Does having GPS on kill battery (even if not used)

[Quazar]

If you leave GPS switched on, and don't use any GPS apps, would it consume the same battery as with it off. Becasue it only activates itself when a GPS using program is on which means it wouldn't kill the battery?

Anyone tested this out?

 

[NZtechfreak]

Not entirely sure what you mean...

In Settings --> Location I have GPS set to on, but it only activates and consumes battery when I open programs that use GPS. It doesn't consume battery at other times.

 

[bonerp]

Really? Mines off and stays off until I need it. My N900 used to eat batteries alive with services on that were not being used. I'd be suprised is desire wasn't the same. If you leave BT on it eats batteries. If you leave wifi search on it eats batteries. Why would GPS be different? cheers...

 

[NZtechfreak]

Because its not actually on unless a program is using it, which is what I was saying...

 

[NineToTheSky]

I thought that if GPS was on, it periodically searched for your location?

 

[matttye]

Really? Mines off and stays off until I need it. My N900 used to eat batteries alive with services on that were not being used. I'd be suprised is desire wasn't the same. If you leave BT on it eats batteries. If you leave wifi search on it eats batteries. Why would GPS be different? cheers...

The difference is that bluetooth is constant - your phone actively searches for bluetooth-enabled devices and also broadcasts its own bluetooth connectivity to other devices. WiFi is the same - constantly searching for hotspots. GPS is only used when an application needs to use it, therefore you can keep GPS on and it won't affect the battery unless being used by an app.

I thought that if GPS was on, it periodically searched for your location?

Nope - whenever GPS is being used you get a little satellite icon in your notification bar.

 

[NineToTheSky]

The difference is that bluetooth is constant - your phone actively searches for bluetooth-enabled devices and also broadcasts its own bluetooth connectivity to other devices. WiFi is the same - constantly searching for hotspots. GPS is only used when an application needs to use it, therefore you can keep GPS on and it won't affect the battery unless being used by an app.



Nope - whenever GPS is being used you get a little satellite icon in your notification bar.

Thank you for this: you learn something new every day. (Well, at least I do.)

 

[Quazar]

I thought so, I never noticed a difference having it on with my HTC Hero.
No longer need to toggle GPS. I'll see if there is any effect on battery.