The real secret to better Android battery life

Attention, Android phone owners: Stronger smartphone stamina is well within your reach . All you’ve gotta do is reach out and grab it.
If there’s one question I hear more than any other here in the land o’ Googley matters, it’s how to grant oneself the invaluable gift of better battery life on Android.
Hey, we all struggle with stamina some days. Our favorite phones are no different.
Here’s the good news, though: While the notion of achieving better Android battery life may sometimes seem like rocket science, it’s actually just regular science — and the secret to making it happen actually isn’t all that difficult at all, once you understand the mechanics around it.
[ How to switch from iPhone to Android ]In fact, all it requires is a touch of careful planning.

Let me explain.
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The Android battery life mechanicsThe main thing to know about your phone’s physical battery is that it’s a limited resource that loses capacity over time.


That’s an inherent quality of that type of technology, unfortunately, and the same is true no matter what type of mobile device you’re using: The more you use it — and, specifically, the more you stress it via ongoing charging — the less power it’s able to hold, and thus the worse battery life it gives you over time.
That’s at least in part why even a year-old phone often lasts for noticeably less time than a brand new out-of-the-box model. But once you’re aware of that unavoidable reality, you can take some smart and relatively simple steps to address it.
And here’s the easiest and most effective one of all: Stop charging your phone all the way to 100% and letting it sit on the charger indefinitely.


Ask most any Android   phone battery expert, and they’ll tell you the same thing: The fastest way to shortening your battery’s life and making it perform more poorly is regularly charging it all the way to full — or, worse yet, keeping it plugged in and maintaining that fully charged state for extended periods.
There’s a bunch of technical gobbledygook behind that, but the basic idea is that the higher your charging state, the faster the electrolytes — the components that make the battery work (which, fair warning, are far less tasty than the kind mixed into Gatorade) — degrade. And the more they degrade, the less charge they’re able to maintain.
In human terms, the takeaway is this: Letting your phone go super-high or super-low in charge is bad, mmkay? Instead, what you want to do is stay in the middle as much as possible.


And luckily, that’s almost shockingly easy to do. You just have to take a teensy shred of time now to make some simple changes to your charging habits, and you’ll set yourself up for a longer-lasting battery for months or even years to come.
Your better Android battery life options

All right — enough about the mechanics. Let’s get into the actual answers, shall we?
We’ll tackle three separate categories and associated options for boosting your Android phone’s battery life and setting yourself up for lasting stamina success:
1. For the Google Pixel owners among usFirst, if you’ve got a Google-made Pixel phone from 2019 or later — so the Pixel 4 model and up, in other words — take 20 seconds now to dig up your device’s Adaptive Charging setting:


Open up the Battery section of your system settings.Tap “Adaptive preferences.”Find the line labeled “Adaptive Charging” and make sure the toggle next to it is in the on and active position.Android Battery Life: PixelJRThat’ll allow your phone to take a slow ‘n’ steady approach to charging when it knows you’re gonna have it plugged in for a while, like during the overnight hours. That way, at least in theory, it’ll reach the 100% mark at the end of your charging period instead of getting there quickly and then continuing to maintain that full-charge state with ongoing power pushing.


Now, notably, this feature originally worked only when you charged your Pixel between 9 pm and 4 am and you had an active alarm set for somewhere between 3 am and 10 am That’s a pretty significant limitation, to say the least.
More recently, some Pixel users have noticed the system being far more flexible and working in the same way even when an alarm isn’t set, based solely on typical charging patterns. The official documentation for the feature hasn’t been updated to reflect that change, though, and it isn’t entirely clear how widely available it might be at this point.
Either way, this setup is a smart start — and leaning on it is absolutely a good first step. But if you really want to take your Android battery life to the max and allow for the best possible battery health and thus best possible stamina over the long haul, you’ll want to keep reading (to number 3 in this list, specifically).


2. For the Samsung Galaxy gangGot a reasonably recent Samsung Galaxy-flavored Android
d device? Your phone has a similar sort of system in place that can automatically limit charging, though with a bit of a different twist:


Head into your system settings and search for the word battery.Find the option labeled “Protect battery” and tap it.Turn the toggle on the line labeled “Protect battery” into the on position.Android Battery Life: SamsungJRThat’ll stop your phone from charging anytime it hits the 85% mark, which is a sensible limit for long-term battery health and maximum ongoing stamina. That does mean you’ll have a little less battery power to work with on a day -to-day basis, but as long as you can make that work — or even do a midday top-off, if you need to — you’ll get better battery life over the lifespan of your device as a result.

3. For anyone and everyone using AndroidEven if you’re already using a battery-saving system from Samsung, Google, or any other Android phone-maker who offers a similar sort of setup, you’d be well-advised to consider this last step as a stamina-protecting supplement . And if you’re using a phone that doesn’t offer any sort of built-in battery protection feature, you’ll definitely want to do this:


Install an excellent app called AccuBattery onto your Android phone of choice.Open the app up and, on its main Charging tab, look for the blue slider floating off the percentage circle at the top.Slide that little blue flag left or right to land on the value you want. I’d suggest starting at 90%; if you find that works okay for you, you can then inch your way down closer to 85% or even 80% and see how you do.Android Battery Life: AccuBatteryJRWith that step finished, AccuBattery will now sound an alarm anytime your phone reaches the level you set — and that’ll be your indication that it’s time to take it off the charger.

If you really want to go all out, there are also some physical accessories that can manage this for you and essentially cut off the power for every charge completely once a certain battery level’s been reached. That’s a fine enough option, if you don’t mind dropping the extra dough and charging only in a spot where that specific apparatus is available. But I’m telling you: Taking your phone off the charger when it hits a certain point is something you’ll get accustomed to quickly, provided your schedule supports it.
However you go about it, the ultimate ideal is to keep your phone between 20% and 80% of its battery capacity as often as possible, without any extended time sitting on a charger and constantly being fed fresh power. The same is true whether you ‘re using an Android phone or any other type of battery-dependent gizmo.


And with any combination of the tactics we just went over, you’ll be able to make that happen — and enjoy better  Samsung Android battery  life for longer than ever as a result. 

Here’s how to properly charge your phone’s battery

Regular iphone battery maintenance is key to longevity. Tap or click for my simple action plan to get more years out of your iPhone or Android.
We spend so much money on tech that it’s incredibly frustrating when our devices break. A little prevention can go a long way. Here are six checkups to give your tech now to avoid a shocking repair bill later.


Then there are the mistakes you make day in and day out. Bad charging habits can shorten or disrupt your smartphone battery life if you aren’t careful.
Don’t rely on knock-off chargers
High-quality chargers have circuits inside of them that switch off when there’s too much power draw. This protects your phone battery from overcharging, breaking, or overheating your phone.
Heat is your battery’s biggest enemy. Some cheap chargers and cables have even led to fire and injuries. Saving money is great, but don’t skimp on quality here.
Here’s a list of safe options that will charge your phone safely.
Be careful with power banks
Just like with cheap chargers, cheap power banks can ruin your battery over time. Be sure any power bank you use has overcharge protection. If not, you can still use it, but keep an eye out. Once your battery is almost full, unplug it.


It would be best if you avoided also power banks with quick charge options unless they’re from a reliable brand. Here’s a rule of thumb: If you’ve never heard of it, say no.
Rapid charging can send too much electricity to your phone and cause battery damage. This high voltage could, at the very least, shorten your Smartphone Battery lifespan.
Tap or click for more smart ways to ensure you’re buying gear worth your money.
Don’t download battery-draining apps


Lithium-ion and lithium-polymer phone batteries only have a limited number of charging cycles before they degrade. This is why most people encounter battery problems after two years of use.
There’s nothing you can do about your battery wearing down eventually, but some things have more of an impact. If you have performance apps that monitor your battery life, they could harm it in the long run. These apps constantly use power to monitor your battery life.


Spyware, adware, and other malware are also taxing on phones. Most constantly run in the background. Tap or click here for signs your phone is infected.
Don’t use your phone while it’s charging
Your phone is at 1%, so you plug it in. Leave it alone! Using your phone while charging can rapidly increase the temperature, putting strain on your battery, screen and processor.


Charging rules are essential when it comes to your computer, too. Tap or click for steps to check your  battery health.
Take it out of the case
Phone cases can be a great way to customize your phone and add some physical security. When it comes to charging, though, they can cause temperature problems.
When your iphone battery heats up too much, it can cause damage to the rest of your phone. To be safe, take the case off while you charge iphone battery especially if you notice your phone heats up while it’s plugged in. 

Why Phones Explode, and How to Prevent It From Happening to You

The average smartphone batteries is unlikely to explode, but it happens.There’s not much you can do if shoddy hardware is to blame, but these tips may help prevent your phone from going up in smoke.
Sometimes smartphones explode. In January 2023, an iPhone 4 caught fire while charging overnight. A child in India was killed when a Redmi Note 5 Pro reportedly blew up in her face. In July, a man’s phone exploded on an Air India flight, causing an emergency landing.


The likelihood of your cell Phone Battery exploding is slim, but it happens, as demonstrated by Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 fiasco a few years back. But why does it happen and what, if anything, can you do to avoid it?
Why Do Smartphones Explode?

There are many reasons a smartphone may catch fire or explode, and it almost always has to do with the device’s battery. Modern mobile devices are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which contain a careful balance of positive and negative electrodes to allow for recharging. When something goes wrong, the inner components of the battery can break down and create a volatile reaction that can lead to fires.


This can happen for multiple reasons, but the most common problem is excessive heat. If a charging battery or overworked processor becomes too hot too quickly, it can ruin the chemical makeup of the phone’s components. With batteries, a chain reaction called thermal runaway can cause the battery to generate even more heat and eventually catch fire or explode.
The reason for your phone overheating will vary. Physical damage—the kind sustained from a fall or excessive bending—can disrupt the inner workings of the battery. Leaving the phone out in the sun for too long, malware overworking the CPU, or a charging debacle can all cause short circuiting within the device.


Or it could be something outside your direct control. Batteries degrade over time, so if a device has been used for several years—like the iPhone 4 that caught fire—it’s possible for the internal components to fade, leading to swelling and overheating. As was the case with the Galaxy Note 7, an issue with the phone’s production may be to blame, which you can’t really account for.
You may not get a warning, but if you hear hissing or popping sounds coming from the phone or smell burning plastic or chemicals, it may be damaged and on the verge of exploding. (Don’t put your face near it, obviously.) Similarly, look out for excessive heat coming from the device, especially when charging. If it’s burning hot to the touch, unplug it immediately.


Another big warning sign is a swollen battery, which can happen if it has been damaged or internal components have degraded. Look out for any changes in your device’s shape, including a protruding screen, an enlarged seam, or a distended chassis that may cause the phone to no longer sit flush with a flat surface.
We nearly blew up an aging Android phone while trying to remove all traces of Google services in 2019. All we got for our trouble was a bulging battery.
Most modern smartphones no longer allow you to remove the battery, so if you’re concerned about your device, turn it off and take it in for service immediately.

Can You Prevent Your Phone From Exploding?

melted android phone(Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd)While there are steps you can take to alleviate some of the strain you may put on your phone’s battery, there’s not a whole lot you can do if the issue is a manufacturing defect. Batteries must be rigorously tested for faulty components, butly cheap made units may possessions imperfect that can cause a phone to overheat.


In the case of the Note 7, a design flaw was to blame; there was nothing the average consumer could do to fix it. There’s no quick fix when it comes to shoddy construction. The same goes for that iPhone 4 batteries naturally degrade over time and will ultimately need to be replaced.

Want to Avoid Upgrading Your iPhone? Here’s How to Maximize Your Battery’s Life Span

Check out this advice straight from Apple on how you can make your iPhone battery last as long as possible.
While some Apple fans have been going wild for the brand-new iPhone 15 series, there are still some of us out here just trying to make our older iPhones last as long they can. If you want to keep your current iPhone going for as many years as possible, one of the best things you can do is to protect the life span of your iPhone’s battery.
Battery life span, not to be confused with your battery life, is the length of time your battery has before you need to replace it. The rechargeable battery in your iPhone should work at optimal capacity for (hopefully) a couple of years at the very least, but that depends on a variety of factors, like environmental temperatures, how you charge your battery, drop damage or a faulty battery. (“Battery life,” on the other hand, is the amount of time your battery can power your phone before it needs to be recharged.)


If you aren’t quite sure what to do to help prolong your iPhone battery’s life span, who better to advise you than Apple?

Below you’ll find a few tips directly from the company that’ll help keep you from having to replace your battery sooner rather than later.
And while we’re on the subject of your phone, here are a couple of other CNET stories you’ll want to peruse: Find out everything we expect to be announced at the 2023 Apple Wonderlust event, and check out rumors that the iPhone 15could support faster charging speeds. 

And now, on to the battery tips…
First, make sure Optimized Battery Charging is enabledThough you can’t overcharge a battery, you can put your battery under a bit of stress when you charge up to 100%. To help limit that strain, your iPhone has a setting that learns from your daily charging routine (say you always plug in your phone right before you go to bed and then unplug it in the morning). It then waits to finish charging past 80% until right before you need it, instead of just quickly charging the battery all the way to 100%. 
This can help reduce battery aging, and though the setting should be enabled by default, it’s still good to check if it’s on. In Settings, go to Battery > Battery Health & Charging and make sure that Optimized Battery Charging is toggled on.

Setting on the iPhone to optimize battery charging

The setting should be on by default, but it never hurts to look and confirm.Nelson Aguilar/CNETKeep your iPhone away from extreme temperaturesThe life span of your iPhone battery can be affected by extreme temperatures. A higher temperature increases the speed of chemical reactions inside the battery, which forces the battery to work harder and faster, thus also causing it to degrade faster. 
According to Apple, it’s important to avoid exposing your iPhone to temperatures higher than 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) to avoid permanent damage. Fortunately, the fix is ​​simple — keep your iPhone out of hot temperatures. If you’re at the beach, don’t leave your iPhone on your towel in direct sunlight. Instead, toss it into a bag or put a shirt over it for protection. Also, don’t leave your iPhone in the car for an extended period of time, especially if it’s a hot day.


Apple does have a few settings to prevent overheating and damage, like disabling your phone or preventing further charging when your phone is too hot, but you don’t want to rely on these features to save your phone’s battery health. It’s better to take preventative actions than wait for your iPhone to overheat.

You may need to take your iPhone out of its caseIf your iPhone gets hot any time you charge it, you may need to take off your case before doing so. Certain cases, especially the bulkier and more protective ones, can trap heat and make the iPhone overheat, affecting the Cell Phone battery life span.
Apart from removing the case, consider avoiding processor-intensive apps, like games, when your phone is charging. Using these apps while charging could also cause your phone to overheat.


The Otterbox Free case for iPhone 14 is fully waterproof and dust-proofSome cases may trap warmth and cause your iPhone to overheat when it’s charging.David Carnoy/CNETTake these steps to protect iPhones in long-term storageMaybe you got a new phone and want to stash your old iPhone for a bit. If you want to maintain the battery’s life span, you should do the following before putting it away:


Keep the charge at around 50%. You don’t want your battery to be full or empty before you turn it off, or else it could stop holding a charge (if full) or lose capacity and have a shorter life span (if empty ).Turn your iPhone off. This prevents your phone from using up more apple battery.Store your phone in a cool and moisture-free environment. Ideally, the temperature should be less than 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius).

If you’re putting your iPhone away for longer than six months, turTurn it on and charge it to 50% every six months.If you store your iPhone for an extended period of time, your iPhone battery may be in a low-charge state, which means you may need to charge it for 20 minutes before you can turn it on.

How to turn on 80% charging limit on the iPhone 15 to save battery health

Apple may have just fixed its biggest iPhone battery problem, and iPhone 15 users get first dibs. Here’s how and when to use it.

The iPhone 15 series is officially available, and whether you already have a device in hand or are anxiously waiting for one, a recent feature discovery should be at the top of your initial set-up agenda.
The feature is called “80% Limit” and is hidden within the deeper end of the iPhone 15’s Battery settings. When toggled on, the iPhone will limit its charging capacity to 80% instead of the normal 100%. 


Also: Want the fastest iPhone? Choose this model on this network
While Apple doesn’t actually explain why this feature exists, it’s safe to assume that the charging cap is a direct response to the recent comments about the iPhone 14’s battery degradation. These aren’t fan theories, unfortunately; it’s just the nature of lithium -ion ​​batteries found in iPhones and other devices, with the maximum capacity slowly degrading every time it completes a charge cycle.
Capping the iPhone 15’s charging to 80% reduces the likelihood of battery degradation, though it may not always be in your best interest to have the feature turned on. More on that later.


How to turn on 80% Limit on the iPhone 15

What you’ll need: At the time of writing, 80% Limit is only available on the iPhone 15 series, which includes the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. 
Also: Your Apple device may be eligible for a major software update. How to check and download


The feature is clearly not processor-exclusive, as the non-Pro models operate on an A16 Bionic chip versus the A17 Pro on the more expensive iPhones. Therefore, the chances of Apple extending the feature to older models are still likely.
1. Access apple Battery Health & Charging settingsFirst, open up the Settings app and scroll down to the Battery tab. Then, tap on Battery Health & Charging.

iPhone 15 Optimized Charging
2. Toggle on 80% LimitNow tap into Charging Optimization and you’ll be presented with three options: 


Optimized Battery Charging: Prompts the iPhone to trickle charge up to 80% overnight and then tops up to 100% as you’re about to wake up.80% Limit: Caps the charging at 80%. Apple says the iPhone will occasionally charge to 100% in order to maintain a more accurate battery state-of-charge estimate.None: Keeps the iPhone’s charging capabilities flexible.Tap on 80% Limit to turn it on.

While you’re on the  iPhoneBattery Health & Charging screen, you’ll also find the maximum battery capacity of your iPhone, which, if it’s an iPhone 15, should be at 100%. If your device shows a lower value, reach out to Apple support as there may be a potential defect with your battery.
When you should (and when shouldn’t you’t) use 80% LimitYou should use 80% Limit if…


You want to preserve the battery health of your iPhone, whether it be for longevity’s sake or better resale value.You’re able to get through a day of average to high usage without battery concerns. This is mostly the case with the larger iPhone models, iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max.You shouldn’t use 80% Limit if…
You’re concerned that iPhone 15 battery 80% battery is not enough for a day’s use. Perhaps you’re traveling and access to power sources is limited or need to use more power-intensive tasks like video capturing, GPS navigation, and gaming.

The best Samsung Galaxy phones right now (and which foldables you should buy)

Shopping for a new Samsung phone battery?ZDNET’s tested and rounded up the very best, including foldables, ones with styli, and options for the budget-minded.
Of all the Samsung phones batteries manufacturers, Samsung’s lineup of handsets may be the most robust, Want a phone that has a built-in stylus? You’ve got that. Want a phone that can expand into a tablet? You’ve got that too.

Basically, finding the best Samsung phone for you boils down to your personal needs, use cases, and design preferences. Trust me, you’ll have plenty of options laid out below, and not every one of them will be the right fit for you. 
To make the shopping process easy, we’ve personally tested most, if not all, the latest Galaxy phones that Samsung has to offer, and assembled a catalog of the top options for your choosing, including the more recent Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold series, the value-driven A-series, and our top pick right now, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
The best Samsung phones in 2023Samsung Galaxy S23 UltraBest Samsung phone overall

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Display: 6.8 inches | RAM/Storage Options: 12GB RAM with 256GB/512GB/1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 10x optical, 10MP 3x optical | Battery: 5,000mAh


In the grand calculus of the Samsung multiverse, the Galaxy S23 Ultra reigns supreme. It’s arguably the most no-frills smartphone that you can buy on the market, let alone from Samsung, which puts it at the top spot on our list.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra comes with a large 6.8-inch AMOLED display, a beefy 5,000mAh battery that can last you as long as two days, a customized Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor to keep things running efficiently, and the sacred Samsung S Pen — ideal for jotting down notes, graphics designing, or even signing PDFs.
I tested the Galaxy S23 Ultra earlier this year and called it “one of the most complete handsets you can buy this year — whether you like and need the excessive amount of features or not.”


Being the latest and greatest also means that the S23 Ultra comes equipped with Samsung’s newest advancements in camera technology, including a 200-megapixel main lens that’s capable of capturing the highest-resolution images we’ve seen on any Galaxy phone. There’s also 8K video recording at 30 frames per second if you’re into that.
All this is to say that the Galaxy S23 Ultra is our pick for the best Samsung phone overall.


Review: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S23 PlusBest Samsung phone for most peopleGalaxy S23 Plus on a table.Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Display: 6.6 inches | RAM/Storage: 8GB RAM with 256GB/512TB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto| Battery: 4,700mAh
Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Plus is not as flashy as its Ultra sibling but remains a formidable pick-up for shoppers eyeing a meaningful upgrade. In fact, the core experience of the Ultra model is present on the Plus, including the OneUI software, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset, 256GB of base storage, and a flexible camera system. 


In fact, I’d argue that the Plus-sized Galaxy S23, in some ways, is an even better phone to buy for some users. For example, it has a slightly smaller 6.6-inch display that makes it easier to manage with one hand, the panel is flat along the edges so it’s less susceptible to damage (and easier to repair), and the camera system doesn’t look like a tarantula staring back at you.


Alright, that last point might not be the best reason to buy the Plus model over the Ultra, but perhaps the $200 price difference is. At a starting price of $999 — less if you wait for the holiday shopping season right around the corner – – the S23 Plus is the best Samsung phone for those who can live without all the Galaxy bells and whistles. And according to ZDNET reviewer, Jason Cipriani, “as far as the S23 Plus is concerned, you’re getting your money’s worth.”Samsung Cell Phone batteriesZ Fold 5Best Samsung foldable phone


Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Main display: 7.6 inches | Cover display: 6.2 inches | RAM/Storage: 12GB RAM with 256GB/512GB/1TB internal options | Cameras: 12MP ultrawide, 50MP wide angle, 10MP 3x telephoto, 10MP cover screen, 4MP under main display | Battery: 4,400mAh 
The 2020 Galaxy Z Fold 2 set the bar for foldable devices that also serve as mini tablets. The Z Fold 3 improved on that phone with two of the most highly requested features from Fold users (S Pen support and IPX8 water resistance), while the Z Fold 4 improved the rear cameras and form factor of the phone. 
And now, with the Z Fold 5, you’ll get an upgraded processor in the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which should improve the phone’s overall performance, from battery efficiency to camera capture. This year’s model is also notably thinner than the last, and thanks to the no-gap hinge mechanism, ZDNET’s Jason Hiner said in his review that “the Fold 5 feels like the way foldables always should have been.”
The Android 13 software found in the Z Fold 5 gives the phone battery some serious productivity upgrades, especially in terms of multi-app usage thanks to the improved Taskbar and wider support for gesture navigations that ease the transition from multiple active windows.


Like the Z Fold 4, the Fold 5’s cameras are not quite as good as the S23 Ultra’s suite, but the hardware is clearly superior to any foldable predecessor, and the competition. And it certainly helps that the Z Fold 5 is not as heavy and bulky as its predecessors.What is the newest Samsung phone?The newest Samsung phone is the Galaxy S23  battery FE, which features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, and a triple camera system at the rear. 

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Review: Overshadowed by Controversy

Despite the initial controversy around this year’s Pro iPhones, is the newer design, 5x telephoto camera, and A17 Pro worth the higher entry price?
Apple released its 2023 iPhone lineup to the masses, and with it comes the new iPhone 15 Pro Max, packing the best hardware that Apple has to offer for users who want it. This year’s Pro iPhone brings subtle but impactful design changes, a new processor with a pro moniker, multiple camera improvements, USB-C, and a few other nifty features.


A New Titanium DesignThe Pro iPhone models offer a new material that replaces the stainless steel from before: titanium. This material has shown up on other Apple devices, such as the Apple Watch Ultra and the titanium Apple Watch Edition (but is no longer available to buy).
Aside from the different feel, the biggest improvement the new material brings is reducing the phone’s weight. If you own an iPhone 13 Pro Max or 14 Pro Max, you will notice the difference with this year’s model since it’s about 19 grams lighter.
Along with the new material, the phone now features contoured edges. Apple says that this design change makes the iPhone more comfortable to hold.

Since the iPhone switched to a squared-edge design with the iPhone 12, the edges have been sharper and less comfortable to hold than rounded-edge iPhones. You’ll feel the difference right away with the contoured edges of the 15 series.
Additionally, the bezels on the iPhone 15 Pro Max are slightly slimmer, making the phone look a little more modern.
When it comes to color choice, the iPhone 15 Pro Max comes in four colors: Black Titanium, Silver Titanium, Natural Titanium, and Blue Titanium. I chose Natural and Blue, and both look fantastic.
At Apple’s reveal event, the Blue Titanium color seemed to resemble the Pacific Blue color that was on the iPhone 12 Pro. However, when you see Blue Titanium in person, it is more of a navy blue, which I prefer. I hope both Natural Titanium and Blue Titanium stick around on future iPhones.


, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is slightly shorter than the previous 14 Pro Max. While it is minimal on paper, it is somewhat noticeable when you hold the phone. It seems to make it easier to use Apple’s larger model.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s design feels like what the 14 Pro Max should have been, since that model was the final version of the iPhone 12 cycle. Regardless, I like the 15 Pro Max’s design a lot. It may very well be one of my favorite smartphone designs ever. It almost makes me want to go without a case, but I’m not that bold.
The DisplayThe iPhone 15 Pro Max features the same display as its predecessor. It’s a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2796 x 1290. The display can reach 2000 nits of peak brightness when the phone is outdoors, making it easier to view in sunlight. Since this is a Pro iPhone, the 15 Pro Max also includes up to a 120Hz adaptable refresh rate.


iPhone 15 Pro Max display
Therefore, you can enjoy smooth animations when swiping between home screen pages, scrolling, and more. The iPhone 15 Pro Max still features Dynamic Island, Apple’s version of a hole punch display cutout, which remains unchanged this year. Although there are no changes to the display this time around, it’s still excellent, so no complaints here.
The Action ButtonThe physical Silent Mode switch has existed on every iPhone since the start. But smartly, Apple decided to replace that switch with the Action button. This button is customizable, allowing you to map it to a specific action (even Silent Mode, if you can ‘t live without it!)
It initially showed up on the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra and has now made its way to the iPhone.


Only on the Pro models, the Action button can be used to open the camera, turn on the LED flash, enable a Focus Mode, and more. But you can also configure it to any Shortcut (read our beginner’s guide to Shortcuts on the iPhone ), which lets you do things such as open a specific app or even lock and unlock a Tesla. To trigger an action, you have to press and hold the button instead of just clicking it once.
I think this was a smart decision. The Action button on the Apple Watch Ultra only needs to be momentarily pressed for it to activate, which has led to accidentally triggering the flashlight, in my experience. Having to press and hold requires more intention.


It’s puzzling that Apple didn’t replace the physical Silent switch sooner. I always have my phone on mute, so the switch has been useless to me for years. The Action button is an excellent addition to the iPhone, since it’s multipurpose and adds a bit of customization. I’m interested in seeing if it will come to the standard iPhone models in 2024.The A17 Pro Chip2 Images15 Pro Max Geekbench CPU results15 Pro Max Geekbench GPU scorePowering the iPhone 15 Pro models, you’ll find a new chip: the A17 Pro. The A17 Pro is the first 3nm chip in any smartphone, which translates to better performance than a chipset built on a larger nanometer process.Apple claims the A17 Pro has a 10 percent faster CPU and a 20 percent faster GPU. It features a new Neural Engine that’s twice as fast as the A16 Bionic, as well as a 6-core CPU and a 6-core GPU; that’s one additional GPU core compared to the A16. Lastly, there is now 8GB of RAM, up from 6GB.

iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 14: What Changed?

Apple’s incremental changes make it hard to spot the differences between the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15. So, let’s compare the two and see what’s new.
The iPhone 15 is simply a slightly improved version of the iPhone 14. While most cutting-edge features have been directed toward the more expensive iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models, the standard iPhone 15 has received notable upgrades.
So, if you’re considering purchasing a new device and can’t decide, we’ll help you choose between the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15.


Unfortunately, Apple hasn’t made any major display changes to the standard iPhones since the iPhone 12. Besides adopting the iPhone 14 Pro’s Dynamic Island, the iPhone 15 looks almost identical to its predecessor.
Both models have a 6.1″ Super Retina XDR Display and share the same dimensions. However, the iPhone 15 can deliver 2,000 nits of peak brightness, compared to 1,200 nits offered by its predecessor, making it better for outdoor use.
While both models sport an aluminum frame with a glass back, the iPhone 15 ditched the glossy back for a matte textured finish. It also features slightly contoured edges, making it more comfortable to hold.


Camera configurationiPhone 15 on a tableImage Credit: Apple
The iPhone 14 features a dual-camera system, with a 12MP primary camera and an ultra-wide lens. On the other hand, the iPhone 15’s main camera takes a leap forward because Apple has bumped the resolution to 48 megapixels. This means you can capture pictures with immaculate detail and more accurate and realistic colors, with the flexibility to shoot at both 24MP and 48MP.
The iPhone 15’s 12MP ultra-wide camera, however, remains unchanged from its predecessor. You can capture great selfies with both devices, though, since both feature the same 12MP selfie camera.


However, Apple has introduced next-generation portraits on the iPhone 15, allowing you to take portrait shots in the default camera mode that you can tweak later on in the Photos app.
Pricing, Colors, and Storage Optionsiphone 15 and 15 plus colorsImage Credit: AppleAfter the launch of the iPhone 15, Apple dropped the starting price of the iPhone 14 to $699. The base 128GB model of the iPhone 15 retails for $799, the same as the iPhone 14 did at launch. Both models come in three different storage variants : 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB.

The iPhone 15 comes in five different colors: Yellow, Green, Blue, Black, and Pink. Besides the Black option, all the colors appear muted this time. So, if you’re struggling to decide on a color, make sure to check out which iPhone 15 color is best for you.
On the other hand, the iPhone 14 is available in six bright color options: Blue, Purple, Yellow, Midnight, Starlight, and (PRODUCT)RED. The iPhone 15’s Black color option no longer carries the subtle navy blue visible in the Midnight iPhone 14.


Performance and Battery LifeUSB-C port on the iPhone 15Image Credit: Apple/YouTubeThe iPhone 15 is powered by the A16 Bionic chip, the same processor that shipped with the iPhone 14 Pro models. The iPhone 14, on the other hand, features the same A15 Bionic chip that Apple introduced alongside the iPhone 13 Pro models. Apple claims the A16 chip consumes 20% less power than the A15.

Given the 4nm architecture of the A16 chip, you can expect better performance than the 5nm A15 chip. All in all, the iPhone 14 is equipped with all the power you need for daily use. However, upgrading to the iPhone 15 might be a good idea if you plan to use it for several years.


Apple has also ditched the Lightning port for USB-C on the iPhone 15. While this change does mean that you can use one cable to charge all your devices, there are no improvements to data transfer and charging speeds.


When it comes to battery life, both devices boast up to 20 hours of video playback and 80 hours of audio playback, according to Apple’s claims. This is surprising, considering the iPhone 15 packs a slightly larger battery. The charging speed remains the same for both devices—up to 50% charge within 30 minutes using a 20W adapter or higher.
Unless you want the slight performance advantage and all the perks USB-C brings to iPhones, you’ll likely notice no improvements if you choose the iPhone 15 over its predecessor.


Is Upgrading to the iPhone 15 Worth It?

You may be wondering if minor design tweaks, similar battery life, and slight performance improvements justify upgrading to the iPhone 15. When deciding whether the upgrade is worth it, you must consider the specific features that matter to you most.


If you want a newer device that’ll support iOS updates for slightly longer, the iPhone 15 is a no-brainer. However, if you simply need a device for daily use at a cheaper price, the iPhone 14 won’t disappoint.
Finally, if you already own an iPhone 14, it’s better to skip the iPhone 15 altogether and save your hard-earned money, as there’s no point upgrading to a new iPhone every year.

How to Turn Off Sleep Mode on Your iPhone

Learn how to turn off Sleep mode on your iPhone to start receiving notifications again if you get up early.


Sleep mode (or Sleep Focus) is a feature in your iPhone’s Health app to help you get better quality sleep. But sometimes, you might need to turn off Sleep mode on your iPhone.

Why Turn Off Sleep Mode on Your iPhone?

Sleep mode is one of the iPhone features that helps improve your health as it aids in creating better sleeping habits. Based on the bedtime you scheduled, Sleep mode then dims your screen brightness, hides Lock Screen notifications, and only allows calls from specific people to come in (as per your Focus preferences).
But it’s not possible to always follow the sleep schedule you have set for yourself. So, to continue using your device as usual without these changes, you’ll have to turn off Sleep mode on your iPhone.


How to Turn Off Sleep Mode via Your iPhone’s Control CenterThe fastest way to turn off Sleep mode is through your iPhone’s Control Center. Here’s how:
Access the Control Center. The method may differ depending on your iPhone model. If you’re not sure, refer to our quick guide on how to open your iPhone’s Control Center.Tap on Sleep (the bed icon) to turn off Sleep mode.If this opens a list of Focus modes, tap the active mode to disable all of them.


How to Turn Off Sleep Mode in Your iPhone’s Health AppIf it’s annoying to manually turn off Sleep mode on your iPhone every time it’s activated, the other method is to prevent it from turning on automatically. Here’s how to disable your iPhone’s Sleep mode through the Health app:


In the Health app, select the Browse tab.From the list, select Sleep.Scroll down to the Your Schedule section. Tap Full Schedule & Options.Toggle off Use Schedule for Sleep Focus.3 Imagesbrowse tab in iphone health appsleep settings in heath appfull schedule sleep settings in health app Use Your iPhone to Improve Your HealthDue to work and other responsibilities, you occasionally have to sacrifice some sleep, stay alert, and turn off Sleep mode on youriPhone.The two methods to turn off Sleep mode on your iPhone are via the Control Center and the Health app.

Can Macs get viruses? Here’s how to protect your Apple laptop.

Can Macs get viruses? Here’s how to protect your Apple laptop.
Can Macs get viruses? The answer is yes. Macs have been deemed as one of the safer options on the market, and they deserve that reputation thanks to their strong protections and on-the-pulse updates.


But they’re still vulnerable to malware. Cybercriminals are opportunists, and they’re taking advantage of the rising popularity of Macs to find new ways to infect devices and steal or damage users’ data.
Find out about how to get rid of viruses on your Mac now.Are MacBooks safe from viruses?Macbooks are not entirely safe from viruses. Viruses are a type of malicious code — aka malware — which is an umbrella term for code that infects your device and destroys, damages or steals data. There are many different types of malware, and all of them have the potential to affect Macs.
These include adware, which causes unwanted ads to pop up on your device, and spyware, which effectively transfers valuable data to another device.

Ransomware typically denies you access to your own data unless you pay a ransom, and Trojan horses are malicious programs that are embedded within software. Phishing scams are a type of malware, too. These emails or messages appear to be sent from reputable companies or people , but often have malicious content hidden within links and attachments. Finally, zero-day threats are emerging threats that are so new, there aren’t proper solutions in place to tackle them yet.


As for how to check if your Mac has been hacked, slow or lagging performance, unsolicited ads and emails you don’t remember sending are major red flags.

The lowdown on Macs’ built-in securityThere’s a reason why Macs have historically been seen as the “safest” devices: the built-in protections in the operating system (OS) and hardware are excellent. These are some of the features that help prevent you from accidentally downloading a virus onto your device:
Anti-phishing technology in Safari. Identifies and blocks websites that contain malicious content, like files and links. Safari also lets you know if your passwords have been compromised, or if they’re easy for a hacker to guess.

Find My service. Apple’s “Find My” feature might have helped you find your phone once or twice, but it has a deeper use. If a criminal manages to get hold of one of your devices, you can use this app to either find your stolen Mac, or erase any data so it can’t be accessed by an unauthorised person.FileVault. Part of macOS, FileVault encrypts your data to keep it safe and secure.

Gatekeeper. Stops software that hasn’t been approved by Apple from running on your device, and only allows you to download apps by certified, reputable developers.XProtect. Apple’s antivirus for Mac program works in the background to automatically scan each app you try to install for malware. Apple has a list of malicious apps it keeps tabs on, and Mac users can’t successfully download these onto their device.

Sandboxing. Separates apps from critical components your Mac needs to run smoothly, and prevents them from influencing other apps you may be using at the time.Security updates. Apple frequently releases patches to fix flaws and address new bugs, and it usually responds quickly — even to zero-day threats. Plus, users have the ability to switch on auto-updates so they always have the latest protection in place. 
How to protect your Mac in 5 easy steps


Built-in features aside, there are a few things you can do to boost your Mac’s security and reduce your chances of falling victim to viruses (or a similar cyber attack).
#1 Activate multi-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication is good, multi-factor authentication (MFA) is better. MFA requires you to provide your username, password and one more piece of information, like a code sent to your phone or email , before you can log into an account.

#2 Avoid any announcements about Flash. Adobe’s Flash player was an issue for many Mac users prior to 2020 when it was discontinued. Before then, hackers were known to create fake Flash programs to trick people into downloading malware on their device. But with Flash out of the picture, it’s important to ignore any unsolicited pop-ups instructing you to install or update the program.
#3 Don’t take the bait. Phishing scams are common, and it’s important to stay vigilant and carefully assess every message you get — even if your email spam filters are switched on. Some of the key signs of a phishing email are poor spelling or grammar, odd turns of phrase, panic-inducing content or an offer that’s too good to be true. If you receive an email or message from someone you don’t know or trust, avoid opening it. If you do open it, don ‘t click on any links or attachments. 
#4 Maintain two backups of your data. It’s a good idea to back up your data regularly, like every couple of weeks. That way, if you are susceptible to malware, you’ll be able to bounce back quickly and mitigate any losses to your data. Aim to keep two backups: one on an external hard drive or flash drive, and another on the cloud.
#5 Never skip a macOS update. As tempting as it is to ignore these notifications, especially since they pop up so often, it’s crucial to accept all software updates. Along with your operating system, this applies to any other software you have installed, such as third-party antivirus software.

Secure your Mac with ESET Cybersecurity ProESET Cybersecurity Pro is a reliable antivirus, anti-spyware and anti-phishing software for Macs. It offers a multilayered defense against all types of malware, as well as other viruses and identity theft. It also boosts your security with a personal firewall and parental controls, which is key if your children aren’t constantly supervised online. The software also increases your protection if you have to jump onto public WiFi networks, which is sometimes inevitable.Questions, or want to learn more about how to remove viruses from your Mac? Connect with our team today, and we’ll be happy to guide you.