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0 pointsyason10y ago0 comments

Imagine being able to use a laptop, or a phone, for days without plugging in.

Can't do it with my laptop but my phone stays on for 1-2 weeks. That's the reason I have a very basic phone, and it does everything I want my phone to do.

I would welcome a smartphone if it could do the same 1-2 weeks between charging. I could easily live with a "dumb phone" mode, that would just basically sleep while keeping 2G on for phonecalls and texts, but with a press of a button it would switch to the big operating system and allow me to check Google Maps or use the browser. Higher current draw using those applications would be justified, but needless activity when left idle isn't.

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4 comments · 3 top-level

TsiCClawOfLight10y ago· 1 in thread

Xperia z (at least) series devices have an "ultra stamina" mode that does basically that. I have only tested it once, but it works really well and should give you way over a week of mostly sleeping.

Source: I own a z1 compact.

semi-extrinsic10y ago

Even my cheap Moto G will do something similar without having an "ultra stamina" mode. I've brought it to several hiking trips where it's been lying unused in a waterproof bag with everything turned off except basic GSM so I can receive calls and SMS. After 5 days the battery reports ~ 50% capacity and projects it will last for 4 more days.

davnicwil10y ago

I agree with you in principle, but for me, when I say phone, I really mean internet connected pocket-sized computer.

As in, running the OS and apps is the device's primary function for me - making phone calls is a nice-to-have that I rarely use.

When the battery dies, it's not the ability to make phone calls that I miss - it's the ability to use the apps!

andy_ppp10y ago

I'm surprised there are not phones with two batteries that do this (one for 2g calls etc. about 2 weeks and one for 4g/Apps/Etc.). I guess the battery costs of the screen are too high to bother, leading to a modest 2 day calls only, 1 day full phone situation... it's still not a bad idea in some ways, but might mean that you could never say you have run out of battery...

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