Since the 2000’s, we’ve seen mobile devices get more and more advanced. But, we’ve also seen battery life decline (take the original iPhone for example). It did so much, but batteries weren’t advanced enough to allow for the phone to last more than around 18 hours.
Then we have the charging debate, which I’ll get to later.
But firstly let’s talk features. My computer has an advanced overclocking system built in for use when gaming or using resource heavy software like Music Notation. Do I really need to use it when browsing the web and word processing? I think you’ll find the answer is a resounding no.
Mobile devices come with a plethora of hardware features, but they don’t all need using all of the time. My other half irritates me complaining about his phone not lasting long, but he permanently has on WIFI, GPS, Bluetooth and pretty much anything else he can.
Firstly, we don’t possess anything that uses Bluetooth save a pair of headphones that haven’t been used for 12 months. Secondly, unless he’s intending on being kidnapped and held to ransom, he need not use the GPS. Thirdly, he really does not need to have umpteen apps running at the same time.
Think about the hardware like you would your laptop. Everything it does is depleting the battery slowly, screen brightness, media player, audio, WIFI, Bluetooth, hotspot. It all uses energy, and not using some features when not required will greatly improve lifespan and the amount of time you can continue to use your device on a single charge.
So, if you’re out and about, turn off the darn WIFI, if you’re not using Bluetooth turn it off. If you’re not lost and don’t need a map, turn GPS off. It’s as simple as that.
Now onto the great battery debate. Batteries have got a lot better over the years, and are now ‘smart’ batteries (everything is ‘smart’ these days. I’ve even found Smart Water!). These are a lot more stable than traditional batteries but the cardinal rules still apply.
Batteries are not designed to last forever, and over the course of their lives they will show signs of wear and tear, eventually leading to them not holding power like they did. However, you can do a few things to get more out of them.
Firstly, it’s a battery, it’s not meant to be plugged in 24/7. Take it off charge when it’s done. Secondly, let it deplete and then fully charge it. Thirdly, when it’s charging leave it alone.
The biggest issue with most users is they think because something has a feature, they must use it. Simply put, you don’t.
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