Why turn off 3g

Giffas · 07-11-2010, 01:25

hi guys

was reading a few bits on te net and one suggested to save the battery life to turn of the 3g ..

other than save the battery a bit, would this have any other affect on the running of the phone, i.e. internet access or emails ??

AntiSilence · 07-11-2010, 03:51

Well, if you only ever get sporadic 3G connection and the phone is constantly switching between 2G and 3G, then turning 3G off will save battery power (I've turned it off on my phone).

Obviously, using only 2G will affect internet and email speed. But it will save you battery power (if, however, you get a constant, good, 3G signal, then leave it switched on as that too will save power).

dragon · 07-11-2010, 10:40

I think 3G chipsets have a tendency to draw more power when operating in 3G mode, the earlier ones certainly did they used to eat power.

They may have however gotten a lot more efficient as the technology matures, I have a Cheapo basic 3G ZTE handset I keep as a spare and I can leave that on all week and it will still have power left.

broadbandking · 07-11-2010, 13:01

I use a widget to turn my internet connection on, saves my usage and my battery on my HTC Desire, whats the point in leaving your 3g connection on if your not using it, if you want leave it on but seem strange to leave it on if your not using it.

dragon · 07-11-2010, 13:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by broadbandking

I use a widget to turn my internet connection on, saves my usage and my battery on my HTC Desire, whats the point in leaving your 3g connection on if your not using it, if you want leave it on but seem strange to leave it on if your not using it.

There is an app called juicedefender that can automatically switch off data as soon as you lock the screen on your phone.
I used to use it previously (the free version) and it claimed my battery was lasting 1.4x longer.

Never quite sure if it was telling the truth or not.