Search engine giant Google, along with co-developer LG, recently released their new flagship phone Nexus 5 globally.
Google's new feature-rich smartphone (16GB variant) is priced just under ₹30,000 ($349) and received an overwhelming response from all over the world; and the stocks ran out within a few hours after it got released online, via Google Play store.
Several critics and fans heaped praises on the pure Android stock OS that powered the Nexus 5 but the phone had one nagging complaint - fast draining of the battery. So to prolong the use of the phone for one full day, we have compiled a list of tips that seem to be effective.
Keep the smartphone updated: Always keep your smartphone updated with the latest firmware as each new firmware brings battery optimization features. As per a recent report, Google has so far released two stability updates to the Google Nexus 5: v4.4.1 and v4.4.2.
Turn off Wi-Fi : This wireless data transfer feature is notorious for hogging battery life even when the phone is idle. If not turned off, this feature constantly scouts for network reception draining cell without the user's knowledge. So users are advised to use Wi-Fi only when required or else switch off; same principle applies to the NFC (Near Field Communication) and Bluetooth features as well.
Go to Settings >> Wi-Fi >> Swipe to Off (Note: also tap 'three vertical dot' option at the bottom right side and scroll down the menu, then click- Advanced and turn off 'Scanning always available')
To disable NFC:
Go to Settings >> More >> Wireless and Networks >> NFC - Off
To disable Bluetooth:
Go to Settings >> Bluetooth >> Slide off
Avoid Vibration mode: Unless you are in a meeting or a somber situation (like in a funeral), avoid using smartphone in vibrating mode as it tend drain more power than the ringing option. (also turn off the annoying sound inducing key button tones)
Go to Settings >> Sound >> uncheck Vibrate when ringing
Scroll down, then uncheck 'Dial pad touch tones'
Disable location (GPS) service based applications: Applications like weather and maps need constant connection to internet, even when they are not in use; they tend to sync latest information in to the database. Unless the smartphone owner is driving vehicle using Google maps for navigation, there is no need to keep these apps active; disable them. Google also keeps the GPS option on to collect user's location data, so it also an unnecessary option to be kept enabled.
Go to Settings >> Scroll down and tap Location >> click Mode >> then, you'll come across three options - 'High accuracy', 'Battery Saving' and 'Device sensors only'
Click Battery Saving options or if you want to completely disable it then, go back to Location settings, tap to toggle Location slider to 'Off'.
Avoid dynamic wallpaper (animation): So restrain from using battery-abusing live animated (.gif files) wall papers; instead use dark-themed still images for the screen background.
Dim the display brightness: As we all know Nexus 5 has a 4.95-inch full HD (1920x1080p) display with 445 ppi (pixels per inch) but comes with a 2,300 mAh battery. It is too less for a big-screen smartphone, so it advisable for users to keep the background display brightness to a minimum under indoor condition, with proper light settings. Raise brightness according to the surrounding environment.
Go to Settings >> Display >> Brightness >> set brightness accordingly
[Note: Also keep the 'sleep' or screen 'time-out' option to minimum like 30 seconds, it is an recommend tip from the company; go to Settings >> Display >> scroll down tap Sleep option > select 30 seconds or maximum of 1 minute]
Use data connection selectively: Google Nexus 5 supports 2G, 3G and 4G-LTE. Higher the connection network speed, more the battery drains. Hence users should try to keep 2G connection to prolong the battery life.
Go to Settings >> More >> Mobile network >> Network mode >> Choose 2G
