Most of us rely on our mobile phones for communication, entertainment and work, but a common mistake could be causing you a problem, and you may not even realise
We all rely on our mobile phones, but it’s no secret that their batteries can deplete rather quickly. Whether we’re using them to stay connected, explore apps or check the news, there are countless reasons why we regularly use our mobiles.
However, one simple habit is causing their batteries to drain at an alarming rate, according to a tech expert. When you’re out and about, or travelling overseas, the last thing you need is for your battery life to plummet to 5% when you have a long day ahead. If you’re someone who frequently uses your device, then you might want to take note, as a simple habit could be draining your battery life more than you realise.
To stay charged and ready, there are a few things you need to be aware of. According to Dmitry Kandratsyeu, Head of Product at Solitaires.com, people repeatedly make the same mistake, which is detrimental to their batteries. This can not only be frustrating, but it can also lead to safety issues if you find yourself in an unfamiliar location without a functioning phone due to battery problems.
“People are quick to reach for trending and flashy mobile games when they’ve got time to kill, but these are often some of the biggest battery killers,” Dmitry explained. According to him, it’s been discovered that Instagram alone can drain over 12% of your battery in less than an hour, and gaming apps often use even more.
Discussing the travel problems this can create, Dmitry explained: “They’re packed with ads, require a constant internet connection and fill your screen with animation. Your battery doesn’t stand a chance, and this isn’t great when you need Google Maps, your boarding pass or a way to message friends and family.
“There’s nothing worse than landing in a foreign country, your phone dead and you can’t even order an Uber.”
Despite most of us now carrying power banks and owning phones built to last longer, mobile games have become increasingly demanding. “More games than ever now rely on real-time play, heavy graphics and constant updates,” he explained. “The result? They go through battery charge faster than you expect!”
So what steps can you take to preserve your battery life for as long as possible? Return to the fundamentals, suggests the specialist.
Traditional card games such as Klondike, Spite and Malice and Speed are gentle on graphics, function without internet and don’t overwhelm you with advertisements. This allows you to pass time without destroying your phone’s power.
Even the most basic game changes can have an impact. Dmitry noted that offline games without secret downloads or background operations allow you to remain occupied without depleting the battery you’ll almost certainly require afterwards.
So, before launching into any game, he urged people to consider what they’re playing. A straightforward adjustment regarding your entertainment choices could mean the difference between maintaining a 50% battery life, or desperately searching for a charging point or power bank to see you through the day.
The specialist had previously revealed that gaming can also affect passengers when flying. Dmitry explained: “As a games expert with an interest in gaming habits, I’ve noticed that a lot of popular mobile games are designed to keep your brain on high alert.
“Fast-reaction titles like Candy Crush, Stack or Duet are all about quick thinking, bright visuals and constant rewards. It’s a recipe for staying engaged, but also for feeling overstimulated.
“In my view, when you play these kinds of games for long stretches during a flight, you’re not giving your mind much chance to switch off. Instead of helping you unwind, they can leave you feeling wired and restless. Your brain is processing rapid taps, colourful animations and pop-up messages all at once.
“That flood of stimulation doesn’t exactly set you up for a smooth nap or an easy adjustment to a new time zone, which can have a negative effect on jet lag symptoms.”
