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Category: Smartphone

Ways to Make iPhone Battery Last Longer: Tips for Longer Life

The iPhone is an indispensable tool for many of us, but its battery life can be a significant concern. With constant use and the ever-growing list of features and apps, it’s easy for the battery to drain quickly. There are several ways to make your iPhone battery last longer and ensure you get the most out of your device.

Tip 1: Check Your Battery Usage

Before you start making any changes, it is essential to understand how your iPhone is using its battery. Open the Settings app and navigate to the “Battery” section. Here, you can view detailed statistics about your battery usage, including the apps that are draining your battery the most. This information will help you identify areas where you can make adjustments to conserve battery life.

Tip 2: Lower Your Brightness

The display is one of the most power-draining components of your iPhone. By reducing the brightness, you can significantly extend your battery life. Open Control Center and adjust the brightness slider to a level that is comfortable for your eyes. You can also enable the “Auto-Brightness” feature, which adjusts the brightness based on the ambient light around you.

Tip 3: Turn Off Background App Refresh

Background App Refresh is a feature that allows apps to update their content even when they are not in use. While it can be convenient, it can also drain your battery quickly. To disable this feature, go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and toggle it off. You can also disable it for specific apps to conserve battery life.

Tip 4: Use WiFi Whenever Possible

WiFi uses less power than a cellular connection, making it a more efficient way to stay connected. Whenever possible, use WiFi instead of cellular data to conserve battery life.

Tip 5: Activate Airplane Mode in Low Signal Areas

When you are in an area with poor cellular coverage, your iPhone will continue to search for a signal, draining your battery. To prevent this, activate Airplane Mode when you are in low signal areas. This will prevent your iPhone from constantly searching for a signal, saving battery life.

Tip 6: Keep Your Battery Healthy

A healthy battery is essential for optimal performance and extended battery life. To check the health of your battery, open the Settings app and navigate to the “Battery” section. Here, you can view detailed statistics about your battery’s health, including its maximum capacity and charging history. You can also enable “Optimized Battery Charging” to learn your charging schedule and avoid overcharging.

Tip 7: Manage Apps That Are Draining Battery

Some apps can be significant battery drains, especially if they are running in the background. To identify which apps are draining your battery, open the Settings app and navigate to the “Battery” section. Here, you can view detailed statistics about your battery usage, including the apps that are using the most battery life. You can then delete or limit the usage of these apps to conserve battery life.

Tip 8: Limit Background Activity

Background app refreshing can also impact battery life. To limit this activity, go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and toggle it off. You can also disable it for specific apps to conserve battery life.

Tip 9: Turn Off Always-On Display

The Always-On Display feature on your iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max shows the time, wallpaper, and widgets even when your device is locked. While it can be convenient, it can also drain your battery quickly. To turn it off, go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Always-On Display and toggle it off.

Tip 10: Use Dark Mode

Dark Mode can help reduce battery drain by reducing the amount of power required to display bright colors. To enable Dark Mode, go to Settings > Display & Brightness and toggle it on.

June 5, 2024
Vivo X Fold 3 Pro vs Galaxy Z Fold 5: Detailed Comparison

The foldable smartphone market is witnessing intense competition, with Samsung and Vivo being the key players. Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold 5 in 2023, and Vivo recently responded with the X Fold 3 Pro. Both devices are packed with state-of-the-art technology and innovative designs. The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro has several advantages over the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 in various aspects.

Superior Display

The X Fold 3 Pro outshines the Z Fold 5 with its larger 8.03-inch AMOLED main display, offering more screen space for multitasking, gaming, and video viewing. It also has a higher resolution, ensuring sharper visuals and clearer text. The X Fold 3 Pro’s peak brightness of 4500 nits significantly surpasses the Z Fold 5’s 1750 nits, ensuring excellent visibility outdoors.

Enhanced Durability

The X Fold 3 Pro features a lightweight carbon fiber hinge certified to endure 500,000 folds, outlasting the Z Fold 5’s flex hinge. Additionally, the X Fold 3 Pro incorporates innovative dual 3D ultrasonic fingerprint readers, providing added security.

Powerful Performance

The X Fold 3 Pro is equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, offering superior performance and improved power efficiency compared to the Z Fold 5’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The X Fold 3 Pro also provides a higher RAM option, further enhancing its performance.

Versatile Camera

The X Fold 3 Pro’s camera system is versatile, featuring a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 64MP 3x telephoto lens, and a 50MP ultra-wide sensor. It also boasts dual 32MP front-facing cameras for high-quality selfies and video calls. The X Fold 3 Pro’s camera setup benefits from Vivo’s custom V3 imaging chip, potentially improving image processing and overall performance.

June 4, 2024
Samsung’s Software Updates vs. Hardware Repairs: A Paradox

Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series, launched with the promise of seven years of updates and an industry-leading AI, seemed to be a long-term investment for consumers. The company’s partnership with iFixit hinted at a more consumer-friendly approach to device repairs.

The dissolution of the Samsung-iFixit partnership, high component costs, and questionable terms in Samsung’s repair contracts have raised doubts about the company’s commitment to affordable and accessible repairs.

On the other hand, Samsung has effectively implemented its five and seven-year update policies for older phones. The recent rollout of One UI 6.1 to older devices, equipped with the latest AI features, suggests that Samsung’s older flagships will continue to deliver a fresh user experience for years to come.

This presents a contradictory scenario. While seven years of software support is commendable, the hardware of many devices may not last that long. Smartphone batteries, for instance, are known to degrade after about three years.

The crux of the issue is that long-term software support necessitates long-term hardware support, which should not be hindered by restrictive terms or exorbitant costs. It’s disheartening to see Samsung potentially adopting an approach similar to Apple’s, which is often criticized for being anti-consumer.

The prospect of expensive battery replacements or screen repairs could deter consumers from keeping their phones for seven years. If the repair process becomes too burdensome or costly, consumers are likely to opt for new devices, thereby raising the barrier to device longevity.

It’s possible that companies like Apple and Samsung are intentionally making repairs difficult and costly to offset the expenses of long-term software support. However, this strategy could backfire if customers choose to avoid repairs altogether.

Offering seven years of software updates while implementing restrictive and costly repair policies is counterproductive. It not only harms consumers but also undermines the companies’ environmental claims. Increased use of recycled packaging is insignificant if the production of new phones continues to outpace the repair of existing ones.

The smartphone industry, including giants like Apple and Samsung, still has a long way to go in creating durable smartphones and reconciling profitability with the right-to-repair. Samsung’s recent setbacks suggest that the industry’s most significant environmental challenge remains unresolved.

June 3, 2024
AnTuTu’s May Rankings: Vivo X100s Leads with Dimensity 9300+
AnTuTu, the renowned benchmarking platform, has unveiled its top-performing flagship smartphones for May. The list is dominated by the Vivo X100s, a new entrant equipped with MediaTek’s enhanced Dimensity 9300 Plus chipset. This chipset is an upgraded version of the standard Dimensity 9300, boasting superior AI capabilities and support for various LLMs, including Google’s Gemini Nano and Meta’s Llama 2 and 3.

Here is the complete list of AnTuTu’s top flagship smartphones for May 2024:

Vivo X100s (MediaTek Dimensity 9300+) – 2,105,621

OPPO Find X7 (MediaTek Dimensity 9300) – 2,094,528

Red Magic 9 Pro+ (Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) – 2,080,986

iQOO 12 (Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) – 2,079,919

Vivo X100 Pro (MediaTek Dimensity 9300) – 2,045,717

iQOO Neo 9S Pro (MediaTek Dimensity 9300+) – 2,043,384

Vivo X100s Pro (MediaTek Dimensity 9300+) – 2,043,218

Vivo X Fold 3 Pro (Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) – 2,033,054

iQOO 12 Pro (Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) – 2,024,909

Vivo X100 Ultra (Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) – 2,024,787

The second spot is occupied by the Oppo Find X7, powered by the Dimensity 9300. The third place is taken by the Red Magic 9 Pro+, the first Qualcomm device on the list, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. A notable inclusion is the iQOO Neo 9S Pro at the sixth position. Although iQOO’s Neo series typically targets mid-range gamers, the inclusion of a Dimensity 9300+ chip has propelled this device onto the list.

Interestingly, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro, the champion of April, is absent from this list. With the scores of all these devices being closely contested, the rankings for the upcoming month could see a reshuffle.
June 3, 2024
Oscal Pilot 2: Robust Dual-Screen Smartphone with Powerful Flashlight

Blackview has launched its latest offering, the Oscal Pilot 2, a smartphone equipped with dual screens and dual LEDs, making it an ideal choice for challenging environments. Priced at $279.99, the Oscal Pilot 2 is available directly from the manufacturer and comes in three appealing colors: orange, black, and green.

Designed to be rugged, the Oscal Pilot 2 is water-resistant and can withstand drops from heights of up to 1.2 meters without sustaining damage. It operates efficiently in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C. The primary screen, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, spans 6.5 inches, boasts a 120 Hz refresh rate, and offers a resolution of 1080 x 2400. Additionally, a compact 1.3-inch display on the back provides notification alerts.

The Oscal Pilot 2 is powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 processor, typically found in budget-friendly smartphones, yet capable of handling most tasks efficiently. However, it lacks 5G connectivity. It offers 256 GB of internal storage, expandable with a memory card, and 8 GB of RAM.

The smartphone features a 50-megapixel primary camera equipped with a Samsung Isocell GN5 sensor, along with an ultra-wide-angle camera. The flashlight is notably bright, offering a brightness of 170 lumens and a range extending up to 18 meters. The 8,800 mAh battery supports fast charging up to 45 watts. Despite its robust features, the Oscal Pilot 2 maintains a relatively compact form, weighing 368 grams and measuring 17 mm in thickness.

For those interested in exploring other rugged smartphones from Blackview, they are available on Amazon. The Oscal Pilot 2, with its robust build and impressive features, serves as a dependable partner for outdoor adventures and demanding conditions.

June 3, 2024
Top 5 Smartphones with the Best Screens in 2024

In the realm of smartphones, the display is a key factor that significantly enhances the user experience. With the advent of technology, most flagship phones now boast top-tier displays, making it challenging to discern the best among them. This article highlights five smartphones with the most impressive screens in 2024, based on their specifications and comprehensive reviews.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: A Display Par Excellence

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra possibly has the finest screen among 2024 smartphones. Its 6.8-inch AMOLED display, with a resolution of 1440 x 3120 and approximately 505 pixels per inch, is a sight to behold. The screen’s brightness can reach up to 2,600 nits, and it features an ‘Extra Dim’ mode for color fidelity even at 1 nit. The use of Corning Gorilla Armor not only protects the display but also minimizes reflections.

OnePlus 12: Brightness Beyond Compare

The OnePlus 12 stands out with its exceptionally high peak brightness of 4,500 nits. Alongside this, it features a 6.82-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 3168 and around 510 pixels per inch. The OnePlus 12’s display is sharp, colorful, and competes well with the best.

Google Pixel 8 Pro: Close Competition

The Google Pixel 8 Pro features a 6.7-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 1344 x 2992, around 489 pixels per inch, and a peak brightness of 2,400 nits. Although not as large or bright as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra’s screen, it comes very close.

iPhone 15 Pro Max: A Sumptuous Display

The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a beautiful 6.7-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1290 x 2796, around 460 pixels per inch, and a peak brightness of 2,000 nits. Despite its specs not matching the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a close competitor.

Sony Xperia 1 V: A Unique Selling Proposition

The Sony Xperia 1 V stands out with its 4K screen, offering a resolution of 1644 x 3840 and around 643 pixels per inch, making it one of the highest-resolution phones globally. Its 6.5-inch, 120Hz OLED display doesn’t have a notch or a punch-hole, providing an uninterrupted viewing experience.

June 3, 2024
The Future of Mobile Communication: Vivo X100 Ultra

In the ever-evolving landscape of mobile technology, the Vivo X100 Ultra stands out as a groundbreaking device that challenges conventional norms. With its innovative features and cutting-edge capabilities, this smartphone promises to redefine how we connect and communicate.

Satellite Connection Feature: Beyond Traditional Networks

The standout feature of the Vivo X100 Ultra is its satellite connection capability. Gone are the days when we relied solely on SIM cards and terrestrial networks. This phone opens up a new era where calls can be made directly via satellite, ensuring connectivity even in remote or challenging environments.

Camera Excellence: A Photographer’s Dream

The Vivo X100 Ultra boasts an impressive triple-camera setup. The 200-megapixel back camera captures stunning details, while the 50-megapixel front camera ensures flawless selfies. Whether you’re a professional photographer or simply love capturing life’s moments, this phone’s camera system will exceed your expectations.

Performance Powerhouse: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

Under the hood, the Vivo X100 Ultra houses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. This powerful processor ensures lightning-fast performance, seamless multitasking, and smooth gaming experiences. With 12 or 16 GB of RAM, this phone is ready to handle any task you throw at it.

Water and Dust Resistance: Built to Last

Life happens, and our phones often bear the brunt of it. The Vivo X100 Ultra is designed to withstand the elements. Its water and dust resistance ensure that accidental spills or outdoor adventures won’t compromise its functionality.

All-Day Battery Life: No More Charging Woes

With a robust 5500 mAh battery, the Vivo X100 Ultra keeps up with your busy lifestyle. You won’t have to worry about frequent charging – one charge can last you an entire day. Whether you’re working, streaming, or exploring, this phone has your back.

The Vivo X100 Ultra represents a leap forward in mobile technology. From satellite connectivity to top-tier cameras and robust performance, it’s a device that anticipates our needs and delivers beyond expectations. Get ready to experience the future of communication in the palm of your hand.

May 23, 2024
ROG Phone 8 and OnePlus 12: Bridging Gap Between Gaming and Mainstream

The smartphone industry has witnessed a paradigm shift with the advent of powerful chips, blurring the lines between dedicated gaming phones and mainstream flagships. This evolution is exemplified by the Asus ROG Phone 8 and the OnePlus 12, which both leverage the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s raw power to deliver exceptional performance.

Asus ROG Phone 8: A Stealthy Powerhouse
The ROG Phone 8, priced at $1,099, adopts a subtler design compared to its predecessors, featuring a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate. It offers a robust configuration with 256GB of storage and 16GB of RAM, with color options of Phantom Black or Rebel Gray. The Pro variant boasts up to 1TB of storage and 24GB of RAM, along with an LED display on the back.

OnePlus 12: The Elegant Performer
Starting at $800, the OnePlus 12 is available in Silky Black for the base 256GB model with 12GB of RAM, while the 512GB/16GB variant, priced at $900, comes in Flowy Emerald. It features a 6.82-inch WQHD AMOLED LTPO display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a balance between high-resolution clarity and smooth visuals.

Connectivity and Availability
Both devices are not sold through carrier stores, meaning no contract discounts but ensuring compatibility with AT&T and T-Mobile networks. The OnePlus 12 also supports Verizon, while the ROG Phone 8 may face limitations due to lack of support for certain 4G/LTE bands.

Design and Display
The ROG Phone 8’s design is more conservative, with a focus on a matte finish and edge-to-edge display. The OnePlus 12 maintains a sleek design, with its high-resolution display catering to both gamers and general users.

Operating Systems and Customization
Asus offers a customizable Android 14 experience, allowing users to tailor the interface to their liking. OnePlus 12 comes with OxygenOS 14, which offers a distinct user experience that may appeal to brand enthusiasts.

Battery Life and Charging
Both phones boast impressive battery life, with the ROG Phone 8 featuring passthrough charging for extended gaming sessions without battery wear. The OnePlus 12 offers fast charging options, ensuring quick power-ups for busy users.

Camera Capabilities
Asus has significantly improved the camera system on the ROG Phone 8, incorporating features from the Zenfone 10 to enhance photo and video quality. The OnePlus 12 also boasts a capable camera setup, ensuring that gaming phones no longer lag behind in imaging technology.

The Asus ROG Phone 8 and OnePlus 12 represent a new breed of smartphones that cater to both gamers and mainstream users, offering powerful performance, versatile designs, and advanced features without compromising on everyday usability.

May 21, 2024
Northern Lights: How to Take Stunning Photos with Android Devices

Witnessing the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, is a breathtaking experience. This natural phenomenon, typically visible in the far northern regions, paints the sky with vibrant colors as a result of solar storms and the interaction of charged particles with atmospheric gases. This weekend, an extraordinary geomagnetic storm offers a rare opportunity for many, including those in the United States, to observe the Northern Lights.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to photographing the Northern Lights with your Google Pixel or other Android devices:

Prepare Your Environment: Find a location with dark skies and minimal light pollution. A tripod is essential to stabilize your phone for long-exposure photography.

Setting Up Your Google Pixel:
– Mount your phone on the tripod and open the camera app.
– Switch to “Night Sight” mode. If the aurora is visible to the naked eye, this mode may suffice.
– For astrophotography, ensure the phone is steady. A star icon will appear on the shutter button after a few seconds of stillness. Tap it to begin a 4-minute capture process, resulting in a still photo and a time-lapse.

Using Other Android Phones:
– Standard night modes on phones like Samsung Galaxy can capture the Northern Lights if they’re visible without assistance.
– For fainter auroras, use manual shooting modes with long exposure settings. In “Night” mode, select “Max” exposure, or in “Pro” mode, set the “Speed” to 5-6 seconds.

This guide aims to help you immortalize the fleeting beauty of the Northern Lights through photography, ensuring that you can relive the magic whenever you desire.

May 13, 2024
Nokia 3210 Returns: A Promotional Video with a Retro Twist

HMD Global has unveiled the promotional video for the new Nokia 3210 on YouTube, striking a balance between nostalgia and modernity. The video showcases the phone’s updated design and vibrant color options, emphasizing its aesthetic appeal over technical specifications.

While it highlights the inclusion of the iconic Snake game, it leaves out details like Bluetooth connectivity and a 3.5 mm jack, suggesting a focus on the phone’s role as a stylish accessory rather than a feature-heavy device.

The video’s opening with a pixelated image from MWC2024 introduces the term “newtro,” blending the old with the new, accompanied by a catchy tune that could be one of the phone’s ringtones. This approach aligns with the tradition of creating a sense of anticipation and cultural narrative around phone launches.

The timing of the video’s release, a day after the official announcement, adds to the intrigue and conversation around the Nokia 3210’s comeback.

The promotional video for the Nokia 3210 is a masterful blend of the phone’s storied past and its updated design elements, catering to both long-time fans and those seeking a minimalist mobile experience. By focusing on the phone’s design and nostalgic value, HMD Global taps into the growing trend of simplifying technology and embracing the charm of yesteryears. The Nokia 3210’s promotional strategy reflects a keen understanding of consumer desires for both simplicity and style in the digital age.

May 10, 2024