Battery Life

[herschen]

I have Froyo running on a Samsung Captivate on AT&T. In order to save on battery, I turn off data when it's not in use and use ATK aggressive settings so that apparently are killed every 30 minutes.

My first question has to do with background apps that keep starting up automatically that I don't need running all the time. I use Qik once every millenia, yet the program restarts everytime ATK kills it. Is there a way to disable particular programs from running in the background? I can't find that option in Qik settings.

My second question has to do with background data being disabled. I just turn off the data connection and leave background data on. Does this waste battery life even when I've disabled data? Thanks.

 

[lunatic59]

Your biggest problem is ATK. Get rid of it.

Android task killers explained. What they do and why you shouldn't use them

 

[jwmacdon1231]

Zomg!!!! This!!!!!!

your biggest problem is atk. Get rid of it.

android task killers explained. What they do and why you shouldn't use them

 

[sonofaresiii]

I have Froyo running on a Samsung Captivate on AT&T. In order to save on battery, I turn off data when it's not in use and use ATK aggressive settings so that apparently are killed every 30 minutes.

My first question has to do with background apps that keep starting up automatically that I don't need running all the time. I use Qik once every millenia, yet the program restarts everytime ATK kills it. Is there a way to disable particular programs from running in the background? I can't find that option in Qik settings.

My second question has to do with background data being disabled. I just turn off the data connection and leave background data on. Does this waste battery life even when I've disabled data? Thanks.

To give a little more insight as to what the other guys are saying, and to answer one of your questions--

Those apps that are running in the background AREN'T taking up any of your battery life. Your phone is way, way smarter than your computer is with this kind of thing, so while your computer may be drawing on these things to keep them running, your phone just kind of puts them in the background and *forgets* about them-- it's still running, sort of, but not using any battery. That way, if you do go to open it up again, it's already running.
And the thing is, if it WEREN'T running, it would take battery life to open it up again. So basically, to keep it running costs NO battery life, to open it costs SOME battery life... since NO battery life is better than SOME, it's better to leave it open in the background.
That's why ATK is bad for your battery, and I hope that also answers your question about programs running in the background.
It gets even worse for those processes that, like you said, open themselves in the background automatically-- because then, you kill it, it reopens and uses battery, you kill it again, it reopens and uses more battery... better to just leave it alone and it won't be using ANY battery.


I can't speak for having background data on but data connection disabled... someone can probably answer the question, but personally I just turn off background data anytime I cut the data connection (I think there's a widget you can toggle from your homescreen).

 

[Darkseas]

My second question has to do with background data being disabled. I just turn off the data connection and leave background data on. Does this waste battery life even when I've disabled data? Thanks.

I'm not the expert in this, but there are really two parts to your question, I think. First, can an application synch or fetch data when it's running, but not actively in use? Second, can an application try to synch or fetch when the screen is locked and dark? Fortunately, I think the answer to both is usually the same.

And of course you'd need to know whether applications can turn the data connection on by themselves. I'm pretty sure that some applications can do that to synch or gather data or check mail, etc.

The Android 2.2 Guide says this under "Settings"

Background data. Check to permit applications to synchronize data in the background, whether or not you are actively working in them. Unchecking this setting can save battery power and lowers (but does not eliminate) data use.

In my experience, the having data connection, even WiFi, on doesn't use a lot of power. Synching and gathering data does.

For max power savings, you'd want to turn background data and autosynch off.

A less power efficient solution would be to check applications that you know will constantly look for data (mail, weather, etc) and see if they have settings in the applications themselves to prevent them from doing that, or at least to have them do it less often.

 

[AngryHatter]

"...running, sort of..."
No, programs are loaded but are not running.
(cached)
Services can be, but the apps aren't.

Look under "Phone" to see what is draining your battery - most likely it's the display.

 

[sonofaresiii]

In my experience, the having data connection, even WiFi, on doesn't use a lot of power. Synching and gathering data does.

Just want to chime in with a side-note: I think you're right, having wifi connected doesn't take much battery, but I wouldn't leave it on all the time, because when you're NOT in range of a connect-able hotspot, your wifi is going to keep trying to find a connection, and fail, and try again... and that WILL drain your battery. Just like not having a signal for 3g.

"...running, sort of..."
No, programs are loaded but are not running.

Thus, the "sort of"... in layman's terms :-D

But yeah, your description is better and more accurate.

 

[herschen]

Thanks for all the insight. I wasn't expecting this much of a response. It really helps.

To clarify: I usually turn off data at work because of really poor reception at my office. I don't want my phone polling for 3g.

Then I started thinking...if I turn off data, will Android automatically stop trying to connect or do I have to turn off background data too. From what I gather here, I'll have to change a setting to make sure that data off really is completely off.