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Hi everyone, I am a pretty technically savvy person, but a newbie to the world of smartphones. I just got a MT4GS this week and have been getting used to it for the past few days. My main concern is the battery life - understandably, compared to my old feature phone, the smartphone is going to use a lot more juice. I just wasn't expecting to charge it overnight, have it plugged most of the day at work, and still be down to ~70% power by the time I get home. I'm not even doing anything that intense with it. It worries me to think that my phone might die on me if I'm out somewhere for the day. And what is the point of having a phone that can run programs and do all these great things, if you're afraid to use it?
After reading around here, I've already picked up a lot of great tips: I ordered a set of the Anker batteries (my phone was purchased used, and while it is physically in great condition, who knows about the battery), and I installed the 2x Battery app. I've reduced my screen brightness; turned off background data; turned off GPS; and when I'm on WiFi, I have 4G off, and vice versa.
A couple of questions:
1) Without doing anything crazy to the phone or default OS, is there anything else you recommend doing to conserve battery life?
2) In 2x Battery, there is a setting "Pause when WiFi on." The description here is kind of confusing, and I can't tell if it's working or not. If I want the mobile data connection off when connected to WiFi, do I want this option checked or unchecked? Right now I'm connected to WiFi, but it appears that mobile data is on whether this box is checked or not.
Thank you so much for all the great info so far, and for any advice you can offer me )
Well, firstly, good call on the anker batteries. I have one, and it's changed my life with this device. I went from being exactly as you described (scared to go somewhere without knowing exactly where my next source of power was) to not paying it much mind.
Secondly, if you are unrooted stock - then you have a whole lot of apps working in the background and conspiring together to drain your battery. ...and there's nothing you can do about it because both T-Mobile and HTC saw fit to place them there, running around the clock and beyond your control.
This is known as bloat, and on this phone it's beyond out of control. It's out of control on other phones, but they took it to a special place of exasperation on this one.
I am not sure about this 2x battery app you're speaking of, i've never used it. Consider this, though, it's one MORE app running on your device and draining your battery - and if you are stock this may be something you can ill afford.
As far as the wifi/data dance, this is nothing more then a feel-good measure that really isn't doing anything for you except adding to your interaction with the device. The time your screen is on to make that change takes more battery use then you would save on several hours of having one or the other switched off.
Check this link below (another XDA post):
Everything you wanted to know about Li-Ion batteries but were afraid to ask!
...and it may help you out with battery care.
For me, running my custom ROM with an anker battery and all the apps/widgets I prefer to use I can get 6-8 hours out of a charge on the anker battery with semi-steady usage.
This is with both wifi, mobile data and background data on, and the screen on but at mostly dim brightness for 4-5 of those 6-8.
If I overclock the processor to 1.7Ghz (stock it stops at 1.2Ghz) and hook it up to a television using a playstation (game console) emulator...running flat out at full speed I can drain the (anker) battery in as little as 3 hours.
Something that may interest you as time wears on and you get used to having the anker batteries and using them is what is mentioned in this thread:
external battery pack! Awesome!
...and there are many out there and good deals to be had on some, poke around a bit and you'll find one suitable if such is your desire.
One last thing to consider - make sure you are using the proper charging port.
Most USB ports on computers only push half an amp, as well as nearly every single secondary port on chargers (think car chargers with an 'extra' USB port). Half an amp is not enough current to charge the device if being used, and barely enough to see positive battery increase if not.
Make sure whatever you plug into is pushing 5volts 1amp, or you'll see your battery level continue to drop as you are charging.
(oh, and GPS is something you WILL see more battery life from turning off if not using - so having something like a soundhound app widget on your home screen with location on will eat your battery before you know it's gone by activating the GPS.)
Dimming the screen if possible will see you the greatest gains in battery life, and then getting rid of any apps you can that are running in the background is the next biggest step - but again, if stock and unrooted there is only so much you can do on app management.
DON'T USE TASK KILLERS - EVER. (they do much, much more harm then any falsely perceived good you may think you are getting from them.)
Recap:
Screen = biggest battery drain.
GPS chip/use = second biggest drain.
Apps in background = third biggest drain.
Wifi/mobile data = negligable drain.
Hope this helps a bit.
Edit:
Oh, and welcome to XDA!
Blue pretty much covered everything that I was going to say. I also have the Anker battery, and I also have the Anker 5600 mah external battery, and I no longer have battery worries. I choose the Anker external battery over the other ones because of its small portable size, even though some of the other ones have more capacity. I find that I can get about two full charges of my phone with it, and it is small enough to fit in my pocket or purse with no problem. I highly recommend an external battery just for piece of mind, knowing that I no longer have to be searching every place I go for an outlet. I love that I can charge my phone while it is in my pocket or purse. Also the price isn't too bad, I bought mine for about $40, but I see Amazon now has it for $33. I bought it from a company called Laptop Mate on Amazon, and it was shipped amazingly fast even though I just got standard shipping. Laptop Mate then said if I wrote a review I could choose a free gift. The gifts were not anything spectacular, but the gesture was nice. At the time I could choose between a usb powered reading light, a card reader, and I forget what the other one was. Again nothing great, but it was just a nice bonus, I will definitely buy from that company again. So with my Anker internal battery, and my external battery, I could reasonably not have to plug my phone into the wall for at least two days, I could stretch it more if I was camping or something. I really like keeping my screen at full brightness, so that is where most of my drain comes from. Well, sorry for the long winded response, and welcome to XDA. I bet that in a month you will wonder what you ever did with out a smart phone.
http://www.amazon.com/Anker-Externa...on/dp/B005K7192G/ref=pd_rhf_gw_cpp_tab0_p_t_1
Thank you so much for your very thorough responses! I am happy to report that since making a few little changes (turning down my screen brightness, turning off the background data sync), performance is already noticeably better. Yesterday I was on battery power for close to 14 hours, was on and off WiFi, talked on the phone probably a couple hours total, and used it what I would consider a "normal" amount (e-mail, photos, some social networking)... and still had ~50% power left by the time I went to bed. That is much more reassuring to me, and I can only assume performance would get even better once I get those new batteries.
I understand about the "bloat" and having all these extra things running, but I think doing anything with the ROM is a little above my expertise at this point. For now, things seem to be working reasonably, so we'll see...
I like the external charger idea, but I am going to hold off for now. I ordered the 2-pack of Anker batteries, so once I get those, I'll have 3 batteries. One should be fine for a normal day, and if I'm really going to be out for a while and not have any opportunity to recharge, or will be using the phone a lot, I could just bring along a spare or two. (Good thing I am a lady with a purse - what do guys do?! Carry a man bag? My husband is considering getting the same phone, so this is a valid concern.)
I'm apparently too new to post a link to 2x Battery, which I've seen mentioned elsewhere on this board, but that's the name if you want to look it up in the Android Market. Even if it is using a little more battery power, I think it's worth it. It puts controls for things that use battery power all in one place, and it makes it very easy to monitor the current battery status. I think I'll stick with it, at least until I get a better sense of how my use affects the battery.
Per the question of a man hauling batteries, I just carry a spare battery or two I'm my front pocket. If I am carrying keys I will slap a piece of tape accross the terminals to prevent a short. One or two guys carry their spare gear in a camera case. I can haul most all I need in a corner of my Levi's front pocket.
I also used to run Juice Defender, it got irritating waiting for the data connection to spin up and the benefits were outweighed (IMHO) by the downsides. Killing data every time the screen turns off was grim.
Hastily spouted for your befuddlement
I have a zipper case I keep the phone in, and it's not much larger then the device itself. Above and beyond keeping dust out ( primary function ) it also has a small pocket on the outside I keep a few knick-knacks in, like a retractable micro-usb cable, backup memory card ( recovery purposes) mini flash drive and spare battery.
I highly recommend some kind of small zipper case for the device to keep out the dust, best $10 investment I've made for the phone.
Not in a position to link pics at the moment, but I'll do so over the next few days when I get the chance - especially floating loose in a potentially dusty purse it's something to consider.
I wish the video cable was something I could cram in to it as well, but that presents too much bulk for it to work, I have a mini camera case I carry sometimes with the A/V cable, AC adapter, another micro-usb cable and some memory cards and flash drives - something to consider for yourself for carrying cables and such since you most likely have room in your purse for a mini camera case with such things.
Sent from a digital distance.
Thanks for all the carrying tips!
Blue6IX said:
I highly recommend some kind of small zipper case for the device to keep out the dust, best $10 investment I've made for the phone.
Not in a position to link pics at the moment, but I'll do so over the next few days when I get the chance - especially floating loose in a potentially dusty purse it's something to consider.
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I'm not really worried about my own phone, it has its own little pocket inside my purse, and I don't know what kind of ladies you hang out with, but my purse is not dusty...
Please forgive - I meant no offense by it.
I threw in the word potentially because while I have seen some pristine purses, i've also seen some which haven't been vacuumed out in a long time, if ever. The very fine dust that gets in during the course of normal travel is what our enemy is here. (...and yours may be vacuumed out on a consistent basis, really only you can know.)
This need not just be dirt, even the fibers of the material wearing off in tiny fractions of an amount from simply carrying it around (material rubbing against material as it's shape stretches, bends and contorts) is enough to be a hazard to the device. Over time this adds up.
(though, saying it has it's own pocket/pouch within the purse itself lends a good deal more protection and paints a much better picture then the previous blanket statement of 'in my purse')
Due to the slide mechanism and the exposed back of the LCD screen it is very easy to get dust under the screen, in between the layers of it.
Slide it open with the screen at max brightness, then flip it over. Look at the very end of the slide channels on the screen side, from an angle on the side. You will be able to clearly see the light shining through opposite the T-Mobile branding on the backside of where the genius button is. Look past the greenish tint and see the whitish light, noticing how it extends inwards.
You can now look at the other side, right by the T-Mobile branding in the same spot and though you can't see the light shining through, you can see how very fine dust can work it's way in between the digitizer and screen.
'Dust under screen' is something that people who post here at XDA have made warranty exchanges over, as well as who knows how many who don't post have done. It's a valid exchange gripe that is in fact covered under warranty from what the people who have posted about it have led us to believe. There are also plenty of 'dust under screen' doubleshots on reduced price on ebay that you could look up this very moment.
Again, I meant no offense, but was simply trying to use the situation presented to illustrate a potential hazard your new device could fall victim of. Hopefully by bringing it to your attention you can take steps to minimize any damage, or at least present you with the opportunity to later be in a situation of:
'Oh well, at least I knew it was coming'
...as opposed to:
'Wow, I wish I knew that could have happened'
We only wish you to get the best experience possible from your Android, and while there is a lot of important info here...'tis easy to become overwhelmed by it all and miss some of the important things that could help you immediately, or should be known immediately.
Glad to hear you are already in better straights over the management of your available power!
By the way - thanks for endeavoring to clarify the app you were using for battery management, i'll definitely scope it out when I get a chance.
Blue6IX said:
Please forgive - I meant no offense by it.
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None taken, I just thought it was funny
Thanks for the tips about dust, though. That wasn't something I had really considered, though I'm hoping to get a bit more life out of this phone than my last few (cheap, and switched on a whim), so I'll be sure to keep things clean. Is it ok to spray the back of the slide-out with some compressed air, or could that cause other problems?
Little update:
I did use a little compressed air to clean out the back of the phone, so hopefully I didn't hurt anything.
Two different cases are on their way to me - I'll see which I like more and return the other.
I've had the Anker battery in for just a couple hours, and it's already amazing! I've been using the phone a decent amount, turned on notifications and everything I'd switched off, and it's still at 100%! Also feels much cooler than the other battery. It was a tight fit, like everyone said, but I did get it in and fit the back cover over it.
But, weird thing: when I turn the phone sideways, the screen no longer rotates. It will still rotate if I slide the keyboard up, but otherwise it's like it doesn't recognize that the orientation changed. Did the battery mess something up?
The screen didn't rotate on it's own unless you slid the keyboard out if you are using the stock launcher - you may have made the same mistake I did in thinking it was so, but it wasn't.
Home screens, in the app drawer...etc... not made to auto-rotate.
You just happened to finally realize it - same thing happened to me.
I even argued against it, and couldn't figure out why it was changed.
A while later while I was going through the code that comprises Rosie (sense launcher) I actually saw that it wasn't made to do so.
So no, the battery didn't mess this up, it's the way it was supposed to be.
The reason for it is there is an alignment issue with some widgets when it switches from portrait to landscape in Rosie. I'm not sure how to fix it the way they have it coded, i've been scratching my head on this one for a while and tried a few things with no success.
HTC could learn a few things from some aftermarket app designers ( like the team that made GO launcher, for instance)
The way they built it, I don't think it's possible to fix their mistake, it's too interwoven and embedded in the design of the code.
Edit - it still and always has, autorotated while you are in apps themselves if they support it.
Oh you're right! That's funny, I never noticed before. In other apps, the screen does rotate normally, so I guess all is good...
Going on 12 hours with this battery, with all notifications, synching, etc. turned on, and I'm still at 67% ... And this is right out of the box, without the 4-5 cycles they recommend. I'm very happy with it so far!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2025485
http://www.indiegogo.com/coverlight
looks interesting, but i'll pass on this. I hope I'll get a note II soon enough.
itzik2sh said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2025485
http://www.indiegogo.com/coverlight
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I was just trying to take a picture in the dark yesterday and someone asked me if my phone had a flash on it . If the price is right I might consider getting one.
The inventor is Italian and he needs 26K$ to initiate mass manufacturing.
the price - 25-30$ plus 10$ delivery seems exaggerated, but maybe it can be lowered. I think it's a great idea.
This is the best DIY alternative I have found...
1. Back replacement - Dealextreme 3.9$
2. 10 3.7V LED - eBay - 8.3$
3. 20 Mini push-buttons - eBay - 2.99$
overall
15$ per one device
5.03$ per device for 10 devices
4.88$ per device for 20 devices
plus wires and some solution for the + and - legs out.
EDIT : OK, gave up, just ordered one...
That looks really cool. Do you think it can be controlled by the software, or do you have to physically press the button for the led to turn on?
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda app-developers app
pisherthefisher said:
That looks really cool. Do you think it can be controlled by the software, or do you have to physically press the button for the led to turn on?
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda app-developers app
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You have to press the button. There is no path for it be hooked up. Granted with full jtag of the chip, you could probably find a few GPIO that aren't use and use that to trigger a signal to a small timer chip to make it flash, but one it requires fully knowing the GPIO of the chip and how it's used in our phone, and finding pathways from the chip to solder to, and opening your phone and soldering to the board which is very, very, very, very small soldering.
Basically, no. lol. Press the button, and it shines an LED light which lights up a scene slightly.
Bump
sent from me
Will he still sell the coverlights regardless if he gets his funds or not?
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda app-developers app
pisherthefisher said:
Will he still sell the coverlights regardless if he gets his funds or not?
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda app-developers app
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No, the funding needed is the amount needed to get a company to start making them and make an initial batch. They're not going to make molds and all that stuff for 4 cases.
He has 5 days left with only 1,000 out of his 26,000 dollar goal so it looks like its not happening
I already ordered one, so I still hope to get it (as a gesture to the true supporters).
I think the draw was the price being too high.
Anyway, I liked the idea and I will make one myself if this initiative gets cancelled.
As one of the contributors (donated 30$) I just got this message via mail (also appears in the indiegogo site updates) :
Hi everybody! unfortunately we didn’t reach our goal to start the production of COVERLIGHT, but thanks to all yours feedback and suggestions we understood how to improve this idea… Now we are working to an universal version of coverlight, which is controlled by a camera app… It will be compatible with all the devices, because it’s a “plug and play” device Follow @coverlight1 on twitter or facebook to stay informed about it… Happy New Year!
A "plug and play" flash compatible with all devices huh? That sounds interesting. I'm guessing it would be plugged into the audio jack? I'm glad the idea wasn't abandoned, thanks for the update itz
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda app-developers app
Just got refunded for the project.
sent from me
This might be a simple solution...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Viatek-LED-...579855?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item518e2bb44f
Im glad the project was not abandoned seams like it has a lot of potential.
I'm having some thoughts about implementing a solution that will include :
1. universal compatibility (for all devices).
2. involve no cover change.
3. include no batteries.
but this leads me to some technical questions I will be glad if our experts can answer :
1. Is it possible to make an app virtual flash machine, that when using any camera app - it will be tricked to think that we actually have a flash led ?
I suppose it is possible...
2. In that case is it possible to get the camera app shooting trigger via the audio jack or power jack ? I suppose it is possible, but yet again, how do you make the hardware recognize this trigger ?
3. Is it possible to consume power from the power jack (usually used to charge the device).
If it is, then we can send the power signal instead of a trigger and that could simplify the hardware needed...
If the answer to all of these is yes - then we can make a simple LED flash, (audio?) power jack cable, possibly direction adjustable cable. it will be light weight, reliable and simple to use and involve no cover swapping.
most of the work will be done by the virtual flash machine app and the device hardware.
itzik2sh said:
3. Is it possible to consume power from the power jack (usually used to charge the device).
If it is, then we can send the power signal instead of a trigger and that could simplify the hardware needed...
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This part should be possible with usb otg support
I took apart my powerskin today and I think I can come up with a way to wire a LED in the case and power it from the power skin battery. It's just going to be finding a good suitable LED for it. Obviously no triggering from a camera apps.
Where do we get this? Charging within 6 feet of the source with nothing more than losing your ability to reproduce (yes, fine, nothing has been proven, but honestly, really, that much voltage coursing through the air, who thinks this is good for you? BUT, it means always charged devices, so that's a plus, who needs kids any way? (yes, for all of you about to go up in arms, this is sarcasm)).
http://androidandme.com/2015/11/news/long-distance-wireless-charging-is-now-a-reality
sanjsrik said:
Where do we get this? Charging within 6 feet of the source with nothing more than losing your ability to reproduce (yes, fine, nothing has been proven, but honestly, really, that much voltage coursing through the air, who thinks this is good for you? BUT, it means always charged devices, so that's a plus, who needs kids any way? (yes, for all of you about to go up in arms, this is sarcasm)).
http://androidandme.com/2015/11/news/long-distance-wireless-charging-is-now-a-reality
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Funny thing how they "Advertise" 3 crApple products, which dont even know what "Fast Charging" is neither "Wireless Charging" but we all waiting for that moment lol, iCrap 7 with "World changing, and Amazing Innovation" Fast Charging, then by 2018 7s with "Wireless Charging" then it will become more important, its just sad lol
Our chipset has support for Qualcomm WiPower, yet they have no actual chargers in the market. I sent them an email about it, but they never even responded. It's not a fully wireless room-filling technology, but it gives you much broader range/area to charge than Qi and doesn't require a different back.
https://www.qualcomm.com/products/wipower
You can have a special transducer surgically implanted into your spine which allows you to charge your phone just by holding it. But it only works if you're in a good mood. The chipset supports positive energy only.
TheJesus said:
Our chipset has support for Qualcomm WiPower, yet they have no actual chargers in the market. I sent them an email about it, but they never even responded. It's not a fully wireless room-filling technology, but it gives you much broader range/area to charge than Qi and doesn't require a different back.
https://www.qualcomm.com/products/wipower
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Actually the product exist, but not for consumers, I was offered to test the wipower or what they used to call it A4WP, but due to hi cost I rejected the offer.
I think the reason why it's not available since it's been available for a good few years now, is probably it hasn't passed a certain test due to hi frequencies that may affect people, although is low radiation, but does have a longer range that the current QI standard.
kms108 said:
Actually the product exist, but not for consumers, I was offered to test the wipower or what they used to call it A4WP, but due to hi cost I rejected the offer.
I think the reason why it's not available since it's been available for a good few years now, is probably it hasn't passed a certain test due to hi frequencies that may affect people, although is low radiation, but does have a longer range that the current QI standard.
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Yeah, I meant the consumer market, lol. There has to be some key issue that they haven't solved yet like you said.
Sent from my LG-H901 using Tapatalk
I bought a Pixel 3 from the Google Store and had it delivered via their "expert setup" person. The battery level was like 27% or something when she powered it on which seemed low so I'm paranoid that it's somehow not a new device. Is there some way to tell when the phone was first powered on? I vaguely remember on a prior phone being able to get into some service menu and see something like that but I tried some of the hidden menu codes without luck. I have the unlocked version of the Pixel 3 and am running on Verizon in case that matters.
I don't think there's a set number for what the battery is at when delivered. It's generally not full and probably depends on a few factors like how long it was on the shelf and the temperatures in storage/transit. I'd guess they might be full or nearly full when they leave the factory but then they get shipped to the US and are warehoused before being delivered to you. Usually these is enough battery to power it on and start setup but usually you need to plug it into do the system updates and such. I wouldn't worry too much about it.
That said, I am not aware of any way to tell if it was powered on before.
fury683 said:
I don't think there's a set number for what the battery is at when delivered. It's generally not full and probably depends on a few factors like how long it was on the shelf and the temperatures in storage/transit. I'd guess they might be full or nearly full when they leave the factory but then they get shipped to the US and are warehoused before being delivered to you. Usually these is enough battery to power it on and start setup but usually you need to plug it into do the system updates and such. I wouldn't worry too much about it.
That said, I am not aware of any way to tell if it was powered on before.
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I thought there was some federal regulation surrounding the minimum charge level that the batteries have to have when leaving the factory but searching for that now didn't seem to return anything definitive.
Federal Regulation about the phone means nothing. Stop gender labeling your phone.
With the prices on Z Flip 3 lately, I was considering snagging one to use as a dedicated hotspot. I’d love some advice.
iPhone user who can’t stand the built-in hotspot that doesn’t broadcast all the time. It works great for Apple devices that have same AppleID…not so much for others. I just want something that I can keep in my backpack and it’s just ready. Considering the Nighthawk 5G is $400…might as well get this.
Would prefer to use a widget to control the hotspot from the outside display and not have to flip open to use. I see there are some options there. Any tips or cool widgets to be aware of?
My wireless plans have 40-50GB of hotspot included, but I’d rather mask the hotspot so that it doesn’t come from that bank. Do I need to root? Or are there some apps that I can still download that do that?
Ethernet tethering…does that mean with an adapter I can hook up to my home Wi-Fi router as the source when our home internet goes out?
Anything else I’m not considering?
Thanks in advance for the advice!
A 3300 mAh battery isn't all that much power...
blackhawk said:
A 3300 mAh battery isn't all that much power...
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Click to collapse
Good point. The dedicated hotspots generally have 4500-5500. Though I’ve seen that wireless charging with MagSafe works with a ring, and I have plenty of chargers that would be pretty convenient.
farnlc said:
Good point. The dedicated hotspots generally have 4500-5500. Though I’ve seen that wireless charging with MagSafe works with a ring, and I have plenty of chargers that would be pretty convenient.
Click to expand...
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Depending on the current usage with screen off running as a hot spot constantly being on a charger may not work well. Phones aren't designed to be charged with the screen on ie in a high current drain state.
If it does maintain a 100% charge state... high temperatures and high cell voltage degrade an Li the quickest.
In the end midrange power cycling (40-80%) may yield a better Li lifespan.
farnlc said:
With the prices on Z Flip 3 lately, I was considering snagging one to use as a dedicated hotspot. I’d love some advice.
iPhone user who can’t stand the built-in hotspot that doesn’t broadcast all the time. It works great for Apple devices that have same AppleID…not so much for others. I just want something that I can keep in my backpack and it’s just ready. Considering the Nighthawk 5G is $400…might as well get this.
Would prefer to use a widget to control the hotspot from the outside display and not have to flip open to use. I see there are some options there. Any tips or cool widgets to be aware of?
My wireless plans have 40-50GB of hotspot included, but I’d rather mask the hotspot so that it doesn’t come from that bank. Do I need to root? Or are there some apps that I can still download that do that?
Ethernet tethering…does that mean with an adapter I can hook up to my home Wi-Fi router as the source when our home internet goes out?
Anything else I’m not considering?
Thanks in advance for the advice!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. There are a lot of options out there before buying a phone to do it. Make sure you've considered all of them, such as https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09742XJB1 (~$190)
2. By default, it's not an option. There are a couple options out there to run apps and widgets on the cover. You'll find them here.
3. Apps still exist that can run a hotspot separate from whatever your carrier claims is the limit. It's my understanding that the limit is bandwidth added, whereas using a third-party hotspot borrows the bandwidth from your phone. In your case, it won't make much difference not using the phone.
4. Using adapters, it is possible. That isn't to say it will be effective, since you would be using a single 5G connection broken down into a portion for each device connected to it. It's a bit like ordering one pizza. Either the slices need to be smaller or less people need to eat.
5. Phone hotspots are meant for when you run into trouble and someone needs to borrow internet or you have a tablet that would be better for completing a task. It's not a long-term solution by any means.
If you really want to buy a phone to run a hotspot, there are far better options. You can limit some battery use with the cover screen by running a full launcher on it, but that only compensates for the smaller device battery. At the end of the day, you trade that extra time you would have every time you are running the hotspot with the screen off for the few times you have to change settings not using as much power on that run. It would only really make sense if you already had the phone and were repurposing it.
https://www.amazon.com/Motorola-battery-Unlocked-Camera-Silver/dp/B08NWD7K8H
$229 for 5G and a 5000 mAh battery makes a lot more sense.
twistedumbrella said:
1. There are a lot of options out there before buying a phone to do it. Make sure you've considered all of them, such as https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09742XJB1 (~$190)
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A dedicated hotspot would be fine, but I plan on using SIM cards on phone plans or iPad plans. I wouldn't want to use anything that would trigger a flag.
twistedumbrella said:
4. Using adapters, it is possible. That isn't to say it will be effective, since you would be using a single 5G connection broken down into a portion for each device connected to it. It's a bit like ordering one pizza. Either the slices need to be smaller or less people need to eat.
5. Phone hotspots are meant for when you run into trouble and someone needs to borrow internet or you have a tablet that would be better for completing a task. It's not a long-term solution by any means.
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No arguments here. Every once in a blue moon we have a disconnect at home and we need to fire up hotspots. If I had an option to integrate into our router so that I didn't have to update all the connection settings that would be cool.
twistedumbrella said:
If you really want to buy a phone to run a hotspot, there are far better options. You can limit some battery use with the cover screen by running a full launcher on it, but that only compensates for the smaller device battery. At the end of the day, you trade that extra time you would have every time you are running the hotspot with the screen off for the few times you have to change settings not using as much power on that run. It would only really make sense if you already had the phone and were repurposing it.
https://www.amazon.com/Motorola-battery-Unlocked-Camera-Silver/dp/B08NWD7K8H
$229 for 5G and a 5000 mAh battery makes a lot more sense.
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I appreciate the recommendation. The main appeal to this device is the form factor. If I'm going to run phone as hotspot I want it to be as small/compact as possible - understanding the trade-off in battery life. What I really want is a Palm Companion sized phone that I can program a launcher to only control the hotspot and lock the screen so it doesn't go into any other interface. Basically - act like a hotspot device - but have a phone IMEI that's less traceable.
farnlc said:
A dedicated hotspot would be fine, but I plan on using SIM cards on phone plans or iPad plans. I wouldn't want to use anything that would trigger a flag.
No arguments here. Every once in a blue moon we have a disconnect at home and we need to fire up hotspots. If I had an option to integrate into our router so that I didn't have to update all the connection settings that would be cool.
I appreciate the recommendation. The main appeal to this device is the form factor. If I'm going to run phone as hotspot I want it to be as small/compact as possible - understanding the trade-off in battery life. What I really want is a Palm Companion sized phone that I can program a launcher to only control the hotspot and lock the screen so it doesn't go into any other interface. Basically - act like a hotspot device - but have a phone IMEI that's less traceable.
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If the Ticwris MAX devices were 5G, I'd recommend that. They're 2600 mAh, but about the size of a Zippo. One thing I've learned, though, is if you approach a list of cons trying to justify how to accept or overcome them, you've already decided. Best thing to do is make sure you can return it if it's not what you hoped.