Most smartphone users have experienced their phone running out of battery at inconvenient times: while traveling, shopping, or commuting. Although battery energy density has gradually improved, it often cannot keep pace with the rapid evolution of device functionality, so many smartphones still require daily charging. The following practical tips can help extend battery runtime.
Lower the screen brightness
The display is one of the largest power consumers on a phone, so brightness has a significant impact on battery life. Most phones include an ambient light sensor; enabling automatic brightness helps maintain readability in bright environments and avoid glare in darker settings. If you need to maximize runtime when charging is unavailable, turn off automatic brightness and set the screen to the lowest level that remains usable. Note that reducing brightness can impair visibility outdoors, especially in direct sunlight.
Reduce screen resolution
Higher screen resolution generally increases power consumption for two reasons: the panel has more pixels to drive, and the CPU/GPU workload rises to render the higher-resolution output. Lowering the virtual resolution at the software level can improve battery life, although the physical panel resolution remains unchanged. This option is available on some high-resolution Android devices but is not applicable on iOS.
Some vendor skins, such as EMUI on Huawei/Honor devices and certain Samsung devices based on Android 7.0, provide a display-resolution setting in System Settings under Display or Battery. Changing a 2K setting to 1080p or 720p, or a 1080p setting to 720p, can noticeably improve battery life in practice.
Enable power-saving mode
Enabling a power-saving mode is one of the most effective ways to extend runtime. Power-saving mode typically reduces CPU frequency, slightly lowers screen brightness, and on some 2K devices, reduces screen resolution. The system also restricts background network access, suspends cloud sync, reduces UI animations, and limits unnecessary vibrations for notifications. Most Android devices support a power-saving mode, and iOS provides Low Power Mode as well; a single toggle can substantially reduce power draw.
Disable app auto-start
On Android, the platform's openness means some apps may start automatically and run in the background, sometimes launching additional apps and consuming power. Prevent such behavior by disabling app auto-start or background activity permissions in the permission manager when installing apps. Many Android phones sold in China include a security or permission management app, or a Settings > Apps option, to control auto-start behavior. Also, get into the habit of closing apps you no longer need, since modern devices with larger RAM tend to keep background apps resident unless cleared.
Turn off GPS when not needed
If you are not using navigation, disable location services to avoid continuous GPS access. Navigation and location services consume considerable power; after consulting a map, close the navigation app if you no longer need active guidance. When traveling at high speeds by train or other transport, consider turning off the phone if you do not need it, because frequent base-station handovers while moving quickly increase power consumption and can cause the device to heat up.
Replace the battery
If a phone that has been used for more than 18 months shows noticeably degraded battery life, battery wear is a likely cause. Most mobile batteries are lithium-ion; after roughly 500 charge cycles the capacity can fall below 80%, reducing overall runtime. Since many devices are out of warranty after one to two years, consider replacing the battery through an official service center if you detect significant capacity loss. Avoid unverified third-party repair shops, which may use non-original batteries.
Summary
The tips above summarize practical ways to extend battery life. Whether you use an Android device or an iPhone, you should be able to apply one or more of these techniques to improve your phone's runtime.
