I wish I could have the time to reply to the countless threads online about this very issue. One of the things that delayed the purchase of this phone are these very comments from owners. However, when I did get the phone, I was immediately shocked by its excellent battery life. Brand new without a single modification (just some basic stock settings) of any kind, I easily was able to get 13 hours with moderate use. Not light use at all, as I was constantly playing with the phone to discover what I will do with it.
After installing a number of preferred apps and tweaking everything, I tested it again. Note that this was done using the excellent JuiceDefender BUT with the proper settings in place.
Now, I easily get 17 hours out of the phone. Still can't believe it, coming from the HTC EVO 4G from Sprint. That phone, no matter what I did, would not last long at all.
Anyways,
This is why I just don't understand why many are complaining about battery life in general (not directed at you!!).
What some need to seriously focus on is what they install and how that app ends up functioning. If you go crazy and start downloading a bunch of apps that run in the background in order to sync or connect in some form or fashion, that is obviously going to make an impact.
Just take the time to play with it and focus on battery life when managing both all installed apps or any new ones that you get.
--mike