The specifications for the iPhone 4S suggest that the battery life for the device should be very similar to the iPhone 4. Sadly, after several software updates and optimization of multiple settings to within an inch of their ‘Push’ life, the longevity of the battery for my 4S at least, is nowhere near that of my iPhone 4. I actually got to the point of pulling out my old iPhone 4 and comparing it for a day or two against the 4S and it really does last substantially longer (61% battery at the end of the day versus 35% for the 4S).
So, in a world of separation anxiety from a power adapter, what is the solution for the next generation iPhone? Apple, in the 4S, produced a mobile device that is powerful, and doesn’t seem to lag in any way, no matter what app is thrown at it. Have we, perhaps, reached a point where bumping up the processing and graphics power of the iPhone is no longer that great a priority? Should the focus shift a little towards battery longevity?
Certainly the next generation iPhone is expected to use a 32nm processor rather than the 45nm found in the 4S. This will translate to lower power consumption for the same performance and therefore a longer battery life. But, the question on everyone’s minds has to be that of 4G LTE. With the next gen iPhone also expected to incorporate battery sucking LTE connectivity, battery life surely has to be the biggest concern.
Apple has made some amazing leaps, on paper at least, by maintaining a 10 hour battery life throughout the iterations of the iPad, while increasing processing power, screen resolution and cellular connectivity speeds. The focus for the next generation iPhone should not be be to maintain the same battery life of the 4S, but rather to substantially increase it.
Charge…