Kerry Wan/ZDNET
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Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones have long been recognized as some of the most advanced and well-rounded devices within the Android ecosystem, combining responsive performance with software that is abundant in useful features. However, it is important to acknowledge that while these devices, particularly the premium flagships such as the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 7, and Galaxy Z Flip 7, are equipped with cutting-edge innovations, they often arrive with an extensive array of functions that many users may rarely access during daily use. As a result, these capabilities can at times impact efficiency—particularly in terms of how quickly the battery is drained.
For individuals discovering that their newly purchased Galaxy handset struggles to last a full day on one charge, there are fortunately practical adjustments that can substantially improve endurance without diminishing the overall quality of the experience. With a handful of purposeful changes, users can extend battery longevity while still benefiting from the full scope of Samsung’s signature design and usability.
**Also:** Samsung unveils attractive preorder incentives for new Galaxy tablets in anticipation of September’s Unpacked event.
Below, you will find seven carefully considered techniques designed to extend the lifespan of your Galaxy phone’s battery. Importantly, these suggestions go beyond the most obvious solutions—such as reducing display resolution or lowering refresh rates. Instead, the recommendations focus on enhancing efficiency while simultaneously improving everyday functionality.
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### 1. Activate Dark Mode
The majority of Samsung devices are equipped with AMOLED displays, a technology capable of controlling individual pixels independently. This means that when you enable a dark theme or set a dark background, the pixels responsible for displaying pure black simply remain unlit, conserving energy. Over time, this modest reduction can cumulatively help extend your battery life.
**How to enable:** Open **Settings > Display**. You will see two prominent options—Light and Dark. Select *Dark*. While you can alternatively apply a dark wallpaper and continue using Light Mode, this approach will not provide the same level of resource savings that true Dark Mode delivers.
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### 2. Toggle Adaptive Brightness
Although this option is typically enabled straight out of the box, some users disable it due to concerns about accuracy. In practice, however, Samsung has significantly refined its ambient light sensors in recent years. The system now reliably gauges lighting conditions and adjusts your display’s brightness automatically, ensuring that the screen never consumes more energy than absolutely necessary.
**How to enable:** Navigate to **Settings > Display**, then switch on *Adaptive Brightness*. In most cases, this will suffice; however, if an adjustment is needed, simply slide the brightness bar manually by swiping down on the Quick Settings panel.
**Also:** Explore our curated guide to the best Samsung phones to buy in 2025.
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### 3. Remove or Disable Resource-Heavy Apps
Samsung devices often arrive loaded with a considerable selection of pre-installed apps from third-party services such as Facebook or Microsoft 365, alongside its own ecosystem applications. While some may prove useful, others run passively in the background, gradually depleting the battery. Removing, uninstalling, or disabling applications you do not require can significantly reduce unnecessary drain. For instance, not all users need access to the Samsung Smart TV app or OneDrive. Personally, upon setting up a new Galaxy, I immediately uninstall apps like Facebook, Outlook, and Microsoft 365, ensuring they no longer consume power in the background.
**How to take action:** Press and hold the app icon you wish to remove. A menu will appear—tap *Uninstall*. Once removed, the app will no longer expend energy at your expense.
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### 4. Identify Applications That Drain Battery Excessively
Usage patterns matter: depending on location, reliance on 5G connectivity, or constant background activity, certain apps can emerge as unexpected power hogs. Samsung provides a built-in utility that identifies these culprits so you can take corrective measures.
**How to locate them:** Open **Settings > Battery and Device Care > Battery > Background Usage Limits**. From here, you can choose which apps to restrict or prevent from running persistently in the background.
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### 5. Download Content in Advance Before Traveling
Streaming music, podcasts, or directions while on the move consumes notable energy, especially when relying on wireless data such as LTE or 5G. Maps and continuous streaming apps require constant connectivity which elevates energy use and generates additional heat. A practical strategy is to download frequently used content beforehand on Wi-Fi. Doing so allows you to access music playlists, podcasts, or even offline maps without resorting to data, conserving both battery power and system resources.
**How to do this:** Within apps such as Spotify, YouTube, or Google Maps, locate the built-in download option. Spotify, for example, allows entire playlists to be saved offline, while YouTube provides a download button directly on videos.
**Also:** Learn how the Galaxy S25 Ultra became significantly more usable after adding a single, game-changing application.
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### 6. Use Scheduled Always-On Display
The Always-On Display (AOD) is a distinctive feature that many Galaxy users appreciate, as it provides glanceable information about time, notifications, and battery status. On flagship devices with LTPO technology, the refresh rate dynamically drops as low as 1Hz, which makes AOD efficient. However, for mid-range models where displays may operate at a minimum of 60Hz, energy consumption is higher. To balance utility with efficiency, you can program AOD to operate only during the hours you most benefit from it. For example, setting it from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. ensures key notifications remain visible without unnecessarily draining power overnight.
**How to adjust:** Go to **Settings > Lock Screen and AOD > Always On Display > When to Show > As Scheduled**. Additionally, disabling the option to show the lock screen wallpaper within AOD can yield further savings.
**Also:** While I purchased Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025, there may be more practical alternatives worth considering.
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### 7. Select the Appropriate Performance Profile
Samsung conveniently offers performance profiles that allow you to tailor the balance between speed and battery life. If your activities are limited to general usage such as browsing, social media, and messaging—without intensive gaming—selecting the *Light* performance profile can meaningfully extend battery endurance. This profile lowers processing demands, focuses on temperature management, and optimizes for efficiency rather than outright performance.
**How to switch:** Visit **Settings > Device Care > Performance Profile** and select *Light*. For most everyday users, this strikes the ideal balance.
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### What to Do During Critical Low Battery Situations
The seven adjustments above are designed to help you achieve longer runtime without noticeably compromising how you use your Galaxy device. Nevertheless, situations invariably arise when you are away from a charger and the battery percentage dips into precariously low territory. In these moments, activating additional conservation tools is highly advisable. Specifically, enable *Power Saving Mode*, toggle off *Data Roaming*, disable *Location Services*, and temporarily turn off the Always-On Display. These actions, while more drastic, can provide those essential extra hours needed before your next opportunity to recharge.
**Also:** Did you know that your Samsung phone contains a hidden Wi-Fi menu packed with advanced functionality? Here is how to access it.
For practical purposes, I suggest initiating this emergency set of adjustments once the battery drops below 15% and you anticipate being away from power for several hours.
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Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/changing-these-7-settings-on-my-samsung-phone-improved-its-battery-life-by-hours/
