Make Your Cell Phone Battery Last Longer: Complete and Practical Guide

Understand how batteries work and simple techniques to preserve them!

If you are looking for an alternative that makes your cell phone battery last longer, we have great news!

Battery life depends on a number of factors, many of which are habits and native tools that are simple to change.

In addition, there are apps that help preserve battery life and we will show you everything in this article. Keep reading and check it out!

Ultimate Cell Phone Battery Guide

1. Choosing a cell phone: which model has the best battery life?

For many people, one of the characteristics that defines the choice of a cell phone is how many hours its battery lasts.

Therefore, choosing a model that already has a good reputation in terms of battery life is essential. 

However, do you know how to identify a good battery and differentiate it from a bad one? Let us help you with this question!

High Capacity Batteries

One of the main features to look at is the battery capacity, usually measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). 

Therefore, the higher the number of mAh, the greater the battery capacity, directly proportional. 

Generally, models with a battery around 7000mAh or 6000mAh are examples of cell phones with a higher than average battery life.

Processor Energy Efficiency

Another crucial factor is processor efficiency. More modern processors are designed to deliver high performance with optimized power consumption. 

Therefore, this means that they can perform complex tasks without draining the phone battery quickly and making it last longer.

Screen and Resolution

The screen is one of the components that consumes the most energy on a cell phone, as it has thousands of LEDs that are turned on every time we unlock the device. 

So, models with AMOLED or OLED screens tend to be more energy efficient than LCD screens, especially in power-saving modes.

Additionally, higher resolution displays consume more battery, so it's important to find a balance between image quality and power consumption.

Software and Battery Optimization

The operating system and software optimizations also play an important role in battery life. 

So, phones with Android One or iOS tend to receive regular updates that improve energy efficiency. 

Additionally, some manufacturers, such as Xiaomi and OnePlus, include custom power-saving modes that can significantly extend battery life.

2. Optimal settings for battery saving

Screen settings

As explained above, the screen is one of the components of the cell phone that consumes the most energy.

Therefore, to make your cell phone battery last longer, there are some tricks that optimize the screen settings to extend battery life:

• Reduce brightness manually: Keeping your screen brightness to the minimum necessary can save a lot of energy.
• Auto Brightness: Enabling auto-brightness can be helpful as the light sensor adjusts the screen brightness based on the ambient lighting, keeping it at the optimal level.
• Set Screen Time: Reducing screen inactivity time can save battery life, so consider setting screen inactivity time to the lowest possible value, such as 15 or 30 seconds.
• Enable dark mode: Dark mode or night mode uses less power, especially on AMOLED and OLED screens.
• Reduce resolution: On some cell phones, it is possible to adjust the screen resolution, and by reducing the resolution, it is possible to reduce power consumption.
• Decrease refresh rate: Many modern phones offer refresh rates of 90Hz or 120Hz for a smoother experience. Lowering the refresh rate to 60Hz can save a considerable amount of battery life.
• Use dark wallpapers: Choosing dark or black wallpapers on AMOLED or OLED screens helps save battery, as these pixels do not emit light.
• Disable Always-On Display: The always-on display feature can be useful, but it also consumes power. 
• Use energy-saving applications: Some apps help you manage your display settings and save battery life. Search for power saving apps in your app store and choose a reliable one.

Application Management

After the screen, applications are other tools that consume the most battery on your cell phone.

So, here are some tips and tricks to optimize the use of applications and extend the life of your cell phone's battery, making it last longer:

• Use of native tools: Most mobile operating systems have native tools to monitor battery consumption per application. 
• Notification Management: Constant notifications can drain your battery, so dig into your settings and adjust notifications as needed.
• Close applications: Closing apps that are not in use can help save battery life.
• Permissions management: Excessive permissions can lead to higher battery consumption, so review the permissions granted to apps.
• Keep applications up to date: App updates often include efficiency improvements that can help reduce battery consumption. 
• Remove unnecessary applications: Apps you don't use may still be consuming power in the background. Uninstall or disable these apps to save battery life.
• Battery Saving Apps: There are several applications that help you manage and save battery life by putting applications to sleep when they are not in use.

Adjusting system settings to save battery power

In addition to screen settings and application management, there are several options within the cell phone system itself that can help reduce energy consumption and extend battery life. 

These options include tweaks that often go unnoticed but can make a big difference in how long your device stays charged. 

Let's explore some of the key settings you can tweak to get better results.

One of the first recommendations is to activate the Battery Saver Mode. 

This mode, available on most Android and iOS devices, reduces processor performance, limits background app syncing, and disables some animations to save power. 

Another tip is to adjust the use of Location and GPS. These services consume a lot of energy, especially if they are on all the time. 

Disable them when you don't need them, or set them to only be enabled when using specific apps.

Another setting that can be adjusted is the use of Automatic Updates. 

Instead of allowing apps to update automatically at any time, set the update to only occur when your phone is connected to the charger.

Apps that help make your cell phone battery last longer

As seen above, there are applications that work with the aim of making your cell phone battery last longer.

Therefore, we have selected the best options for you!

Battery

The Battery app helps you extend your phone's battery life by indicating the battery charge level of your device. 

Battery is a simple and intuitive application, but straightforward in its functionality. 

It tracks the current battery percentage on your device and acts as a battery saver. 

This way, you will know if your battery is charged enough to play a game, watch a movie or browse the web, allowing you to choose how to use your cell phone more efficiently.

Finally, Battery is only available for Android devices.

Greenify

Greenify is an application that helps extend the battery life of your cell phone and, like the previous one, it is only available for Android. 

First, this app identifies and hibernates apps that are not being used but still consume a lot of power in the background. 

When installing the app, you select which apps you don't use frequently and would like to put into hibernation to prevent them from draining your battery. 

However, the application itself highlights that it is important not to hibernate applications used daily, such as messages or alarms, for example.

Because when you enable Greenify, the apps set to hibernate will actually be disabled.

Battery Life Health Doctor Pro

An iOS option, Battery Life monitors your iPhone's battery data and provides data related to battery percentage.

The app then provides a checklist of actions you can take to preserve your battery based on its current level.

Additionally, Battery Life provides tips on how to charge your phone correctly to avoid wearing out the battery, as well as extra tips to increase the lifespan of your battery.

In addition to being an application that helps extend the battery life of your cell phone, Battery Life also offers tools to clean the device's internal memory.

Myths and truths about battery charging

Because we don't understand how the cell phone battery works correctly, we make some mistakes when charging it.

Therefore, we have separated some myths and truths for you to increase the useful life of your cell phone!

Myth 1: You need to let the battery completely discharge before recharging

True: This myth originated with nickel-cadmium batteries, which had a “memory effect.” 

However, lithium-ion batteries used in modern cell phones do not suffer from this problem. 

In fact, it is better to keep the charge between 20% and 80%, recharging periodically rather than waiting for the battery to run out completely.

Myth 2: Generic chargers damage the battery

True: Low-quality generic chargers may not provide adequate current or may overheat, which can damage the battery. 

Myth 3: Charging your phone with your laptop or PC is safe

True: Charging your phone through a USB port on a laptop or PC generally provides a lower current, resulting in slower but safer charging.

Myth 4: Turning off your phone to charge it is better

True: You don't need to turn your phone off to charge it. However, charging your phone while it's off may be a little faster.

Tips to prevent your cell phone from overheating and protect the battery

Heat can negatively affect your cell phone's battery life. 

High temperatures cause chemical reactions within the battery that accelerate wear and tear and decrease its ability to hold a charge. 

Over time, this can lead to battery degradation, resulting in shorter battery life and eventually the need for replacement. 

Additionally, overheating can cause performance issues on your device and even result in permanent hardware failure.

To prevent overheating and make your cell phone battery last longer, there are several practical measures you can take. 

• First, avoid exposing your phone to direct sunlight or leaving it in hot environments, such as inside a closed car. 
• During use, try not to run heavy applications or games for long periods, especially if the cell phone is charging at the same time. 
• Keeping your device out of heat-trapping cases or covers also helps dissipate the temperature.
• Another important tip is to turn off or put your cell phone in airplane mode when not in use for long periods of time, especially in places where the network signal is weak, as the constant effort to find and maintain the signal can generate heat. 
• Finally, keep your operating system and applications up to date, as updates can include optimizations that help improve energy efficiency and reduce device overheating.

The Truth About Portable Chargers: Do They Really Help?

Portable chargers, or power banks, are a practical solution for recharging your cell phone on the go, but it's important to understand their benefits and drawbacks. 

They really help extend the battery life of your device by providing extra power when you're away from a power outlet, ensuring you don't run out of power at critical times. 

However, constant use of power banks can have some negative implications if not done properly.

One of the main benefits of portable chargers is the convenience of being able to charge your phone anywhere. This is especially useful on long trips where access to power outlets is limited. 

However, not all power banks are created equal. Low-quality models or models with specifications that are not suited to your device may provide power inefficiently, resulting in slower charging times and even overheating.

To choose a suitable portable charger that will help extend the life of your cell phone's battery, it is important to look at the power bank's capacity (measured in mAh) and its compatibility with your device's voltage. 

Choose models from recognized brands with protection against overload and short circuit. 

Also, avoid using the power bank continuously and leave it for situations where you really have no other option for recharging, to avoid excessive use of your cell phone battery.

The role of networks and connectivity in battery life

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data usage have a significant impact on your phone's battery life. 

These connectivity features, when enabled, constantly consume power, even when not actively being used. 

This is because the device is always searching for and maintaining connections, which requires continuous power usage. 

The more simultaneous connections the cell phone maintains, the greater the battery consumption.

To maximize battery life, it is recommended to adjust your device's connectivity settings. 

A simple tip is to turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data when not in use. For example, when you leave the house, turn off Wi-Fi to prevent your phone from continually trying to connect to available networks. 

The same goes for Bluetooth, which should only be turned on when necessary, such as when using wireless headphones.

Another useful setting is power saving mode, which usually reduces or disables some connections to save battery. 

In areas with weak signal, consider turning on airplane mode or turning off mobile data, as constantly searching for a strong signal can drain your battery quickly. 

Additionally, set your phone to not automatically connect to public Wi-Fi networks, which, in addition to being less secure, can consume more energy when trying to maintain the connection.

Fast Charging vs. Normal Charging: Which is Better for Your Battery?

Fast charging offers convenience by allowing you to recharge your phone battery in less time, but there are pros and cons to consider compared to regular charging. 

Fast charging works by sending more power to the battery in a short period of time, which can be useful in emergency situations. 

However, this acceleration of the charging process can generate more heat, which, over time, can contribute to battery degradation.

On the other hand, normal charging, which occurs at a slower speed, tends to be less aggressive for the battery, generating less heat and therefore better preserving its useful life over time. 

If you're not in a rush, opting for normal charging may be a healthier choice for your phone's battery.

The impact of fast charging on the long-term health of the battery is an important factor to consider. 

While occasional use of fast charging will not cause significant harm, frequent use can accelerate battery wear, gradually reducing its ability to hold a charge. 

To balance convenience and battery longevity, it is a good practice to use fast charging only when necessary and, whenever possible, prefer normal charging.

How signal quality affects battery life

The quality of the network signal directly affects the battery life of your cell phone. 

When your device is in an area with a weak signal, it works harder to try to connect and maintain stable communication, which requires more power and, consequently, drains the battery faster. 

This constant effort to locate a better signal can significantly reduce the amount of time your phone is used before it needs to be recharged.

To minimize the impact of signal on battery life, there are some effective strategies. 

• In locations where the signal is weak or intermittent, consider turning on airplane mode to temporarily stop searching for networks. 
• Another option is to connect to a Wi-Fi network, which generally consumes less power than a mobile network, especially in areas where the cellular signal is weak.
• If you're in an area where signal strength is notoriously poor, such as rural areas or inside certain buildings, limiting your phone usage or keeping it in power-saving mode can help extend battery life. 
• Additionally, when traveling, using a signal repeater or choosing operators that offer more robust coverage in your area can be a solution to reduce energy consumption caused by the constant search for a strong signal.

These tips will help preserve your cell phone's battery power, even in adverse signal conditions.

Key Points: What You Need to Remember

• Applications like Battery and Greenify help extend the battery life of your cell phone.
• Avoid the overheating of the cell phone to protect battery life.
• Portable chargers are convenient, but choose a quality one to avoid damage.
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile data consume battery; disable when not in use.
• Fast charging is useful, but may reduce battery life in the long run.
• Weak signal drains battery; use the airplane mode or connect to Wi-Fi to save energy.

See also: Apps to increase cell phone volume

Now that you've learned several tips to extend the life of your cell phone's battery, how about exploring ways to further improve your user experience? 

If the sound on your cell phone is not meeting your expectations, know that there are applications that can help increase the volume of the device. 

These apps are ideal for those who want to enjoy music, videos or even calls with more powerful and clear sound, without needing extra accessories.

Discover the best apps to increase the volume of your cell phone and transform your listening experience with just a few clicks.