Battery drain on bad reception - HTC One X

Hey, guys.
I have my phone now for 4 month and I've checked following thing: the battery drain is incredible on bad mobile coverage. In my apartment I have really pur reception, all phones loose the reception permanently (in this way one x is much better than my wife's Iphone 4).
It is normal, that the phone consumes much energy, but one x consumes just to much. For example, if I'm at home, the drain is like 2 or even 3 procent in hour even on sense roms, and if I'm in place with good reception, it's like 1 procent in 2 and more hours, so the overall batter life is waaaay much better...
Now the question is, if I could do something to make my phone to be not so aggressive on searching for the network? I know, it can bring worse network, but it is not really a problem for me.
P. S.:switching to flight mode is not an answer for me
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app

flight mode is the first thing i would have said, but not an option, so the next thing i would look at is something like vodafone suresignal - check with your network provider, they might offer a service similar, basically you get a little box from them, plug into your internet connection, and it will give your phone signal.
can't really think of something apart from a kernel tweak of some sort that would stop the phone scanning so much for cell towers, but i'm not sure where that would be, or even if it is possible..

its normal when signal drops out the phone turns the phones radio on full to scan for a network.
i would try going to settings > mobile network ( click the word not the switch) > network mode
and set it to GSM only, this will force the phone to only use 2g signal, means you don't get 3g internet so it will be very slow for internet, but 2g uses less power than 3g.
i do this alot as where i live there is low/2g signal only so i force it on to the 2g to stop it looking for a 3g network
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda app-developers app

treebill said:
its normal when signal drops out the phone turns the phones radio on full to scan for a network.
i would try going to settings > mobile network ( click the word not the switch) > network mode
and set it to GSM only, this will force the phone to only use 2g signal, means you don't get 3g internet so it will be very slow for internet, but 2g uses less power than 3g.
i do this alot as where i live there is low/2g signal only so i force it on to the 2g to stop it looking for a 3g network
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use this option a lot, this is not directly what I asked for. I just want my gsm radio to be not so aggressive. Just like changing cpu governors values
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app

Hi
Zlotin said:
I use this option a lot, this is not directly what I asked for. I just want my gsm radio to be not so aggressive. Just like changing cpu governors values
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If there is no reception at all the phone radio shouldn't use much power, this is because it is just listening for a signal and will not be transmitting anything. If the radio is consuming more power, it is likely because it can hear the transmitter (they obviously transmit with much more power) and so the phone on hearing the mother ship is trying to reply at full transmit power available to it, but this isn't enough to be heard which drains more power. It doesn't taking many attempts at transmitting at full power to have a battery draining faster than usual.
Some applications on having no data connection might start waking the device a lot in a panic and don't back off trying, so every few seconds they will be waking the phone trying to connect to a remote server somewhere. Do you have Wi-Fi on to keep applications happy if they want to keep phoning home?
You have few options really,
1) is to just the mobile phone part off and leave Wi-Fi running which should help. You can do this by switching to flight mode then enabling just the Wi-Fi, or there will be widgets available I'm sure to just turn off the mobile phone part.
2) Turn off syncing to see if it is an application getting panicky, again you will have widgets you can add to your home page to easily switch this setting
3) You can use a Phone Schedule type application and have your phone go to flight mode automatically timed for when you are usually at home and overnight to save battery drain, free ones at the Play store.
4) If you have internet access at your apartment and depending on your mobile phone operator you might be able to get a femtocell, this will give you a full signal and service at home.
Regards
Phil

Its not just the HOX that does this, its all phones and it is bloody annoying.
My wifes parents live in the middle of nowhere and if we didnt' change our phones (inc, hox, s2,n900,iphone3...) to flightmode when there over night they would be flat.

treebill said:
its normal when signal drops out the phone turns the phones radio on full to scan for a network.
i would try going to settings > mobile network ( click the word not the switch) > network mode
and set it to GSM only, this will force the phone to only use 2g signal, means you don't get 3g internet so it will be very slow for internet, but 2g uses less power than 3g.
i do this alot as where i live there is low/2g signal only so i force it on to the 2g to stop it looking for a 3g network
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have that option. What's up with that? Does AT&T lock that option on their phones?

Tcndeb said:
I don't have that option. What's up with that? Does AT&T lock that option on their phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dial *#*#4636#*#* and goto phone information, scroll down, and you'll have all different modes there.
sometimes this doesn't stick though
that option would probably be there on a normal custom rom (unless this isn't actually possible on at&t??)
i could be misinformed, im from uk, so a little un educated on how the networks work over there..

Related

Tip: Market app (wireless access)

As I mentioned in my earlier thread I recently bought a Motorola Defy. Like many other users that I read about before purchasing my first android smartphone I was not able to open Google Market app after a factory reset.
My hint is based on my own experience and I hope it serves someone else well with similar issue.
As I write this message I have no data plan on my contract and I intend to use wireless connection for emailing, internet browsing, and the Market app. Once I completed the initial setup I put my handset's network mode to 2G only. I was worried to be charged for accessing data on 3G.
I had no problem using the Market app initially over the wireless connection until I did a refactory reset to re-setup my handset properly second time round. It was then the Market app stopped working and not even a master reset resolves the problem and then I was considering to root the handset to remove certain folders as a solution to the problem.
Everytime I laucnhed the Market app it stuck at Terms and Services page. It then occurred to me to change the network mode to Automatic and switch off the wireless connection to see what would happen. Next time I laucnhed the Market app it took me straight to the market's home page. It took me two days to figure this out : (
Once I was in the market I switched the network mode back to 2G only and turned on the wireless again. Everything is working just fine now. For the porpose of this thread I powered off the handset and turned it on again to see if my last settings i.e. 2G only still launches the Market app successfully or not. I can confirm that the Market app works just fine over the wireless connection just fine with 2G only network mode.
BTW, the batter life of this handset is so impressive. I used it one and half day very extensively (over 20 times of restarting the handset alone) and I was very surprised lasted that long. On moderate use and proper battery management (no widgets, no 24 wireless connection), and putting it on air plane mode at nights I would get over 2.5 days before charging is required.
I can't wait for Android 2.2 release to make this handset even more productive for me : )
CSharpHeaven said:
As I write this message I have no data plan on my contract and I intend to use wireless connection for emailing, internet browsing, and the Market app. Once I completed the initial setup I put my handset's network mode to 2G only. I was worried to be charged for accessing data on 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you may have a misconception of 2G versus 3G. They are different technologies. When your phone is in 2G mode, it uses one type of network for both voice and data. In 3G mode it uses another type which provides better voice quality and faster data speeds.
Either way your phone will still try to access data unless you turn off mobile data. If it's in 2G mode and you see the little "E" icon up in the notification area, it's still accessing mobile data - just at a slower rate.
cmstlist said:
I think you may have a misconception of 2G versus 3G. They are different technologies. When your phone is in 2G mode, it uses one type of network for both voice and data. In 3G mode it uses another type which provides better voice quality and faster data speeds.
Either way your phone will still try to access data unless you turn off mobile data. If it's in 2G mode and you see the little "E" icon up in the notification area, it's still accessing mobile data - just at a slower rate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your inputs. I'm very new in the world of smartphones but learning fast.
I searched around to find out how to disable Mobile data and chosen this method *#*#4636#*#* and changed my network type to GSM for best coverage and battery life now. I can confirm the Masrket app still works with wireless connection.
Changing to GSM only does not disable mobile data.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
cmstlist said:
Changing to GSM only does not disable mobile data.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disabled the Mobile Data option by pressing the Settings button then More>Disable Mobile Data. It was then I noticed the options for changing my network type beyond just 2G and 3G.
CSharpHeaven said:
I disabled the Mobile Data option by pressing the Settings button then More>Disable Mobile Data. It was then I noticed the options for changing my network type beyond just 2G and 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did that work then? You no longer connect with mobile date, I'm asking because I have now ordered my Defy but like you don't have a network plan so need a workaround.
CSharpHeaven said:
I disabled the Mobile Data option by pressing the Settings button then More>Disable Mobile Data. It was then I noticed the options for changing my network type beyond just 2G and 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right ok, thanks for clarifying
In Froyo there is a mobile data toggle in the regular menus, and on all Sense phones too. Is there one on Blur phones? I guess not.
Another way to block data is to go to your APN list and fudge the entry (e.g. change epc.tmobile.com to epc.tmobile.com.nodata).
jk1234 said:
Did that work then? You no longer connect with mobile date, I'm asking because I have now ordered my Defy but like you don't have a network plan so need a workaround.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only way I can assure you I have successfully disabled Mobile Data by looking at the reception icon in notification bar that no longer displays G, H, E, and 3G at anytime.

Help on fixing cell standby battery drain?

Hey yall, I've got a bit of a problem with cell standby and I know it's a reception issue, hopefully you guys can help me.
You see, I live in one of the outermost neighborhoods in Jerusalem in a big building made out of thick bricks and cement...as one could imagine, reception is really bad.
My problem stems from the fact that the only way I can get 3G service is by sticking my phone right at the window and forcing it to 3G by hitting WCDMA Only in the *#*#4636#*#* menu. then I just tether to my laptop and everything is all good. After I take it off the windowsill, once it is more than a foot away, I lose all service. I forget to put it back to WCDMA preffered and it just looks for 3G all day in my pocket and I get a battery drain.
anyway I guess my question is this... is there a program or setting I can use to force it to 3g when it knows there is a 3G connection possible? WCDMA Preferred doesn't work because the EDGE network overpowers the 3G network and it would never connect unless I completely disable EDGE.
TL;DR Is there a way to make the radio default to EDGE when it is completly impossible to find any trace of 3G?
Menu > Settings > Wireless & networks > Mobile Networks > Use only 2G networks
That will force your phone to use only EDGE and will put less drain on your battery when it comes to cell network.
Personally, I would move out of jeruselum and go to a place that pumps out 4g. Or at least theoretical 4g. (Hspa+)
Sent from my G2 CM6.1.1, OC'd to 1.5ghz, using XDA App
Yeah...this june. I am going back to memphis TN with full tmo 4g....I am only here for a year
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
rhodes588 said:
Menu > Settings > Wireless & networks > Mobile Networks > Use only 2G networks
That will force your phone to use only EDGE and will put less drain on your battery when it comes to cell network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always do that when I don't need a fast data connection, I have a widget to switch back quick when I need to do some surfing or tethering

[Q] Control H/3G/E/G switchover threshold

Can anyone explain how the Arc (or is it generic to android) controls the switch between HSPDA / 3G / GSM etc?
I live right on the edge of a HSPDA / GSM reception area, so sitting in the same chair I'm often browsing using "H", and then slowed down to "G" - and vice-versa. Unfortunately, every time it switches it seems (to me) that there is a lag while it establishes a connection again.
Is their any way to configure the ARC to make it attempt to stay with "H" for a bit longer?
Go to Setting - Wireless & networks - Mobile Networks and change the Network Mode into WCDMA
Hope that help you!
Sent from my LT15i using XDA Premium App
Changing from Edge(E) to Hspda(H) doesnt drop the connection but the from H to E does. Also if the H signal is weak, it will change automatically to E. If you are in a building , parking etc you will have à weak H signal since your phone is covered by the walls
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App
thank you both repliers.
It looks like there's no practical alternative to just letting the switch over happen as Sony have programmed it (or moving house).
You can try forcing to use GSM only or WCDMA only instead of GMS / WCDMA preferred.
The setting is under Wireless --> Mobile network settings --> Network Mode.
By forcing it to use WCDMA, the phone doesn't try to switch to GSM even when it has low signal. Good thing here is that, it doesn't try to switch between the two frequently hence battery might be saved and the bad thing about this is that, when you have a week signal, the phone tries to get better signal since it cannot switch to over to another frequency, hence the boosting uses more battery power.
Try it for yourself .
prathaban said:
You can try forcing to use GSM only or WCDMA only instead of GMS / WCDMA preferred.
The setting is under Wireless --> Mobile network settings --> Network Mode.
By forcing it to use WCDMA, the phone doesn't try to switch to GSM even when it has low signal. Good thing here is that, it doesn't try to switch between the two frequently hence battery might be saved and the bad thing about this is that, when you have a week signal, the phone tries to get better signal since it cannot switch to over to another frequency, hence the boosting uses more battery power.
Try it for yourself .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm... Double Post huh?
r_southampton said:
thank you both repliers.
It looks like there's no practical alternative to just letting the switch over happen as Sony have programmed it (or moving house).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not only happening as programming by Sony but more likely by your operator. The operator defines the parameters that decide when they wish your mobile to switch from one network to the other, how weak they will allow the signal to become etc.
You can contact you operator, maybe they will log a case on it and investigate if the radio planning could be changed in your area.

App idea 2g when screen off

Does any sort of app exist? I'm rooted and for battery saving purposes, would it not be a good idea to switch to 2g automatically when the screen is off for more than a minute? Then when the phone is woken up switch back to 3g?
I'm not talking about turning data off completely as this would stop whatsapp messages coming through.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
kevz65 said:
Does any sort of app exist? I'm rooted and for battery saving purposes, would it not be a good idea to switch to 2g automatically when the screen is off for more than a minute? Then when the phone is woken up switch back to 3g?
I'm not talking about turning data off completely as this would stop whatsapp messages coming through.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont know if it helps but I just made this post a few hours ago.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1765911
Not sure if that's what you need though.
It uses mobile data though... For 2g and 3g I'll try to create a new app for that
But for now yeah that's what I have
Would Tasker not be able to do that?
(I've only used it a few times recently but sounds within its capabilities)
r2b2 said:
Would Tasker not be able to do that?
(I've only used it a few times recently but sounds within its capabilities)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is built using tasker.
I tried to use Tasker for this but not sure how to configure it. Anyone successfully configure please share the steps..
yltan said:
I tried to use Tasker for this but not sure how to configure it. Anyone successfully configure please share the steps..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you turn off the 3g while the screen is off, you wont receive any emails is this correct?
2g... Data is data. Psst, you can watch Youtube without 3g!
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
Hi
kevz65 said:
Does any sort of app exist? I'm rooted and for battery saving purposes, would it not be a good idea to switch to 2g automatically when the screen is off for more than a minute? Then when the phone is woken up switch back to 3g?
I'm not talking about turning data off completely as this would stop whatsapp messages coming through.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not that simple and probably not worthwhile. 2G and 3G on standby are pretty close in terms of power usage, the only time you usually find an advantage with 2G is where the 3G signal is weaker, so less power is used keeping in touch with the 2G tower. If you fix the phone to 2G, you also save some power if moving around as the phone is only talking/listening to 2G cells, and less likely to be swapping about. When you have "auto" selected and you are moving around the phone has to monitor both 2G and 3G cells to be ready to make a handover decision, so that is extra power.
If you have the phone constantly dropping 2G to go to 3G when you turn on the screen, then back again, that all takes extra power to negotiate with the cells. Also if you get a phone call and the phone switches to 3G, this will drop all connections when the setting is changed, as you can only have a smooth handover when the phone is in "auto" mode and has already established a handover strategy.
Then you need to factor in data usage. When any applications sync while your phone is in standby (screen off) if on 2G that sync is going to take longer, and the longer it takes the longer your phone has to stay awake to wait for it to happen, and the radio is on longer transmitting, so more power is used than there might have been on 3G.
The net effect of such a setting is likely to use more power overall.
Regards
Phil

[Q] How to totally disable Cellular network ?

I have N7 LTE 4G and most of the time I use it with Wi-Fi only. Yesterday I decided to get a pre-paid Sim to use for Data only when I am in a place that doesn't have Wi-Fi with 1GB per month data for $2.90 (yes it is THAT cheap in Egypt ) but only 3G/HSDPA/HSPA+
Now the problem is, Cellular network is always running and battery drains fast even though I use the internet on Wi-Fi and turned Mobile Data off.
I've read that I can turn on 2G to save battery and disable the cellular signal and indeed when I check 2G, I get no bars in cellular top icon and it says No Service (Network Name) BUT..... as soon as I open internet browser or any internet app, the cellular network works again by itself although 2G is still checked !!
Is this some kind of bug ?
The only solution I can do is to turn on Airplane Mode and turn Wi-Fi on afterwards which is not ideal
Any help would be much appreciated.
There is an app called Battery Monitor Widget that has "Tests" tab when I press on it, it opens "Testing" page in which the first option is Tablet Info. There is a list called "GSM Only" in which there is a toggle to Turn Off Radio and indeed it turns it off
I use airplane mode then just turn wifi back on to keep the cellular radio off.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Que_Ball said:
I use airplane mode then just turn wifi back on to keep the cellular radio off.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much battery does this save ?
r9800pro said:
How much battery does this save ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It really depends on your signal strength. If you have strong signal you shouldn't see a huge difference. If you have a weak signal then it could be a big boost to your battery life.
And I'm not sure why you said that it was "not ideal" in your initial post. That's really the best way to go about it.
raptir said:
It really depends on your signal strength. If you have strong signal you shouldn't see a huge difference. If you have a weak signal then it could be a big boost to your battery life.
And I'm not sure why you said that it was "not ideal" in your initial post. That's really the best way to go about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Signal is always good but I don't even need it to be there when I am on Wi-Fi as the tablet has no GSM phone functionality.
I think there is something wrong elsewhere with the battery draining so fast other than the GSM Radio being On.
The battery was good and lasted 2 full days with moderate usage and Wi-Fi always On but it started draining fast when I left the tablet untill it totally discharged and woke up to find it powered off and then charged it till 100% and battery reached 55% in 10 hours with very light usage
It sounds like you have an app draining your battery in the background. Try installing Better Battery Stats and see what's using all your power.
raptir said:
It sounds like you have an app draining your battery in the background. Try installing Better Battery Stats and see what's using all your power.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that the $2.76 app from Play store ?
r9800pro said:
Is that the $2.76 app from Play store ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the developer also posts it here on XDA.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1179809

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