crappy battery after OTA

[Scubamike]

Batttery life...

I still do not agree with other posters who claim that Froyo simply manages memory less efficiently or that we are so enamored with all the new features that we aren't even aware that the phone is getting used twice as much. Froyo brags about increased speed and battery life, which proved to be the case on my Droid X.

I've asked a few of my friends and co-workers who also have a Fascinate what their experience has been. Only one of them has actually installed 2.2.1. His immediate experience included a DRAMATIC loss in battery life, much like my wife's phone and others in this thread. His daughter has the same phone with 2.1 still installed and will (or would) outlast his Fascinate by about 50% on any given day.

I am please to report that the battery life of my wife's Fascinate seems to have almost corrected itself, which my friend has also experienced on his Fascinate. It took over a week for the improvement to become apparent, but, for now, the battery life is satisfactory. It isn't quite what it was before the update, certainly not what I expected it would become after the update, but it is definitely better than what it was immediately after the update.

 

[ejcrossl]

Is anyone experiencing freezing after the update? My wifes phone was working fine before she updated it, now it freezes to the point where a battery pull is the only option. This is occurring about 4-5 times a day.

 

[ooklathemoc]

10. Recalibrate your battery
- Let it completely die, take out of phone, press/hold "power" button for 1 minute.
- Plug into charger and charge completely while powered OFF.
- After it states full, take out battery and press and hold "power" button for a few seconds.
- Put battery back in and "bump up" charge until it says full. It should only need a few more minutes to get to full 100%.
- Turn on phone and dial *228

I'm going by memory here but you can search for recalibration tips that do help reset batteries. It helped me.

Good luck!

Just to clarify, is the first step "press/hold power button with the phone off," done with no battery, and the phone not on the charger or on charger?
Thank you.

 

[ooklathemoc]

I wanted to separate my posts so as not to be confusing. But here is my experience.

Since I did 2.2 OTA this weekend my battery life has DRAMATICALLY decreased. Normally, I would turn the phone on around 6:30 am after charging overnight. Some browsing while I have breakfast, then some email checking during work and surfing again at lunch. No talk, usually. I'd have...roughly 50% when I got home, and would usually use it 'till low battery on then plug it in to charge and go to bed.

With Froyo, since Monday, my battery would die between 3:00 to 4:00 pm. without exception. I have NOT been using the phone more, matter of fact I was annoyed with some of the update changes and might have used it a little less. (it seems to be running smoother lately but that's another thread) I have NOT changed ANY of my apps. My phone is stock, not rooted, I am running no additional battery saver or app managers.

I was leaving mobile data on, which I will turn off, I do leave wifi (assuming since I have it set to shut off/with screen off it'd be no problem) and auto rotate on. I did already ditch all the extra home screens, I did the battery pull and *228 but am hesitant to factory reset.

Just throwing my hat in the ring here.
Thanks to all for the advice!

 

[Jenaht]

To ooklathemoc
In response to your first question - YES while powered off and battery is not in the phone.

In terms of overall improvement for your battery life AFTER the froyo update, you MUST do the factory reset to truly regain what you have lost. If you've read through this thread and others, I'm hoping you'll be convinced. This is a MAJOR update - like going from Windows Vista to Windows 7, etc. I did it - it isn't painful. It's only a little time consuming getting apps back on the phone that you want.

I'm copying and pasting from my own posts in an effort to help out = see below.

BEFORE YOU DO THE REST, BACKUP YOUR APPS.
I used Astro File Manager which is a free program from the Market. It has backup to SD card function. There are a few apps that come recommended; that is how I decided upon Astro File Manager. You may find something you'd like to try instead.

THE RESET
I didn't do the hardware reset, I used the Factory Reset that is located within the Samsung Menu/Settings/Privacy/Data Factory Reset.
Here is a link for how to reset (both options): How to hard reset the Samsung Fascinate - Know Your Cell

After the reset is done, you will be asked to sign back into your Google Account and set up your sync accounts etc (like when you first got the phone). This should bring your contacts back onto the phone. Your SD Card will be untouched and you won't lose the Froyo update that was installed.

After that is done go to the Market and re-download your app of choice for the backup. Use that app to restore the apps you backed up. Please note that while they are on the phone, I noticed that when I logged into the Market they didn't show as being on my phone. I just clicked reinstall and then they were "synced" in that way. Also, when you go back into those apps, you will probably have to re-set them up/sign in.

So of course, this begs the question of whether or not you really want to take the time to backup if you have to reinstall them anyway! I found that in fact I didn't reinstall as many apps as I'd had before. It reminds of when I do a fresh install on my PC; it runs cleaner and smoother, and I don't clog it up with as much stuff from the get-go. I've learned what I like and don't like.

I hope this helps. I would highly recommend reading around a bit to make sure you're comfortable with the process. In truth, it's really VERY simple and easy to do. It just takes a little time reconfiguring your phone to your preferences afterwards. But aren't we always tweaking with the phones anyway?!"

---------------
AFTER RESET
I would still suggest the following:
1. Turn off MOBILE DATA unless using it.
2. Turn off AUTO ROTATION unless really need it.
3. Use a BLACK WALLPAPER (or the black wallpaper app)
4. Some suggest turning off screen locker (I use one)
5. I use Juice Defender Ultimate to manage my wifi and mobile data - on sched 30 min intervals (to check emails). Connection is off rest of the time unless I activate it. Scheduled NO DATA at night so I can leave phone on for alarms in the morning. This program also allows me to have data off when my screen is on unless I activate it. I LOVE JUICE DEFENDER ULTIMATE
6. I also Autokiller Memory Optimizer in conjunction with Juice Defender and Juice Plotter. I just have the Autokiller on it's default as my phone is not rooted.
7. I don't have Facebook syncing in background - I manually check. I don't have my contacts syncing after the first initial add to my phone book.
8. Use only one homescreen.
9. Keep widget use to a minimum.
AND...
10. Recalibrate your battery
- Let it completely die, take out of phone, press/hold "power" button for 1 minute.
- Plug into charger and charge completely while powered OFF.
- After it states full, take out battery and press and hold "power" button for a few seconds.
- Put battery back in and "bump up" charge until it says full. It should only need a few more minutes to get to full 100%.
- Turn on phone and dial *228

I'm going by memory here but you can search for recalibration tips that do help reset batteries. It helped me.
--------------
I hope the above helps you. But really, doing the reset is the only way I think you're going to get your phone to work better.

Lastly I also recommend using Go Launcher EX - it is faster and more efficient than the TouchWiz launcher for the phone.

PLEASE NOTE THAT MY PHONE IS NOT ROOTED. COMPLETELY STOCK.

 

[ooklathemoc]

Ok, that's excellent info and I will probably do that over the weekend. I have a couple paid apps (Isyncr) that I don't want to lose but again, all the data there is already on my card. Like you said, there's probably some apps I'll ditch in the process...

Thanks again for the step by step. I will keep everyone posted on my results just to keep the data flowing.
Cheers!
Dave

 

[Jenaht]

Ok, that's excellent info and I will probably do that over the weekend. I have a couple paid apps (Isyncr) that I don't want to lose but again, all the data there is already on my card. Like you said, there's probably some apps I'll ditch in the process...

Thanks again for the step by step. I will keep everyone posted on my results just to keep the data flowing.
Cheers!
Dave

Good luck. Remember if you've paid for the apps, it will show in the market as purchased. You'll just have to reinstall.

 

[ooklathemoc]

Good luck. Remember if you've paid for the apps, it will show in the market as purchased. You'll just have to reinstall.

Ok. I shut off mobile data, did the battery reset/bump up charge thing last night and...monkey spit. Died around 4:30. Crud.

Ok, I am doing the factory reset as of right...now. Just remembered lost wifi passwords, if anyone else does this. Oops. The phone had been saving all my photos and video to my card anway, so not too much for Astro to do.

It may be after the weekend that I go back to normal usage and can report back accurate battery life. Crossing my fingers that this works!
In the immortal words, "Obi-wan, you're my only hope."
Cheers, all!
Dave

 

[UltimateLionzFan]

I had issues with the battery too, but after battery recalibration it seems to finally be back to pre-FROYO...BUT...I do NOT keep wifi on. If I want wifi, I'll turn it on, update my apps, then turn it off. Even if in power save mode, if wifi is on it will kill your battery. I use widgets, have launcher pro with 5 screens, etc, and it's still fine, but keep that wifi off unless you specifically need it on or it won't last. I would have it fully charged, go to work (sitting in powersave for 8 hours), come out and it was down to like 30%! Trust me, that wifi is the killer!

 

[ooklathemoc]

I had issues with the battery too, but after battery recalibration it seems to finally be back to pre-FROYO...BUT...I do NOT keep wifi on. If I want wifi, I'll turn it on, update my apps, then turn it off. Even if in power save mode, if wifi is on it will kill your battery. I use widgets, have launcher pro with 5 screens, etc, and it's still fine, but keep that wifi off unless you specifically need it on or it won't last. I would have it fully charged, go to work (sitting in powersave for 8 hours), come out and it was down to like 30%! Trust me, that wifi is the killer!

I agree, the wifi is a battery hog. But I have the oddball 15.00 limited data plan (it's a long story) and I use it on wifi more often.

First I want to use it as normal and see if the problem is resolved. Then, since 2.2 does have that nifty new pulldown, I can play with settings and see if I can extend my battery life a little further.

Again, good info and thanks all!

 

[cheryl44]

I have the same problem with my fascinate to

Sent from my SCH-I500 using DroidForums

 

[ooklathemoc]

Well the results are in and...my battery is now officially badass. I was even harder on use yesterday and the battery held up like a champ into the night. I am impressed!

Thanks again for all the help gang!

 

[Falseblue22]

I'm having a lot of issues since the new update. My battery drained 3 times yesterday and I was barely using it. I've also noticed that my applications are force-closing a lot more.

 

[Jenaht]

Well the results are in and...my battery is now officially badass. I was even harder on use yesterday and the battery held up like a champ into the night. I am impressed!

Thanks again for all the help gang!

That is awesome! Today my battery took so beating but it was to be expected due to photos, videos and google maps!

Very happy we were able to help

Sent from my SCH-I500 using DroidForums

 

[Jenaht]

Time to read thru this thread and follow suggestions to reclaim!

Sent from my SCH-I500 using DroidForums