Category: Cell Phone Batteries

Smartphones are at the center of our digital lives — they’re what we use to communicate with loved ones, handle important business, binge on TikToks and everything in between. And since you’ll likely use your phone more than any other gadget you own , picking the right one to last you through years of use is crucial.
But with new phones coming out seemingly every month, it can be hard to figure out which one is actually right for you. That’s why we’re always testing the latest flagships from the likes of Apple, Google, Samsung and more to make sure you get the best smartphone for your needs.

The best smartphones
Apple iPhone 14
The iPhone 14 looks and feels a whole lot like the previous iPhone 13 model and that’s not entirely a bad thing. The lighter 6-ounce iPhone 14 is the kind of device that feels great to pick up and hold. And while its aluminum design isn ‘t quite as strong and sturdy as the stainless steel iPhone 14 Pro, it certainly doesn’t feel cheap.
The iPhone 14 has an upgraded dual-lens camera system that’s enhanced by some fancy new software magic called the Photonic Engine. To make it simple: The new iPhone is designed to capture wider, more detailed photos (particularly for moving subjects), offers improved flash, promises far better low-light photography and can even auto-stabilize your shaky videos. In real-world use, this all translated to a camera that was a joy to use during daily adventures.

The iPhone 14 is more of the same on the display and performance front, which is to say that it still has a beautiful screen and is still ridiculously fast as with other Apple models. Movies and shows looked great on the phone’s 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, particularly while taking in the crackling neon blues, reds and yellows that filled the screen during the epic final battle of “Obi-Wan Kenobi.” The iPhone 14’s display remains a fantastic canvas for bingeing TV and catching up on your TikTok feed .
The iPhone 14 is more evolution than revolution; an entry-level phone takes fantastic pictures, can last all day on a charge and packs a great display, all within a beautiful and lightweight design that feels good to use for hours at a time, and it’s still faster than the vast majority of phones you can buy.Other smartphones we recommend

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5

From $1,800 at SamsungThe Galaxy Z Fold 5 is an extremely strong runner-up for the title of best foldable phone, and if you’d rather have a smartphone/tablet hybrid over the more compact design of the Flip 5, Samsung’s bigger foldable is worth the splurge. It’s got a huge and vibrant 7.6-inch main display for on-the-go multitasking, great overall performance for productivity and big-screen gaming and S Pen support for quickly jotting down notes. Its cameras could benefit from an upgrade and its cover screen isn’t as intuitive as the Pixel Fold’s, but it’s still our favorite big-screen foldable overall.

Motorola Razr+

$1,000 at Best BuyThe Motorola Razr+ is also a close contender to the Z Flip 5’s throne, and one of our favorite foldables we’ve tested yet. Like the Z Flip 5, the Razr+ has a huge cover screen that lets you use all of your critical apps without having to open the phone up (and get distracted by doomscrolling in the process), as well as longer battery life and a cleaner software experience. It’s a great Flip alternative if those features are important to you, but better cameras and performance give Samsung’s phone the edge.

Google Pixel Fold$1,799 at Best BuyYet another strong debut in the foldable phone space, the Google Pixel Fold is a smartphone/tablet hybrid that competes directly with the Z Fold 5. It has an excellent front display that makes it feel like a regular ol’ smartphone when the device is folded up, in addition to the same clean software and excellent camera smarts you’ll find on a traditional Pixel handset. However, not all apps work well on the big screen just yet, and its screen has a much more visible crease than that of the Z Fold 5 when folded up.

Nothing Phone (2)

From $599 at NothingIf you’re on a slightly less-than-flagship budget — and are looking for something a little different — the Nothing Phone (2) is worth considering. Its transparent design (complete with dynamic lights on the back that react to things like notifications and volume control) is truly one of a kind, and you get great cameras and performance for a $600 phone. However, you’ll have to live without the robust customer support and carrier availability of the bigger phone brands, and the Pixel 7 and 7a give you a similarly great experience for an even lower price.Galaxy S23 UltraFrom $1,200 at SamsungIf you want all of the perks of the Galaxy S23 with even more outstanding cameras, a bigger screen and an included S Pen for taking notes, the S23 Ultra is well worth the splurge. regular Galaxy S23 is the best Android option for most people.

iPhone 13
From $699 at ApplePreviously our best pick from Apple, the iPhone 13 had all most critical upgraded features from the iPhone 12: a better display, more processing power and new camera capabilities.

iPhone SE (3rd Gen)From $429 at AppleOur best budget iPhone pick, the iPhone SE delivers a whole lot for $429. You get the same powerful A15 Bionic processor found in the iPhone 13 series as well as 5G support and a pretty good camera for the price. the Apple ecosystem and on a Budget, it’s a no-brainer. But for everyone else, we think the Pixel 6a’s superior cameras, design and battery life give it the edge.

Apple currently sells a whopping eight different iPhones, including the high-end iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, the flagship iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, the budget-minded iPhone SE and some older holdouts like the iPhone 12 and 13. Confused? where we come in.
We’ve tested every iPhone model extensively, and have picked out the models that are actually worth buying — and who they’re for — out of Apple’s vast lineup. Ready? Let’s dive in.

Best iPhone overall: iPhone 14From $799 at AppleiPhone 14 leadMike Andronico/CNNThe iPhone 14 looks and feels a whole lot like the previous iPhone 13 model and that’s not entirely a bad thing. The lighter 6-ounce iPhone 14 is the kind of device that feels great to pick up and hold. And while its aluminum design isn ‘t quite as strong and sturdy as the stainless steel iPhone 14 Pro, it certainly doesn’t feel cheap.
The iPhone 14 has an upgraded dual-lens camera system that’s enhanced by some fancy new software magic called the Photonic Engine. To make it simple: The new iPhone is designed to capture wider, more detailed photos (particularly for moving subjects), offers improved flash, promises far better low-light photography and can even auto-stabilize your shaky videos. In real-world use, this all translated to a camera that was a joy to use during daily adventures.

The iPhone 14 is more of the same on the display and performance front, which is to say that it still has a beautiful screen and is still ridiculously fast as with other Apple models. Movies and shows looked great on the phone’s 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, particularly while taking in the crackling neon blues, reds and yellows that filled the screen during the epic final battle of “Obi-Wan Kenobi.” The iPhone 14’s display remains a fantastic canvas for bingeing TV and catching up on your TikTok feed .
The iPhone 14 is more evolution than revolution; an entry-level phone takes fantastic pictures, can last all day on a charge and packs a great display, all within a beautiful and lightweight design that feels good to use for hours at a time, and it’s still faster than the vast majority of phones you can buy.
Best iPhone for photography: iPhone 14 ProFrom $999 at AppleiPhone 14 Pro Pros and Cons 2Mike Andronico/CNNThe iPhone 14 Pro doesn’t look too different from the previous 13 Pro when it’s turned off, but once the screen lights up, you immediately notice the notch has moved down, slightly, and now lives within the screen. Well, technically, it’s not called a notch. Instead of letting users and the media name the new cutout that houses the FaceID TrueDepth sensors and front-facing camera, Apple dubbed it the Dynamic Island.
But instead of simply delivering a less distracting camera cutout, Apple has built a software experience around this new module — and it’s where Dynamic Island truly earns its name.
The Dynamic Island is used as an interactive area, where you can view any Now Playing information from media apps like Spotify or Apple Music. You’ll also see information such as the volume status of your connected AirPods, a new FaceID unlock animation, or a timer icon when you have an active countdown going. The Dynamic Island can even display two icons at once, so you can, say, view your current song and the status of your timer at the same time.
Perhaps the most notable difference in the iPhone 14 lineup is the camera, which is one of the biggest upgrades we’ve seen in an iPhone. The main camera sensor goes from 12 megapixels to 48 megapixels, while the ultra-wide and telephoto cameras stay Photos look slightly sharper, with more accurate colors and detail. And Apple has added a new Action video mode to the camera app. When enabled, the camera acts more like a dedicated action camera — GoPro or otherwise — to capture stabilized footage recording during activities with a lot of movement.
The camera upgrades on the iPhone 14 are more iterative than substantial, but the upgrades on the iPhone 14 Pro are setting the tone for iPhone cameras for years to come.Best budget iPhone: iPhone SE 2022From $429 at Apple and Amazon15-apple iphone se 2022 cnn underscoredJacob Krol/CNN UnderscoredIf you want modern iPhone performance but don’t want to spend $1,000 on a new phone — or just prefer something smaller — the iPhone SE 2022 is for you. Apple’s $429 iPhone makes very few compromises in the power department, packing the same speedy A15 Bionic processor you’ll find on the latest iPhone 13 range. You’ll have no issues multitasking between apps or playing the newest iOS games here.

The SE is also the smallest iPhone in the lineup, packing all of that power into a 4.7-inch design that’s especially ideal for those with small hands (or small pockets). thick display bezels at the top and bottom, but also a Touch ID fingerprint sensor you won’t find on more premium models. Its Retina HD display looks great for watching movies and playing games, and while it doesn’t have the same two- to three-camera arrays of the iPhone 13 series, its single 12-megapixel lens captures solid photos — and has the ability to shoot in Portrait mode for professional -looking headshots.
So, what are you giving up at this price? The iPhone SE’s display isn’t as big or as seamless as what you’ll find on the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro, and it lacks the latter’s ProMotion technology that allows for extra-smooth scrolling and streaming at 120Hz. You also won’t get MagSafe capabilities for magnetically attaching compatible chargers and cases, nor will you be able to unlock your phone with your face via Face ID. But if you can live without having the most advanced camera system , the sleekest design or the biggest screen, the iPhone SE is a compact, great-performing iPhone that will last you for years — and at a fraction of the price of an iPhone 13.
• Related: The best smartphones we’ve tested

Oldies but goodies you should still consideriPhone 13From $699 at AppleThe iPhone 13 checks off the core boxes in a size that lets you get a lot done. The 6.1-inch screen size is plenty big for browsing webpages, scrolling through timelines and, more crucially, using the keyboard. Plus, the iPhone 13 features one of the best dual-camera systems we’ve ever tested, consisting of a 12-megapixel wide lens and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. The 13 is only bested by the newer iPhone 14 model as our top pick
iPhone 13 ProFrom $900 at AmazonOur previous pick for the best iPhone for photography iPhone 13 Pro has a trio of lenses are paired with a buttery smooth and vibrant display, class-leading performance and seriously long battery life.
iPhone 12From $599 at AppleTechnically the iPhone 12 isn’t that old, at less than a year. But with the launch of the iPhone 13, Apple has reduced the cost of the iPhone 12 to a starting price of $699.
And let’s be clear — the A14 Bionic processor that powers the iPhone 12 is nearly as fast as the one in the iPhone 13. It’s really a nominal upgrade that boosts efficiency and results in applications opening slightly faster. More processor-intensive tasks, like batch exports or video editing, will see boosts in the newer iPhone 13, though. We’d also hedge that the iPhone 13 will keep ticking a bit longer than the iPhone 12 as the devices age.

One potential downside for opting for the iPhone 12 model is that the base storage amount starts at 64GB, while the iPhone 13 lineup starts at 128GB; 64GB is pretty slim, and if you have a large photo library, lots of songs downloaded or a large amount of apps you’ll likely get a storage alert sooner than later, so the iPhone 13 would be a better choice for those who tend to hoard digital files on their phone.
The iPhone 12 offers a good camera experience. You won’t get the new Cinematic video or Macro mode that the iPhone 13 has, but you’re still getting two rear-facing 12-megapixel cameras — one wide, the other ultrawide. offer crisp details and accurate colors, but if you’re keen on photography you’ll notice the 13 does a better job lighting the shot. With shots taken on the iPhone 13, there’s clearer depth between the foreground and background, like for a classic shot of someone in front of a sunset. Still, you’re getting a very capable shooter in the iPhone 12.

Both phones run iOS 15, the latest operating system from the iPhone, and are sure to remain supported for years to come. That’s good news, since it’s still a hefty price and you don’t want to invest in a phone that won’t be supported in a few years.
iPhone 11From $359 at AmazonIf you still want a modern iPhone 11 with a nearly bezel-free screen and Face ID for easy unlocking, the iPhone 11 is an option that mixes solid performance and modern features — all at a more manageable $499 for the 64GB model ($549 for 128GB).
The key difference between the iPhone 11 and newer models is that it opts for a 6.1-inch LCD screen instead of an OLED. It’s not as bright or crisp as newer models, but it still offers a clear viewing experience that ultimately extends the battery life .
There are two rear cameras on the back of the iPhone 11, one for ultrawide shots — a favorite feature of ours — and a standard camera, both of which are 12 megapixels. Images offer a strong amount of details and are still Instagram-worthy but don’t offer the level of detail the iPhone 13 can deliver. Low-light shots are lackluster in comparison with ones taken on any of the newer models.
All in all, theiPhone 11 is a worthy pick for those who want a modern design with Face ID and are shopping on a specific budget.

Apple currently sells a whopping eight different iPhones, including the high-end iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, the flagship iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, the budget-minded iPhone SE and some older holdouts like the iPhone 12 and 13. Confused? where we come in.
We’ve tested every iPhone model extensively, and have picked out the models that are actually worth buying — and who they’re for — out of Apple’s vast lineup. Ready? Let’s dive in.
Best iPhone overall: iPhone 14From $799 at AppleiPhone 14 leadMike Andronico/CNNThe iPhone 14 looks and feels a whole lot like the previous iPhone 13 model and that’s not entirely a bad thing. The lighter 6-ounce iPhone 14 is the kind of device that feels great to pick up and hold. And while its aluminum design isn ‘t quite as strong and sturdy as the stainless steel iPhone 14 Pro, it certainly doesn’t feel cheap.
The iPhone 14 has an upgraded dual-lens camera system that’s enhanced by some fancy new software magic called the Photonic Engine. To make it simple: The new iPhone is designed to capture wider, more detailed photos (particularly for moving subjects), offers improved flash, promises far better low-light photography and can even auto-stabilize your shaky videos. In real-world use, this all translated to a camera that was a joy to use during daily adventures.

The iPhone 14 is more of the same on the display and performance front, which is to say that it still has a beautiful screen and is still ridiculously fast as with other Apple models. Movies and shows looked great on the phone’s 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, particularly while taking in the crackling neon blues, reds and yellows that filled the screen during the epic final battle of “Obi-Wan Kenobi.” The iPhone 14’s display remains a fantastic canvas for bingeing TV and catching up on your TikTok feed .
The iPhone 14 is more evolution than revolution; an entry-level phone takes fantastic pictures, can last all day on a charge and packs a great display, all within a beautiful and lightweight design that feels good to use for hours at a time, and it’s still faster than the vast majority of phones you can buy.

Best iPhone for photography: iPhone 14 ProFrom $999 at AppleiPhone 14 Pro Pros and Cons 2Mike Andronico/CNNThe iPhone 14 Pro doesn’t look too different from the previous 13 Pro when it’s turned off, but once the screen lights up, you immediately notice the notch has moved down, slightly, and now lives within the screen. Well, technically, it’s not called a notch. Instead of letting users and the media name the new cutout that houses the FaceID TrueDepth sensors and front-facing camera, Apple dubbed it the Dynamic Island.
But instead of simply delivering a less distracting camera cutout, Apple has built a software experience around this new module — and it’s where Dynamic Island truly earns its name.

The Dynamic Island is used as an interactive area, where you can view any Now Playing information from media apps like Spotify or Apple Music. You’ll also see information such as the volume status of your connected AirPods, a new FaceID unlock animation, or a timer icon when you have an active countdown going. The Dynamic Island can even display two icons at once, so you can, say, view your current song and the status of your timer at the same time.
Perhaps the most notable difference in the iPhone 14 lineup is the camera, which is one of the biggest upgrades we’ve seen in an iPhone. The main camera sensor goes from 12 megapixels to 48 megapixels, while the ultra-wide and telephoto cameras stay Photos look slightly sharper, with more accurate colors and detail. And Apple has added a new Action video mode to the camera app. When enabled, the camera acts more like a dedicated action camera — GoPro or otherwise — to capture stabilized footage recording during activities with a lot of movement.

The camera upgrades on the iPhone 14 are more iterative than substantial, but the upgrades on the iPhone 14 Pro are setting the tone for iPhone cameras for years to come.Best budget iPhone: iPhone SE 2022From $429 at Apple and Amazon15-apple iphone se 2022 cnn underscoredJacob Krol/CNN UnderscoredIf you want modern iPhone performance but don’t want to spend $1,000 on a new phone — or just prefer something smaller — the iPhone SE 2022 is for you. Apple’s $429 iPhone makes very few compromises in the power department, packing the same speedy A15 Bionic processor you’ll find on the latest iPhone 13 range. You’ll have no issues multitasking between apps or playing the newest iOS games here.

The SE is also the smallest iPhone in the lineup, packing all of that power into a 4.7-inch design that’s especially ideal for those with small hands (or small pockets). thick display bezels at the top and bottom, but also a Touch ID fingerprint sensor you won’t find on more premium models. Its Retina HD display looks great for watching movies and playing games, and while it doesn’t have the same two- to three-camera arrays of the iPhone 13 series, its single 12-megapixel lens captures solid photos — and has the ability to shoot in Portrait mode for professional -looking headshots.

So, what are you giving up at this price? The iPhone SE’s display isn’t as big or as seamless as what you’ll find on the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro, and it lacks the latter’s ProMotion technology that allows for extra-smooth scrolling and streaming at 120Hz. You also won’t get MagSafe capabilities for magnetically attaching compatible chargers and cases, nor will you be able to unlock your phone with your face via Face ID. But if you can live without having the most advanced camera system , the sleekest design or the biggest screen, the iPhone SE is a compact, great-performing iPhone that will last you for years — and at a fraction of the price of an iPhone 13.
• Related: The best smartphones we’ve tested

Oldies but goodies you should still consideriPhone 13From $699 at AppleThe iPhone 13 checks off the core boxes in a size that lets you get a lot done. The 6.1-inch screen size is plenty big for browsing webpages, scrolling through timelines and, more crucially, using the keyboard. Plus, the iPhone 13 features one of the best dual-camera systems we’ve ever tested, consisting of a 12-megapixel wide lens and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. The 13 is only bested by the newer iPhone 14 model as our top pick
iPhone 13 ProFrom $900 at AmazonOur previous pick for the best iPhone for photography iPhone 13 Pro has a trio of lenses are paired with a buttery smooth and vibrant display, class-leading performance and seriously long battery life.
iPhone 12From $599 at AppleTechnically the iPhone 12 isn’t that old, at less than a year. But with the launch of the iPhone 13, Apple has reduced the cost of the iPhone 12 to a starting price of $699.

And let’s be clear — the A14 Bionic processor that powers the iPhone 12 is nearly as fast as the one in the iPhone 13. It’s really a nominal upgrade that boosts efficiency and results in applications opening slightly faster. More processor-intensive tasks, like batch exports or video editing, will see boosts in the newer iPhone 13, though. We’d also hedge that the iPhone 13 will keep ticking a bit longer than the iPhone 12 as the devices age.

One potential downside for opting for the iPhone 12 model is that the base storage amount starts at 64GB, while the iPhone 13 lineup starts at 128GB; 64GB is pretty slim, and if you have a large photo library, lots of songs downloaded or a large amount of apps you’ll likely get a storage alert sooner than later, so the iPhone 13 would be a better choice for those who tend to hoard digital files on their phone.
The iPhone 12 offers a good camera experience. You won’t get the new Cinematic video or Macro mode that the iPhone 13 has, but you’re still getting two rear-facing 12-megapixel cameras — one wide, the other ultrawide. offer crisp details and accurate colors, but if you’re keen on photography you’ll notice the 13 does a better job lighting the shot. With shots taken on the iPhone 13, there’s clearer depth between the foreground and background, like for a classic shot of someone in front of a sunset. Still, you’re getting a very capable shooter in the iPhone 12.

Both phones run iOS 15, the latest operating system from the iPhone, and are sure to remain supported for years to come. That’s good news, since it’s still a hefty price and you don’t want to invest in a phone that won’t be supported in a few years.
iPhone 11From $359 at AmazonIf you still want a modern iPhone 11 with a nearly bezel-free screen and Face ID for easy unlocking, the iPhone 11 is an option that mixes solid performance and modern features — all at a more manageable $499 for the 64GB model ($549 for 128GB).

The key difference between the iPhone 11 and newer models is that it opts for a 6.1-inch LCD screen instead of an OLED. It’s not as bright or crisp as newer models, but it still offers a clear viewing experience that ultimately extends the battery life .
There are two rear cameras on the back of the iPhone 11, one for ultrawide shots — a favorite feature of ours — and a standard camera, both of which are 12 megapixels. Images offer a strong amount of details and are still Instagram-worthy but don’t offer the level of detail the iPhone 13 can deliver. Low-light shots are lackluster in comparison with ones taken on any of the newer models.
All in all, the iPhone 11 is a worthy pick for those who want a modern design with Face ID and are shopping on a specific budget.

Nothing has launched its first smartphone in the US, the Phone 2 — a move that’s been on everyone’s mind since the company was founded by Carl Pei, who previously led phone maker OnePlus to domestic (and global) success. It’s also a move that’s Historically proven difficult for newer manufacturers outside of the country.

So, the question now is whether or not Pei and Co have done enough to convince a market heavily comprised of iPhone and Samsung Galaxyusers to make the switch. From my week of testing, I’d say the Phone 2 is off to a promising start, but there’s still plenty of room to grow.What’s new with this modelIn ZDNET tradition, I’ll start by covering the newest, distinguishing features of the Phone 2, followed by a breakdown of what features and improvements I’d like to see in the next model.   

1. Glyph Interface gets a glow-upThe Glyph Interface is the Nothing Phone’s killer feature. From this point forward, any other phone that has something even remotely similar to the Glyph Interface is considered a copycat. And I can see the company riding that dominance for as long as possible.

With the iPhone 2, there’s now an assembly of 33 LEDs compared to last year’s 12, as evident by the additional isolated strips throughout the backing. For the unacquainted, the Glyph Interface serves as an LED indicator, pulsating depending on the notifications you receive, from phone calls to text messages. It also flexes as a charging status indicator and fill light for photos and videos.

This year’s version gets even more functional. For example, you can now customize your own Glyph patterns via Glyph Composer, where Teenage Engineering’s influence is most prevalent. With more LEDs on the back, one of the longer strands of light serves as a progress bar for timers and volume levels.

Personally, I found the more granular lighting system to be the perfect Pomodoro timer, a productivity technique that encourages incremental breaks every 25 minutes.
Nothing has also opened up its Glyph system to app developers so that the progress bar effect can also represent incoming Uber rides and other services. It’s very neat, whether you see yourself using it or not.

Ultimately, my perception of the Glyph Interface remains neutral. I love that I can get a sense of what’s happening without flipping to my phone screen, but that also requires me to pay attention to what pattern is pulsating on the back, which I often find myself missing by the time I glance over.

Also: How to set app time limits on your Android phone
Nothing’s fix for this issue is a new “Essential notifications” option that allows you to designate the upper right LED strip to a specific app or set of apps. I currently have it paired with Messages and WeChat, since that’s what I mainly use to communicate with my family and partner. Now, whenever the Phone 2 goes all disco party mode on me, I look for that particular LED indicator to decide if it’s worth flipping the device over or not.

2. Nothing OS 2.0 makes software fun againOver the past few years, Android manufacturers have slowly but surely retreated from heavily-skinned user interfaces to more neutral appearances, giving up uniqueness for broader appeal. With Nothing OS 2.0 (layered over Android 13), the company strikes the perfect balance of customizability and burdenlessness. I’d go as far as to say that this is my new favorite approach to Android.
For one, most software elements like settings menus and quick panel toggles remind me of Google’s Pixel phones, and bloatware is pretty much non-existent. Where Nothing really flexes its software muscles is through lock screen and home screen customizations.

Also: Change this Android setting to instantly double your phone speed
The native widgets for weather, clock, and quick settings are surprisingly adequate, the ability to revisualize app folders makes them easier to discern, and the latest Nothing Icon Pack ties everything together with both light and dark color schemes. is how virtually every app that I downloaded, including the more niche ones, was automatically treated with Nothing’s monochromatic look and feel. 
Oh, and about the lock screen:

The Phone 2 lets you place widgets within a 2 x 4 grid, similar to the interactive lock screen on iOS 16. From all the various Android phones I’ve tested over the years, this is easily the best implementation of lock screen widgets I’ve used, and I’ll likely miss having it after my review period ends.
3. Improvements in virtually every wayHolding up the Nothing Phone 2 while it’s glowing.From the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 to the larger 4,700mAh battery to the brighter display, Nothing upgraded virtually every facet of last year’s Phone 1’s internals. And that tallies up to a well-rounded, no-fuss Phone 2 that both iOS and Android users will enjoy using.

For the record, I don’t look to the usual performance benchmarks to judge how capable a phone is. The difference in scoring between the Phone 2 and, say, Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra means nothing if your use cases revolve around web browsing, messaging and calling, taking photos and videos, and playing games. 
In fact, I tested the same Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 on the more recent Motorola Razr Plus, and the chipset proved to be reliable enough to handle quick app changes and multitasking.

The display now ramps up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness (from last year’s 1,200), which I’ve found very reliable for outdoor use and navigation when docked in my car. The 120Hz OLED panel gets impressively bright and spectacular dim when you need it to be, which is not something I can say about all modern-day phones.

I often find adaptive brightness settings to be too aggressive or delayed, but the ambient sensor on the Phone 2 is both reactive and tunes things just right. 
More importantly, I’ve been able to squeeze about a day and a half with the Phone 2, something I wasn’t expecting to do when I first saw the 4,700mAh value and compared it with most flagship Androids that field 5,000mAh ratings.

Some iPhone users are experiencing battery issues after the iOS 16.6 update.
Here we go again with yet another iOS 16 update and more iPhone owners complaining of battery issues. 
The iOS 16.6 update (there’s also an iOS 15.7.8 for iPhones running the older version, so make sure if you’re running an older device to check that out) contained a bunch of security fixes for vulnerabilities that put your data at risk. 

Also: The best iPhones right now
But what should you do if you’re finding that it is degrading your battery life?

I’ve been keeping an eye on social media and Apple’s support forums, and opinions are, as always, mixed. Some say this update is a big improvement and that it fixes the overheating issue found in iOS 16.5 (I would say that I’ve definitely seen an improvement here). 
Others say it’s abysmal, claiming not only that they are getting less battery runtime, but also that their battery health plummeted. If you’re curious — or concerned — about battery health, I suggest reading about what Apple doesn’t want you to know about your iPhone’s battery. 

Also: Why some people are buying MacBook Pros with broken displays
If you’re experiencing better battery life, good for you. You can stop reading here and get on with your day. However, if you are one of those people having battery issues, I have some tips and tricks to help you make it through the day.
7 tips if you’re having battery issues 1. Be patientIt’s normal to experience a drop — even quite a significant drop — in battery life following the installation of an iOS update.
Also: iOS 17 may introduce a useful iPhone smart display feature — and I have questions iPhones

 need to carry out a number of tasks in the background in the aftermath of an update. This consumes more battery power than usual, and the battery life will return to normal once all these extra tasks have been completed. 
Maybe try a reboot and see if that helps. It can’t harm!

2. Try a few tweaks

A few things I’ve seen help with battery life on iOS 16 releases:
Turn down screen brightness.Turn off Wi-Fi assist, a feature that uses cellular data when your Wi-Fi connection is weak or slow — you can disable it by going Settings > Cellular, and scroll down to the bottom to turn off Wi-Fi Assist.Reset network settings, not sure how or why this helps, but several people have reported back that it improved battery life dramatically — got Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone and then tap on Reset and then Reset Network Settings.Use Dark Mode — it really does make a huge difference.

3. Update your apps
The problem might not be an iOS issue but more a problem with apps that haven’t been updated, especially when new versions of iOS have been released. That means it’s a good idea to make sure all your apps are updated before you spend a lot of time trying to diagnose what’s going on.

Also: My iPhone’s battery doesn’t stay at 100% for as long as it used to. Is there a problem?
Fire up the App Store app and tap your profile icon in the corner, then scroll down to Available Updates to look for updates (I like to pull down this screen to refresh it, so I see all the latest updates).
4. Find out what’s eating your batteryIf none of the previous steps helped, what else could it be? It could be a rogue app that’s draining the battery. And fortunately, iOS offers you the tools you need to track down misbehaving apps.
Also: How to turn off Clean Energy Charging on the iPhone

Head over to Settings > Battery, and here you will see a lot of data, including Battery Usage By App. Tapping on it also allows you to switch to Activity By App, which shows a breakdown of how much power the app is using while on the screen and how much it is using when in the background.
You can use this information to diagnose battery drain issues. Here are some other things you can use this information for:

An app going berserk in the background will show lots of activity in the background compared with screen activity (try disabling background activity for that app and see if that helps).You can spot charging problems (Was the battery actually charging when you thought it was?).You can also spot poor battery performance (look for battery charge falling rapidly).iOS 13 battery drainAnalyzing battery drain in iOS.Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET5. Check if your battery needs replacingIs your iPhone getting on a bit? 

If it’s four years or older, then the battery might be getting old and needs replacing. 
Tap on Settings and head to Battery > Battery Health & Charging and check what the Maximum Capacity of the battery is listed as. If this is below 80% then this indicates a worn battery and that it’s time for a replacement.
6.What about overheating?Don’t get into a competition to see how hot you can get your iPhone. That’s a path that leads to hardware damage. A stressed, hot battery is an unhappy battery, and that can lead to premature wear and performance issues.
Also: Using your iPhone in high temperatures can cause permanent damage.
So, if it’s overheating, remove it from a hot window and don’t keep it in a hot car. I also recommend temporarily taking it out of any case it’s in.

7. Wait for the next iOS updateBugs do slip through the net, and sometimes all you can do is wait for Apple to fix the problem and roll out a new update.
Apple is getting much better about fixing issues like this, although you do have to wait for the fix and take a gamble that the new update does indeed fix the problem and not cause more chaos.

Also: iPhone or Android slow or buggy?
That said, given that pretty much every update Apple rolls out nowadays is packed with iOS security fixes, I recommend installing updates because not doing this can leave youriPhone vulnerable to attack.

Several factors can cause your phone to overheat, including high external temperature and battery problems. When a phone overheats, it slows down, and in some instances, it may shut down until it’s back to normal temperature. your phone to overheat.

What Causes Your Phone To OverHeat?

A phone’s internal temperature is based on the temperature of its environment. Battery drains, slow performance and even a total shutdown can occur if the phone gets excessively hot. If it is forced to shut down due to overheating, it will not restart. other hand, it is normal for a phone to feel warmer after playing a game for 10-15 minutes.

Therefore, warm should not be interpreted as hot. But if it is hot to touch, there is an underlying cause that should not be ignored. Here are some reasons that may be causing your device to overheat.

Faulty Apps

Faulty apps are commonly responsible for overheating your phone. For example, sometimes, a new app that is not compatible with your phone causes it to overheat. In other cases, the updated version of an app may be responsible for overheating your device. app updates are handy, sometimes they can be problematic.

Solution

When an app is a culprit behind overheating, there are two things you that can do to resolve the issue:

Uninstall the app that is causing the problem

Check for an update

Once you have uninstalled the app, restart your phone and see if it overheats again.

Prolonged Camera Usage

Prolonged periods of using a phone’s video camera can cause it to overheat.

Resolution and frame rate

The brightness of the screen

Extended periods of camera usage

Make sure your phone camera is only used when required and keep an eye on the resolution and screen brightness to prevent this issue.

Exposure To Direct Heat

Sometimes the environmental factors are the culprits behind the overheating. When a phone is left in the direct sunlight for too long it will overheat. A phone that is mounted on a car’s dashboard on a sunny day will also overheat.

It is therefore advisable to keep your phone away from direct sunlight or other sources of heat. Try to use the phone in the shade when you are required to use it outside.

Material Of The Phone Case

why your phone is overheatingIf you always keep your phone in a case then this may be one of the reasons behind overheating. .

During high-performance tasks, if you notice the temperature of your phone rising, remove the phone case. Your device needs to radiate the heat away and a case made of insulating material prevents that.

Frequency Of Usage

The frequency with which you use your phone may also be responsible for overheating it.When you are constantly using your phone, the battery is working overtime.This raises the temperature of the device.

Additionally, if you leave your phone on charging even when it’s fully charged, it could also be problematic.

Faulty Components

Sometimes defective components such as the battery, processor, and charging port can cause a phone to overheat. If the heat is coming from the back of the phone, you most likely have issues with the battery.

On the other hand, a faulty charging port or cable causes the bottom of the phone to become excessively warm. Try replacing the cable. If the issue is still not fixed, you will have to get your charging port repaired.

Overcharging Your Phone

Overcharging can lead to overheating, especially when the battery is old. If you have an older device, avoid charging the battery above 90%. This will keep the battery healthy.

If this happens, you have the following options:

Replace the charger and the cable

Replace the battery if possible

If you have tried replacing the cable and adapter and the problem is still there, take your phone to an expert and get it repaired.

Using Animated Wallpapers

If you use animated wallpapers and widgets or your screen brightness is always full, you are putting excessive load on your phone’s processor.

It is, therefore, wise to let your phone adjust its brightness automatically to match the environment in which it is being used. Using a static background will lighten the load on the processor and help in keeping the temperature normal.

Overuse Of Wi-Fi And Bluetooth

Overuse of services such as Wi-Fi, mobile internet, and other online services can overheat your phone. Constantly keeping the Bluetooth on can also overheat your phone. Apps that run in the background are continuou

Slowly using resources such as processors, Wi-Fi, or mobile data.

This can cause your phone to overheat. It is advisable to check the apps that are draining the battery. Toggle unrestricted data usage to disable internet access.

Streaming Videos

Another practice that can overwork your phone’s processor is watching YouTube or Netflix for several hours.When you stream content your phone has to load video data.This means the display will be kept active for prolonged periods.Thus causing your phone to heat up.

Tips to Cool Your Phone Down

If your smartphone slows down due to overheating, here is what you need to do:

Start by removing the phone’s case.

Disable all the connectivity by switching the airplane mode on.

Move your phone out of the direct sunlight.

Decrease the screen brightness.

Direct a fan at your phone.

Tips To Prevent Phone Overheating

Once your phone is back in working order, you need to know how to prevent the problem from occurring in the future.To stop your phone from overheating again, follow the tips mentioned below:

Switch to battery saver mode.

Remove junk files and malware by cleaning up your phone.

Limit the use of the camera.

Use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS only when needed.

These tips will not only prevent your phone from overheating but also make the battery last longer.

If you have tried all the solutions and you still can’t tackle the issue, contact us at 435-752-5301. Let our trusted technicians at Tricked Out Accessories take care of your worries. We offer all sorts of smartphone repairs, cleaning, and replacement services. Our stores are located in Utah and Hawaii.

Maser these 5 tricky iPhone maintenance tips for better performance

Proper care and maintenance ensure that your iPhone will stay in pristine condition and will perform efficiently and give you better and improved battery life. Let us take a look at some of the important iPhone maintenance tips.

Getting a Protective Case for your iPhone

Getting a good quality protective case and a screen protector for your iPhone is one of the first things you should do when you buy an iPhone. These protective cases make sure that your device is well-maintained because of which they are highly recommended. -quality case will play a major role in protecting your phone while a screen protector will keep it scratch-free.

There is a wide variety of phone cases available in the market which means that you can choose one that fits your style so there is no reason for you to not buy a protective case to protect your iPhone.

Cleaning your charging port

A clean charging port is absolutely essential when it comes to maintaining your iPhone as it ensures that your phone gets properly charged.

There are different ways in which you can clean your charging port but the most common way is to use a toothpick to take out any dust or debris that is stuck there. While you are cleaning your charging port it is absolutely essential that you do it carefully so that you don’t damage any contact points.

Deleting Unused Apps

Everyone has a few apps on their phone that they no longer use and they are just consuming your phone’s valuable resources. Regularly uninstalling or deleting these unnecessary apps from your iPhone should be a part of your regular maintenance routine.

When your iPhone’s storage is on low, the Offload Unused Apps feature on your iPhone can be used to delete these unnecessary apps from your iPhone without messing with your documents and other important data.

Updating your iPhone’s iOS

Installing the most recent version of iOS on your iPhone is always a great way to properly maintain it. Whenever you decide to update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS, this new version comes equipped with battery life improvements and bug fixes that are released by Apple.

iPhone maintenance tipsUpdating your iPhone’s iOS is an easy process and it normally takes a few minutes to properly install these updates. If you decide not to update your iPhone regularly, it can cause serious problems down the line.

Restarting your iPhone

If you have all of the above-mentioned things and your phone is still not working as it should, then you should try restarting your iPhone. This is a simple trick that can help solve a lot of issues in your iPhone that you were not able to fix during the troubleshooting process.

These are some of the most common and effective tricks that you can follow in order to properly maintain your iPhone and make sure that it is working as it should. have to get it repaired or replaced in the near future.

If you have any more queries about the iPhone maintenance process or if you are facing some issues with your iPhone and you are looking to get it fixed from the comfort of your own home without any worries and hassles, you can reach out to us today at Tricked Out Accessories to avail our Mobile Phone Repair service.

If your phone’s battery is draining faster than usual, it either means you’re using a lot of energy or your phone is not using energy efficiently.This could mean you’re overworking your phone by running too many applications, or something is physically wrong with the phone battery itself.

How do phone batteries work?

When you plug in your phone, electrons enter your phone battery from the power source, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). These electrons attract lithium ions. Think of them as really tiny balls of lightweight metal. to the anode.When the phone is disconnected from the power source, the lithium ions switch directions and travel from anode to cathode. Once all of the lithium ions end up in the cathode, the battery will “die” because it’s no longer producing a circuit.

Reasons why your phone is draining so fast

If your phone is using a lot of energy, or if it’s not using energy efficiently, the battery will drain faster. Here are some of the main factors that can cause it to drain fast.
Your screen is too brightThe brighter your screen, the more energy you’re using, according to a study from Purdue University.
Most phones have a feature that automatically adjusts your screen’s brightness to complement the lighting of your surroundings.
You don’t necessarily have to worry about reducing brightness while using your phone but think about reducing brightness when you’re not using it. One way to do this is to make the screen idle time as short as possible, which automatically shuts the screen off when you’re not actively using it.

Does dark mode use less battery?

Yes, using dark mode is generally more energy efficient. Dark mode is a feature some phones have where you can make the background of your interface darker colors. The study from Purdue University found that switching to dark mode when your screen is at 100% brightness Can save up to almost 50% battery power.
You’re using data instead of Wi-FiTypically, Wi-Fi connections use less battery power than data connections, states The New York Times. Because constantly searching and switching connections between multiple towers typically uses more battery power. A weak Wi-Fi connection, however, could drain faster than it would if you had a strong connection, as it strains to remain connected to a weak signal.A weak Wi-Fi connection, however, could drain faster than it would if you had a strong connection, as it strains to remain connected to a weak signal .
Some phone settings allow apps to operate in the background, says The New York Times, so long as you’re connected to Wi-Fi or data, which would also contribute to a quicker draining battery.
You have poor receptionIt takes energy for your phone to search for a signal, according to The New York Times, and it’s not necessarily going to stop searching on its own. Many underground, remote, and/or mountainous areas are prone to having poor reception, and it’s best to turn off your cellphone’s data while traveling through these areas to preserve battery life.
The phone is old or outdatedModern smartphones that came out after 2017 have OLED (organic light-emitting diode) screens, which don’t have backlights like LCD (liquid crystal display) screens do.
Upgrading your phone to a modern model may be the simplest way to get the most battery-friendly features available.

Your phone is exposed to extreme temperaturesExtreme heat and cold can negatively affect how your battery operates, according to The New York Times. Specifically, it often makes it harder for the battery to hold a charge. Be mindful of keeping your phone warm when it’s below freezing and cool when it’s hot out.
You charged your phone too longReducing the amount of times you charge your phone to 100% can help prolong the life of your battery to a certain extent, says The New York Times.
And just as you might avoid overcharging, so do you want to stay away from letting your phone run completely low. Consumer Reports pegs 80% as the ideal charging limit for your battery. But it’s important to note that charging your battery, period, will cause it to degrade over time.
Also important is where you charge your phone. As mentioned above, overheating can cause affect battery health and charging your phone under your pillow runs the risk of doing just that, says PCMag.

Always check for OS system updatesSystem updates can help your phone use battery energy more efficiently in many ways according to PCMag. For example, some modern operating systems have features that allow your phone to better limit background usage of programs, other updates let your phone control how much battery it uses while charging.

How long do phone batteries last?

Modern lithium-ion phone batteries usually operate at full capacity for at least a year and up to five years (or between 500–1000 charge cycles), according to TechAdvisor. After that, their capacity will be reduced, meaning the older batteries won’t hold a charge as well or as long.
Daily charging and keeping the phone away from extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) will help prolong the life of the battery.

3 tips to make your phone’s battery last longer

When you start to see your battery draining as soon as you power it on, there may be some simple things you can do to extend the battery’s life. Here are a few ways to squeeze out a bit more time from your phone battery.
1. Keep away from extreme temperaturesExtreme temperatures are among the fastest ways to ruin your phone’s battery life. Keeping your phone at room temperature is ideal and be mindful of how hot your phone gets when it’s being charged.
2. Keep the battery at roughly 80%The longer you can keep your phone adequately charged between at 80%, the better.
Keeping it charged – instead of turning it off and on when you have a low battery –will help it better retain its power over the long run.
3. Use only the apps you needDelete apps you don’t use to declutter your phone, turn the brightness down when you can and restrict background usage of nonessential apps.
Many modern phones now include a “battery-saving” feature, which will automatically adjust elements of brightness and app usage to maximize your battery’s efficiency.