Tech

These 10 Smartphone Habits Are Killing Your Battery Life

Published

1 month ago

May 20, 2024

1oo9t

In today’s world, our smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives. We rely on them for communication, entertainment, work, and countless other tasks. However, with this increased usage comes a constant struggle to keep our devices charged and ready to go. If you find yourself frequently running out of battery or having to charge your phone multiple times a day, it’s likely that some of your habits are contributing to poor battery life. In this article, we’ll explore several common smartphone habits that can drain your battery quickly and provide tips on how to improve your phone’s battery performance.

1. Leaving Apps Running in the Background
One of the biggest culprits of battery drain is leaving too many apps running in the background. When you multitask or switch between apps, many of them continue to run in the background, consuming precious battery power. Over time, this can significantly impact your battery life.

To address this issue, make a habit of closing apps you’re not using. On most smartphones, you can access the recent apps screen and swipe away the apps you don’t need. Additionally, some phones have battery optimization features that automatically restrict background activity for apps you don’t use frequently.

4 tips to extend your phone's battery life | Popular Science

2. Excessive Screen Brightness
Your smartphone’s display is one of the most power-hungry components, and keeping the brightness level high can quickly drain your battery. While it’s tempting to crank up the brightness for better visibility, it’s important to find a balance that works for your environment.

Try adjusting your screen brightness to a comfortable level, especially when you’re indoors or in low-light conditions. Many phones also have an auto-brightness feature that automatically adjusts the screen brightness based on the ambient light levels, helping to conserve battery life.

3. Using Battery-Draining Features
Certain smartphone features, while convenient, can significantly impact your battery life. GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular data are all known battery hogs. While these features are essential for various tasks, it’s important to turn them off when you’re not using them.

Make it a habit to disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when you don’t need them, and consider turning off cellular data when you have access to a reliable Wi-Fi connection. Additionally, be mindful of location services and only allow apps to access your location when necessary.

4. Leaving Your Phone in Hot or Cold Environments
Extreme temperatures can have a detrimental effect on your smartphone’s battery life. Both heat and cold can cause the battery to drain faster and potentially damage the battery over time.

Avoid leaving your phone in direct sunlight, inside a hot car, or exposed to freezing temperatures for extended periods. When possible, keep your phone in a temperature-controlled environment to maximize battery performance.

5. Using Battery-Hungry Apps and Games
Certain apps and games are notorious for consuming excessive amounts of battery power. High-performance games, video streaming apps, and apps that frequently access location services or run in the background can quickly drain your battery.

While it’s impossible to avoid using these apps entirely, be mindful of their impact on your battery life. Consider closing them when you’re not actively using them, and be selective about which apps and games you keep running in the background.

6. Leaving Your Phone Charging Overnight
While it may seem convenient to leave your phone charging overnight, this habit can actually be detrimental to your battery’s health. Overcharging your phone, or leaving it plugged in after it’s already fully charged, can cause the battery to degrade faster over time.

Instead, make it a habit to charge your phone during the day or for shorter periods at night. Many smartphones have features that stop charging once the battery is full, but it’s still a good idea to unplug your phone once it’s fully charged. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

How you can effectively extend the life of your smartphone battery

7. Using an Aging Battery
As your smartphone ages, so does its battery. Over time, batteries naturally lose their capacity to hold a charge, resulting in shorter battery life. This is a natural process, but there are steps you can take to prolong your battery’s lifespan.

Avoid exposing your phone to extreme temperatures, as mentioned earlier, and try to keep your battery between 20% and 80% charge as much as possible. Additionally, consider replacing your battery if you notice a significant decrease in its performance, as a fresh battery can breathe new life into an aging device.

8. Neglecting Software Updates
Software updates not only provide new features and security patches but can also improve your phone’s overall performance, including battery life. Manufacturers often include battery optimization tweaks and bug fixes in these updates, which can help extend your battery’s longevity.

Make it a habit to install software updates as soon as they become available for your device. While some updates may initially cause a temporary battery drain as your phone adjusts to the new software, the long-term benefits typically outweigh any short-term inconveniences.

9. Using an Old or Incompatible Charger
Using an old or incompatible charger can also contribute to poor battery life. Over time, chargers can degrade, leading to inefficient charging and potentially damaging your phone’s battery.

Always use the charger that came with your device or a compatible charger from a reputable manufacturer. Avoid using low-quality or counterfeit chargers, as they may not properly regulate the charging process, leading to overcharging or undercharging issues.

10. Ignoring Battery-Saving Tips
Most smartphones come with built-in battery-saving features and tips, but many users overlook or ignore these helpful tools. These features can include power-saving modes, app optimization settings, and battery usage statistics that can help you identify and manage battery-draining culprits.

Take the time to familiarize yourself with your phone’s battery-saving features and follow the tips provided by the manufacturer. Enabling power-saving modes when your battery is low, or even as a preventative measure, can significantly extend your phone’s battery life.

By addressing these common smartphone habits, you can take proactive steps to improve your device’s battery life and reduce the need for frequent charging. Remember, every smartphone and usage pattern is different, so it may take some experimentation to find the right balance of features and settings that work best for your needs.

If you continue to experience persistent battery issues despite addressing these habits, it may be time to consider replacing your phone’s battery or upgrading to a newer device with improved battery technology.

Ultimately, being mindful of your smartphone habits and making small adjustments can go a long way in ensuring your device remains powered and ready to serve you throughout the day.

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Tech

Stop Charging Your Phone From 0% To 100%, It Destroys The Battery. See What To Do

Published

1 week ago

June 23, 2024

1oo9t

Charging your phone from zero to 100% may seem like a natural thing to do, but it can actually harm your battery over time.

Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in smartphones, have a limited number of charge cycles.

Charging your phone to the full 100% and then completely draining it to zero uses up one complete charge cycle.

Experts recommend avoiding extremes when it comes to charging your phone.

Instead of charging it to 100% and draining it to zero, it is better to keep your phone’s battery level between 20% and 80%.

This way, you can avoid using up a complete charge cycle and extend the overall lifespan of your battery.

To optimize your phone’s battery life, you can follow a few tips.

Firstly, try not to let your phone’s battery level get too low before charging it. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Charging it when it reaches around 20% is a good practice.

Similarly, avoid leaving your phone plugged in overnight or charging it for excessive periods…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

Unplugging it once it reaches around 80% is a good habit to develop.

Furthermore, it is essential to use a reliable charger and avoid using cheap or counterfeit chargers, as they can cause damage to your battery.

Also, avoid exposing your phone to extreme temperatures, as it can affect the performance and lifespan of the battery.

By following these guidelines, you can help preserve your phone’s battery health and ensure it lasts longer before needing a replacement.

Remember, a little care and attention can go a long way in maintaining the longevity of your phone’s battery.

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Tech

7 Signs Your WhatsApp Account Has Been Hacked And How To Recover It

Published

1 week ago

June 23, 2024

1oo9t

Most people get to notice that their WhatsApp account has been hacked only when they get locked out of their account but this is not the only indication that your WhatsApp account has been hacked. Hacking involves accessing, controlling, compromising, and stealing information without authorisation. Therefore, your WhatsApp account could be hacked without you getting locked out of the…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

Hacking involves accessing, controlling, compromising, and stealing information without authorisation. Therefore, your WhatsApp account could be hacked without you getting locked out of the account.

How would you know if someone else is using your WhatsApp account right now? And how can you get your account back if it is already compromised? These are the questions addressed in this article.

7 signs your WhatsApp account has been hacked;

1. Unknown devices linked to your account

Check the “Linked Devices” section in your WhatsApp settings. If you see devices you don’t recognise, someone else might be accessing your account.

To remove unknown devices, tap the More Options icon (three dots usually at the top right corner of your chats), and select Linked Devices. The page will list all devices that are logged into your WhatsApp account. If you find any device that you do not recognise, tap it and select Log Out.

2. Profile changes

Did you suddenly notice a change in your profile picture, name or phone number? It’s an indication that someone somewhere has access to your WhatsApp account (or someone has access physically to your phone).

3. Messages not sent by you

Suppose you notice messages on your chats that you don’t remember sending or you’re receiving messages indicating that you had a prior or ongoing conversation with someone.

In that case, your account may have been hacked, or if you find yourself getting added to groups even though your WhatsApp settings do not allow people to add you to groups unless you join yourself, something is happening.

4. New contacts added to your contacts list

Sometimes, you may not see the messages because the whole conversation has been deleted. However, the contact could still be on your WhatsApp. So, you need to look out for unknown accounts you haven’t added yourself.

5. Receiving verification codes you didn’t request

When you receive verification codes you didn’t request, it usually means someone is trying to register your phone number with WhatsApp and WhatsApp is trying to verify that phone number.

A lot of people have been locked out of their WhatsApp accounts because they called out the verification code sent to their phone by WhatsApp to a hacker posing as a customer service representative or something else. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Always guard your verification codes jealously and don’t give them out to anyone. Also, the next time you receive a verification code you didn’t request; it may be time to check and beef up your WhatsApp security.

6. Friends or contacts reporting receiving messages from you that you didn’t send

If your friends tell you they’re getting messages from you and you didn’t send the messages to them, it’s a sign your account might be compromised.

7. Getting locked out of your account

This is the final stage where the hacker tries to take complete control of your account. If you suddenly can’t log in to your WhatsApp account, someone else might be in charge and you need to get your account back.

How to get your WhatsApp account back

Uninstall the WhatsApp application from your phone and reinstall it from the app store

When you uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp on your phone, WhatsApp will ask you to enter your phone number and they will send you a code to verify the number. If you have access to the phone number, getting back your account will be a piece of cake.

Ensure you do this as quickly as possible if you believe you have been hacked.

Also, ensure your chats and media are backed up daily or weekly. That way, if you have to reinstall WhatsApp, you won’t lose your chats and media.

Log out from all linked devices

Ensure you’re logged out of all linked devices.

Enable two-step verification

This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a six-digit PIN to log in.

Finally, avoid clicking on suspicious links, report any suspicious activity to WhatsApp, and always ensure you have the latest WhatsApp update

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Tech

15 of the best foldable Android phones you should consider buying in 2024

Published

1 month ago

May 26, 2024

1oo9t

Foldable smartphones have gone from futuristic concepts to real products that you can buy. In 2024, this innovative technology is expected to become even more mainstream as top brands continue refining and improving their foldable device offerings. If you’re in the market for a cutting-edge foldable Android phone next year, here are 15 of the best options worth considering:

1. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Samsung has been leading the foldable phone market, and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is expected to be their latest ultra-premium foldable flagship in 2024. Rumored to feature an improved folding mechanism, slimmer bezels, superior cameras, and the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, the Z Fold 5 will likely offer an unparalleled foldable experience.

2. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
On the more affordable end, Samsung’s clamshell-style Galaxy Z Flip 5 will probably be one of the most popular foldable choices in 2024. This compact flip phone design with a foldable OLED screen allows it to fit easily in pockets when folded. Expect camera upgrades, a faster chipset, and new color options.

3. Google Pixel Fold
After years of speculation, Google is expected to finally release their own Pixel Fold Android smartphone in 2024. As a premium foldable powered by Google’s exceptional AI and camera technology, the Pixel Fold could be a compelling alternative to Samsung’s Galaxy foldables.

4. Oppo Find N3
Oppo’s Find N series foldables have impressed with their innovative multi-hinge designs that reduce crease visibility. The Find N3, due in 2024, will likely build on that seamless folding experience with top chipsets, cameras, and battery life in a more affordable package than rivals.

5. Motorola Razr 2024
Motorola brought back their iconic Razr brand in foldable form a few years ago. For 2024, we can expect an updated Razr model with modern specs like a flagship Snapdragon chipset, improved cameras and battery life in their signature clamshell foldable design.

6. Vivo X Fold 2
Vivo has explored unique foldable form factors like the X Fold’s book-style fold and the crazier X Fold S with its inward primary camera folding design. Their 2024 X Fold 2 is rumored to simplify to a more typical outward fold while keeping top-tier specs.

7. Xiaomi Mix Fold 3
Xiaomi’s third-generation Mix Fold 3 foldable for 2024 will aim to offer a more affordable flagship big-screen folding experience. With an expected Leica-branded camera system, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 chipset, and improved hinge mechanism, it could undercut pricier rivals while delivering solid performance.

8. OnePlus Fold
With OnePlus now being a sub-brand of Oppo, we may finally see them release their own foldable Android device in 2024 in the form of the OnePlus Fold. Leveraging Oppo’s foldable expertise, we can expect a focus on performance, fast charging, and sleek design.

9. Honor Magic Fold
After a brief hiatus, Honor returned with new foldable offerings in 2023 like the Magic Vs. For 2024’s Magic Fold, we’ll likely see Honor’s best attempt yet at challenging Samsung with competitive specs, cameras, and an even more refined folding experience.

10. Sony Xperia Fold
Rumors have swirled for years that Sony is working on a foldable smartphone that could launch in 2024. With their expertise in display technologies, we can perhaps expect Sony’s first Xperia Fold to push boundaries with a unique folding form factor unlike rivals.

11. Huawei Mate Fold
Despite being hampered by US trade restrictions, Huawei continues exploring foldable smartphone designs under their Mate line. The next Mate Fold in 2024 will probably advance their outward folding display technology in pursuit of an ever-more seamless crease-free design.

12. Royole FlexPai 2
Royole actually beat Samsung in being first to market with their original FlexPai foldable back in 2018. The expected FlexPai 2 for 2024 will hopefully refine that novel flexible display into a more affordable and mainstream foldable phone option.

13. Microsoft Surface Duo 3
While the original Surface Duo and Duo 2 were innovative dual-screen devices rather than a true foldable, rumors suggest Microsoft’s next mobile offering in 2024 could be a full foldable phone they’re calling the Surface Duo 3. This could allow better multitasking across the folding screen.

14. TCL Fold ‘n Roll
TCL has shown off some wild foldable prototypes over the years that roll or slide the flexible screen rather than folding. In 2024, they could finally commercialize one of these ambitious foldable designs, perhaps calling it the Fold ‘n Roll. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

15. Red Magic Foldable
Known for their gaming phones, Nubia’s Red Magic subbrand could target the growing mobile gaming audience with a powerful foldable Android phone in 2024. With top specs like latest Snapdragon chipsets and cooling tech optimized for gaming across the expanded display.

The 8 Android phones to look forward to in 2024

As you can see, there will be no shortage of innovative foldable Android phone choices hitting the market in 2024 across various prices and form factors. While Samsung will likely continue dominating the premium foldable space, many other brands are working hard to challenge them with unique takes on this emerging mobile device technology.

Of course, foldables remain an expensive and niche product category overall. But their popularity and affordability should continue improving year after year. By 2024, foldable phones will probably have become much more mainstream consumer devices rather than just a novelty for early adopters.

When considering whether to buy a foldable Android phone in 2024, there are some key factors to weigh:

Screen Size/Quality: Foldables provide exceptional screen real estate when unfolded, some approaching the size of small tablets. The downside is display creases and lower resolutions than traditional phones when folded.

Durability: While improving, foldables remain more fragile than typical slab smartphones. Many use foldable plastic OLED rather than glass panels. You’ll need cases and care to protect them.

Battery Life: Having two screens and larger overall display takes a toll on battery endurance. Top 2024 foldables should have larger batteries to compensate.

Performance: Usually powered by the latest Snapdragon or Tensor chips, foldables can handle demanding multitasking and productivity work loads. Gaming foldables push visuals further.

Cameras: Many foldables pack flagship multi-lens camera systems optimized for everything from low light to zooming. But some prioritize other features over camera quality.

Software: Beyond just optimizing Android for split-screen usage, foldable software needs to handle transitioning apps between folded and unfolded states smoothly.

Price: Even budget foldables are still premium priced around $1,000+. High-end models like the Galaxy Z Fold can exceed $2,000 price tags.

If having a portable device that unfolds into a tablet-sized screen appeals to your needs for work, creativity, gaming, or media viewing, then taking the leap into foldable Android territory could be very compelling by 2024. But you’ll need to accept some compromises like potential durability issues and premium pricing.

For the average consumer, waiting may still be wise until foldables become even more mainstream and affordable. But for early adopters who want to own the latest transforming mobile hardware as soon as possible, 2024 looks to have an impressive array of foldable Android phone options to choose from across various form factors, specs and prices.

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