Signal strength and battery life.

Rev

Wasn't sure if this should go in this section or mobile but thought I'd get better results here.

Ever since I've had a mobile phone I've been with O2 or some variant of O2 (Tesco, giffgaff etc). I've always had a full signal. 2G/3G/4G and whatever was before those. I have never had an issue with signal. Always five bars.

Switched to Life Mobile around a month back who I believe piggyback EE. Since then my battery life has gone down by around 20-30%.

Signal fluctuates. Sometimes full. Sometimes 1-2 bars.
In the battery stats it lists the phone and under says 'low signal'. I've never had that before.

Life is £6 a month so great value but if it's going to cause such an impact on my battery I'd rather pay the extra and go back to Tesco.

Basically I'm asking if low signal issues can have such a big impact on battery life?

Rev

Please excuse the spelling mistake in the title. I can't edit it.

Obviously it should say signal strength.

I_have_spoken

Yes, the further away the phone mast is, the higher power your phone will use to transmit to maintain the link which will reduce its battery life.

A phone can alter transmission power by a factor of 1000, depending on proximity to mast.

Of course, if you worry about these things, the further away the mast the more energy the phone is radiating into your head when on a call.

Rev

I_have_spoken wrote: »

Yes, the further away the phone mast is, the higher power your phone will use to transmit to maintain the link which will reduce its battery life.

A phone can alter transmission power by a factor of 1000, depending on proximity to mast.

Of course, if you worry about these things, the further away the mast the more energy the phone is radiating into your head when on a call.

According to ofcoms site the nearest O2 mast is basically outside my house. Which explains the solid o2 signal. There's also a Vodafone and Three mast in the same place.


The nearest EE (Orange) mast is quite a bit away.


Useful info. I'll look at sim only deals for the ones with a mast closer.


I genuinely didn't realise it would have such an impact on battery life.

pappa_golf

I think the thing to remember is that it is a "mobile" phone , and as such will get a good signal if you buy a house or talk from your car " quite a bit away"


no company can or will provide a service that covers ever persons front room

grumbler

Rev wrote: »

Please excuse the spelling mistake in the title. I can't edit it.

Edit >> Advanced

Rev

pappa_golf wrote: »

I think the thing to remember is that it is a "mobile" phone , and as such will get a good signal if you buy a house or talk from your car " quite a bit away"

no company can or will provide a service that covers ever persons front room

I know it's a gamble to sign up without trying with a payg sim first. But at £6 a month it was worth a go.

Just means I switch back to O2 or one of their MNVO.

I was just shocked at home much impact it has had on my battery.

pappa_golf

yup , sorry for you , I myself am with life and although the signal is lower than the previous giff gaff or 3 sims it is usable and I intend sticking with it


have you seen the price rise on life? , , ouch (even thru uswitch)

Rev

pappa_golf wrote: »

yup , sorry for you , I myself am with life and although the signal is lower than the previous giff gaff or 3 sims it is usable and I intend sticking with it


have you seen the price rise on life? , , ouch (even thru uswitch)

It was worth a go for £6 a month.

I hadn't seen the price rises until just now when looking on uswitch for a new deal. They're also changed their tariffs around to offer less for the cash. They are still very cheap though.

ID seem great but reviews are about the worse I've ever seen.

Think I'll just go back to Tesco. Customer service fine and I know the signal is great.

paddyrg

Makes a big difference, I can visit a nearby seaside town and need to recharge my battery during the day, poor signal wipes it out!

spud17

My old Nokia would easily last a week, (only used during working day) between charges.
We work in some parts Mid Devon with no signal on any network, and it would use a full battery in a day because it is constantly searching for a signal.
Similar happening to you by the sound of it.:)

ps I've recently changed phone and got a £6 Life sim, but only get internet if I enable roaming. :cool:
It worked as it should on Tesco, Life (EE) is a stronger signal than O2 in our usual work area.