Sony Xperia Z1S Power Management: 20 Important Tips You Should Know to Extend Battery Life and Protect Quality
Sony Xperia Z1S features a 3,000 mAh Li-ion battery pack to sustain high-powered performance, long hours of calls, several minutes of video recording and heavy Internet browsing. However, reports at Sony official forum detailed unknown battery drain. Here are useful tips hidden on the device to extend battery life.
1. Using STAMINA Mode
Android 4.3 runs Xperia Z1S which means a new STAMINA mode version is included. Users can go to Settings > Power management > STAMINA mode. They can turn it on all the time and include several apps they want to be excluded from standby in case updates are important to them. STAMINA mode under standby cuts wireless connectivity, except for messaging, calls and music playback, and prevent apps from running until users open the screen.
2. Low Battery Mode
Users can enable the low battery mode feature under the Power Management to further increase battery life. They can set the battery level when they want this feature to kick in and then modify all necessary changes whenever low battery mode is activated.
3. Location-Based Wi-Fi
For user who work in areas with Wi-Fi connections and depend on updates using the smartphone, it is recommended to enable location-based Wi-Fi, especially if they forget to turn the wireless connection off. It will automatically switch on whenever they are in a saved area.
4. Battery Level on Status Bar
For accurate reading, users can make sure that the battery level percentage appears on the status bar. It will keep them aware of the current battery level which may also give some hints on how power draining tasks are.
5. Battery Usage
In order to determine power-hungry culprits on the Xperia Z1S, users can go to Settings > Power management > Battery usage. A list of apps and services show all power consumption within the last charging cycle. Any apps that are power-hungry are recommended to be uninstalled to ensure long-lasting battery life.
6. Display Screen
Usually, 50 per cent of power consumption comes from the display screen. Since the device feature full HD, 5.0 inches of display with 441 pixel density, more power is required to display great images and videos. In addition, enabling display engines such as BRAVIA consume more power than regular rendering.
7. Brightness, Screen Time Out and Wallpaper
Users can opt ot use a static wallpaper instead of live wallpapers to save more power and set the screen time out to a minimum if they don't lock the screen regularly. Due to the TFT display type, it won't matter if users use black or coloured wallpapers. Moreover, users can reduce the brightness level that is comfortable for their eyes and not enable the Adaptive setting as a sensor needs to work for it.
8. Managing LTE Connection
4G/LTE connectivity is great when it comes to mobile Internet connection, but users should manage LTE or suffer huge power drops in a matter of hours. Use the Quick Settings on the display settings to add LTE shortcut. Users can swipe down the notification shade to see the LTE shortcut and then use it to enable/disable modes depending on usage.
9. Watch Out Live Streaming
Users can use the Xperia Z1S to stream live videos via YouTube app or browser, but they should be aware of the amount of power required to perform it. Userts can expect huge battery drain after an hour or two of movie streaming online, especially using LTE connectivity.
10. Local Video Playback
Those who watch videos locally on their devices should bear in mind that HD resolution videos drain more power than ones with lower resolutions. Its possible to combine HD display, HD video, BRAVIA, X-Reality and Triluminos engine to get amazing watching experience but that's in exchange for massive battery drain.
11. Internet Calling
Using apps with Internet calling including video chat can really cut expenses than using regular calling methods, but owners can use 3G Internet connection instead to save a little amount of power on their battery compared to 4G/LTE. It is also recommended to use Wi-Fi instead of mobile data connection.
12. Video Light
The Xperia Z1S comes with an LED video light to support the camera during low-light scenes. However, LED video light can consume much power during video recording and so it is best to use first white balance, contrast and other tweaks before resorting to video light.
13. Camera Modes
Android 4.3 Jelly Bean OS allows users to get additional camera modes via Smart Social camera. Unfortunately, AR effects, Timeshift Burst and others can devour battery more than users can imagine due to processing needs.
14. Widgets
Widgets are great decorations on the home screen and lock screen with certain special features such as live updates and instant shortcuts. Sadly, updating widgets consume both power and memory that can reduce battery life and may even make the smartphone perform slower.
15. Wireless Radios
Always disable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC and mobile Internet connection whenever not in use to save on battery.
16. Avoid Direct Sunlight
Users should remember never to place mobile device on a surface or area with direct sunlight, as it heats hardware components and damages the battery. Damaged battery performs poorly. Signs of a damaged battery includes fast charging but battery lasts shorter than before.
17. Don't Overheat
Overheating due to direct heat or sunlight and heavy tasks affects battery life performance. More heat means more power is needed.
18. Recharging Cycle
For newly purchased Xperia Z1S, recharge the device uninterrupted from 4 to 6 hours after a notification prompts "connect your charger." For regular charging cycle, drain the device once every month or every quarter till it shuts off automatically and then recharge it for up to 4 hours without any interruption. Once the battery reaches five per cent, maximise brightness and increase screen time out to drain it safely.
19. Software Update
Constantly check for software updates released by Sony which include several bug fixes, system enhancements and battery optimisations.
20. Be Gentle
Users should be gentle on their Xperia Z1S even if it features water and dust resistances, high-class hardware, premium components and amazing camera modules. It still has its flaws and may be damaged if abused.