nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) or nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH).
  • Battery capacity: Battery capacity is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh) and represents the amount of charge a battery can hold. A higher mAh rating generally means longer battery life, although actual usage may vary depending on factors such as screen brightness, app usage, and network connectivity.
  • Battery health indicators: Some smartphones provide battery health monitoring features that allow you to check the battery's condition. These indicators can show the percentage of maximum capacity remaining and give insights into the battery's performance.
  • Battery replacement: Over time, phone batteries may need to be replaced if they no longer hold a sufficient charge. Most smartphones have non-removable batteries, requiring professional assistance to replace them. It's advisable to consult the manufacturer or authorized service centers for battery replacement options.

Ways to Improve Battery Life

Extending the battery life of your phone involves a combination of adjusting settings, being mindful of certain habits, and taking care of the physical battery itself. Here's a comprehensive guide.

Screen Settings

  • Brightness: Reduce screen brightness or set it to auto-adjust based on ambient light.
  • Timeout: Shorten the screen timeout setting, so the display turns off quicker when not in use.
  • Resolution: Some phones allow you to reduce screen resolution, which can save battery.
  • Dark Mode: Many apps and phone interfaces now offer a dark mode. On OLED and AMOLED screens, this can save power as individual pixels are turned off for black areas.

Connectivity

  • Wi-Fi: Turn off Wi-Fi when you're not using it. If you're out and about without Wi-Fi access, your phone might waste energy searching for networks.
  • Bluetooth: Turn it off when not in use.
  • Airplane Mode: If you're in an area with poor cellular reception, your phone will constantly search for a signal, draining the battery. Consider switching to airplane mode.
  • Data: If not needed, switch off mobile data or use 3G instead of 4G/LTE, as the latter can consume more power.
  • Single Network: Some phones allow two SIMs to be active at the same time. While it could be convenient, avoid doing so as it could significantly affect your battery.
  • If the signal is poor, check out our Tips to enhance your iPhone's reception.

Apps and Notifications

  • Background Apps: Regularly close apps running in the background.
  • Updates: Update apps regularly, as newer versions might have optimizations to reduce battery usage.
  • Notifications: Limit app notifications. Each vibration or sound alert uses power.
  • Location Services: Turn off location services or set them to "While Using" for apps that don't need constant location tracking.
  • Battery Saver Mode: Most phones have a battery saver or power-saving mode that limits background processes and notifications. Use it when your battery is low.
  • Temperature: Batteries don't like extreme temperatures. Avoid exposing your phone to very hot or cold conditions. For instance, don't leave it in a hot car in summer.
  • Refresh Rates: Some modern phones have high refresh rate screens (e.g., 90Hz or 120Hz). While smoother, they consume more power. Consider reducing the refresh rate in settings.
  • Vibrations: Turn off haptic feedback (the little vibrations when you type or touch the screen).
  • Animations and Widgets: Reduce or remove animations and widgets that constantly update (like weather widgets).
  • Mail: Instead of having email push notifications, set your email to fetch manually or at longer intervals.

Battery Health

  • Charging Habits: It's generally good for battery longevity to keep it between 20% and 80%. Constantly charging to 100% or draining it completely can reduce its lifespan.
  • Quality Chargers: Use reputable chargers and cables. Cheap, non-certified chargers can harm your battery.

By following these tips and being mindful of your phone's habits, you can significantly extend its battery life and overall longevity.

Concern Over Battery Usage For Your Trip

If the thought of depleting your phone's battery while on your trip is causing concern, there are proactive steps you can take to alleviate this worry. Packing an extra phone battery, along with a charger and USB adapter, can provide a safety net for extended usage. Alternatively, you can explore our list of top 10 flagship phones that are great for traveling. However, even with these reliable options, it's crucial to avoid excessive strain on the battery. For instance, refrain from keeping the screen on for extended video watching or gaming sessions to prevent overheating. To further conserve battery life and minimize data consumption, consider implementing our recommended strategies using Google Maps during your travels. One effective approach is to disable all apps that access data via cellular networks. By adopting these practices, you not only extend your battery's lifespan but also manage your data usage more efficiently.

Other eSIM Tips & Guides

  • Regular Restarts: Restart your phone occasionally. This can stop unnecessary processes and clear out temporary files.
  • Software Updates: Keep your phone's software updated. Manufacturers often release updates that optimize battery life.
  • Factory Reset: If your battery life is still poor after trying everything, consider a factory reset. This will remove any apps or settings causing the drain. Remember to back up your data first.
  • Textr eSIM FAQ - All your eSIM questions answered

About the Writer

Written by Harry

A marketer with a background of electrical engineering and developer. Passion in researching, executing, and evaluating new tech innovations.

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