Big battery improvement possible immediately

[brett328]

I recently downloaded a theme for my Go-Launcher, it is the classic black theme and its free. I downloaded it because it looked cool, but it also has a dramatic battery saving side effect since the screen is essentially black most of the time. Even the icons are fairly dim and contribute to the positive battery performance.

I would assume there other "black" or dark colored themes from the market that could essentially offer the same side effect.

My battery is lasting so much longer, that its almost a "must keep" at this point. Something to consider if your desperate for extra battery performance at basically no cost.

 

[PJnc284]

Probably due to SenseUI being a huge battery hog. That's why the aosp and CM-based roms generally have much better battery life. Also for anyone looking for a new launcher, check out QQLauncher Pro. Been running for about a week with no complaints

 

[brett328]

I was basically assuming the improved performance came from the unused power required to light up a brilliantly colored screen every time you turn it on.

 

[Randomhero180]

Do you need to be rooted to use launchers?

 

[PJnc284]

That would be the case for SuperAMOLED screens like are on the Galaxy S line of devices since displaying blacks require no power. Not sure if regular LCD screens like on the Thunderbolt actually see a significant benefit from color choices or not though.

^ launchers don't require root. Just know that you lose access to the Sense widgets (flip clock, weather, friend stream, etc) when using a 3rd party launcher

 

[glje]

Not sure if the technology is the same in the TB displays, but you can't assume black is necessarily more energy efficient with LCD displays - Fact or Fiction?: Black Is Better than White for Energy-Efficient Screens: Scientific American Also, a study done earlier this year showing black uses more energy than white - Black vs white screen power consumption – 24 more monitors tested ? Techlogg.com

 

[brett328]

Well maybe so, but try it for yourself and check the results. After 2 hours since charging, battery still at 97%. Texting and gtalk chatting only though.

 

[Randomhero180]

launchers don't require root. Just know that you lose access to the Sense widgets (flip clock, weather, friend stream, etc) when using a 3rd party launcher

Thanks!

 

[brett328]

Today, 5 hours on battery, still at 78%, Display responsible for less than 50% of battery usage. Texting, voice calling, and general playing around with the phone. I'm gonna say that the "Go" classic black theme uses WAY less battery than my previous live-smoke wall paper, and is the sole reason for much improved battery life!

 

[Mortiel]

Today, 5 hours on battery, still at 78%, Display responsible for less than 50% of battery usage. Texting, voice calling, and general playing around with the phone. I'm gonna say that the "Go" classic black theme uses WAY less battery than my previous live-smoke wall paper, and is the sole reason for much improved battery life!

You removed Sense *AND* removed the live wallpaper you were running... yeah that will save you a lot of battery. Live wallpapers, just like Sense, are in many cases CPU hogs and drain batteries faster.

Oh, and black does not save any battery. You can see all the back lighting still active right? Yeah, that's what uses the majority of LCD screen power. AMOLED screens do not suffer this problem, as a black pixel actually turns off the backlighting for that pixel. So if you have the Samsung Droid Charge that GO Launcher theme would be incredible for battery life.

 

[FrankXS]

Today, 5 hours on battery, still at 78%, Display responsible for less than 50% of battery usage. Texting, voice calling, and general playing around with the phone. I'm gonna say that the "Go" classic black theme uses WAY less battery than my previous live-smoke wall paper, and is the sole reason for much improved battery life!

But, but... comparing a static background (of any color) to a live background is apples and oranges. Really no direct comparison there.

-Frank

 

[worwig]

If it were an LED display, then I might believe it. But LCD power mainly is consumed by the backlight. The backlight intensity is not set by the color on the display.

I recently switched from a black wallpaper to a bright red wallpaper. No change in battery life.

If you really do have better battery life, then it is something else, like no longer using a live wallpaper or something.

 

[Jude526]

Today, 5 hours on battery, still at 78%, Display responsible for less than 50% of battery usage. Texting, voice calling, and general playing around with the phone. I'm gonna say that the "Go" classic black theme uses WAY less battery than my previous live-smoke wall paper, and is the sole reason for much improved battery life!

I have not chosen another launcher. I also the the new Gingerbread. My phone has been on for 5.5 hours and am at 70% and I have been on the phone a lot today. I have the Arizona Cards logo as my homescreen and am using fancy widgets for my weather. I am not in agreement that a black theme causes more length on battery. I haven't had any battery issues since the Gingerbread update. My battery use has increased a lot. I don't see me spending the money for an extended battery.

 

[recDNA]

Probably due to SenseUI being a huge battery hog. That's why the aosp and CM-based roms generally have much better battery life. Also for anyone looking for a new launcher, check out QQLauncher Pro. Been running for about a week with no complaints

Why do the aosp roms have so much trouble developing bug free set ups for tbolt? They're all buggy as heck.

I don't leave my phone on any home screen for more than a few seconds at a time. I'm always in some app or screen off. I don't see why any particular background would matter. I recently switched from a plain gray droid type wallpaper to a video based live wallpaper and I've noticed no dofference in battery life.