TecnoOrange 
When my phone battery drops below 20%, that notification always makes me wonder: should I turn on low power mode? I’ve activated it hundreds of times and I want to tell you exactly what it does, when it’s worth using, and when it’s not.
Table of contents
Table of contents
What is low power mode on smartphones
Low power mode is a feature that reduces your device’s energy consumption by limiting certain functions and background processes. On Android it’s called “battery saver” and on iOS it’s simply “low power mode.” The goal is clear: make your battery last longer.
When you activate it, your phone makes several automatic adjustments:
- Reduces screen brightness: One of the biggest battery drainers.
- Limits background updates: Apps stop updating automatically.
- Reduces processor frequency: The CPU runs at a lower speed.
- Disables visual effects: Animations and transitions are simplified.
- Limits connections: May reduce email and other app sync frequency.
- Turns off the screen sooner: Screen timeout is reduced.
I compare it to driving a car in eco mode: you still get to your destination, but the engine runs more relaxed and you consume less fuel.
Pro-tip: Don’t confuse low power mode with airplane mode. Airplane mode disables all connections, while low power mode only limits them. You still receive calls and messages in low power mode.
How to enable it on Android and iOS
On Android
The exact location varies by brand, but generally:
- Open Settings.
- Go to “Battery” or “Battery & performance.”
- Look for “Battery saver” or “Power saving mode.”
- Toggle it on.
On Samsung, for example, you can also swipe down the notification panel and tap the battery icon. On Xiaomi, it appears in the Security app’s battery center.
On iOS (iPhone)
- Open Settings.
- Go to “Battery.”
- Toggle on “Low Power Mode.”
You can also enable it quickly from Control Center by tapping the battery icon. When active, the battery bar turns yellow.
| Feature | Android | iOS |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Battery saver | Low Power Mode |
| Auto activation | Yes (usually at 15%) | Yes (at 20%) |
| Customizable | Yes (varies by brand) | Limited |
| Auto deactivation | At 100% charge | At 80% charge |
When you should enable low power mode
I’ve learned from experience when to turn it on and when not to. These are the scenarios where I think it’s worth it.
When battery is below 30%
This is the most obvious case. If you’re going to be away from a charger for hours and your battery is low, turn on low power mode. It’s better to have a functional phone with limited features than a dead one.
During a long trip
On a long flight or train ride of several hours, you don’t always have access to a power outlet. Enabling low power mode from the start ensures you arrive with enough battery for what you need.
When you need battery for something important
Imagine you have an important meeting in two hours and your battery is at 40%. Enabling low power mode ensures your phone won’t die in the middle of a video call.
Overnight if you don’t have a charger
If you’re sleeping away from home without a charger, enable low power mode before bed. It prevents background apps from draining your battery while you sleep.
Pro-tip: Some users keep low power mode on permanently because they don’t notice any difference in their daily use. It’s a valid strategy if you don’t need constant app updates.
When you shouldn’t enable it
It’s not always a good idea to use low power mode. There are situations where the savings don’t outweigh what you lose.
If you need real-time notifications
Low power mode delays or limits notifications. If you’re waiting for an important message, a verification code, or a work alert, you might not receive it in time.
If you’re using GPS or navigation
The reduced processor performance can affect GPS accuracy. If you’re using Google Maps or Waze to navigate, low power mode isn’t a good idea.
If you’re downloading large files
Background downloads are limited with low power mode. If you’re downloading a system update or a large game, disable it so the download doesn’t pause.
For gaming or intensive apps
While low power mode reduces consumption, it also reduces performance. Games may run worse and heavy apps may take longer to respond. It’s not worth it if your main use is gaming.
Does it actually extend battery life?
This is the million-dollar question. Based on my experience and tests I’ve seen across most brands:
- On an iPhone, low power mode can extend battery life between 1-3 hours depending on usage.
- On Android, the savings vary greatly by brand. Samsung and Xiaomi are quite aggressive and can gain up to 30% more autonomy.
- The real impact depends on your usage. If you already have few background apps, the savings will be smaller.
The numbers vary, but what I can tell you for sure is that it does make a visible difference, especially in the last battery percentages.
Extreme low power mode (ultra battery saver)
Some smartphones, especially Samsung and iPhone, have a more aggressive low power mode:
- Samsung (Extreme power saving mode): Limits the phone to only calls, messages, and a few apps. The screen turns black and white. Can last days with 5% battery.
- iPhone (lower power mode in iOS 16+): Similar, drastically reduces functions for emergencies.
I’ve used Samsung’s extreme mode and it’s impressive. With 5% battery you can keep the phone on for hours for calls and messages. It’s perfect for emergencies when you don’t have a charger available.
Low power mode myths debunked
There’s a lot of misinformation floating around about low power mode, and I want to set the record straight based on actual testing and what I know about how these systems work.
Myth: “Low power mode damages the battery.” This is completely false. Low power mode reduces the workload on your battery, which actually generates less heat and stress. Heat is the number one enemy of battery longevity, so using low power mode could theoretically extend your battery’s overall lifespan.
Myth: “You should never use it above 50% battery.” There’s no technical reason to avoid low power mode at any battery level. If you’re on a long flight and want maximum battery life, turn it on at 100% if you want to. The only downside is reduced functionality, not battery health.
Myth: “Low power mode makes your phone noticeably slower.” In my experience, the performance reduction is subtle for everyday tasks like messaging, browsing, and social media. You’d notice it in games or heavy apps, but for basic use, most people can’t tell the difference.
Myth: “It disables all notifications.” Not true. Low power mode reduces the frequency of background app refresh, which can delay notifications by a few minutes. But calls, SMS, and important notifications from apps like WhatsApp still come through. You won’t miss anything urgent.
Myth: “Keeping it on all the time is bad.” Many users run low power mode permanently and report no issues. If you don’t need real-time app updates, it’s a perfectly valid strategy. Some people even claim their phone runs cooler and smoother with it always on.
The bottom line: don’t be afraid to use low power mode whenever you feel like it. It’s a tool, not a medicine with side effects.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Does low power mode damage the battery?
Not at all. It has no negative effect on the battery. In fact, by reducing the workload, it might even extend the battery’s long-term lifespan.
Can I receive calls with low power mode on?
Absolutely. Low power mode doesn’t affect calls or SMS. What it limits are background updates and certain non-essential functions.
Does low power mode turn off automatically?
On most phones yes, when the battery reaches a certain level. On iOS it turns off at 80% and on Android at 100% (varies by brand).
Is it the same as dark mode?
No. Dark mode changes the visual interface to dark colors, which can save some battery on AMOLED screens. Low power mode affects processor performance, connections, and system functions.
Can I enable low power mode and airplane mode at the same time?
Yes, you can combine them. It’s a good strategy if you need to maximize battery as much as possible, for example during a long flight where you won’t use your phone.
Conclusion
Low power mode is a simple but effective tool that everyone should know about and use when the situation calls for it. It’s not magic, it doesn’t make a dead battery last forever, but it does give you those extra hours that can make the difference between getting home with a phone or without one.
My advice: learn how it works on your device, customize it to your needs if your brand allows it, and use it without fear when your battery drops below 30%. Your future self will thank you.