Two-part data question . . .

[kevins686]

1. Does WiFi consume less power than 3G/4G only when you're in a weak 3G/4G area, or are those power savings realized anytime you're on WiFi?

2. When you're on WiFi, is 3G/4G cut off completely, so that you're using no data, or are there always some data-intensive processes lurking in there somewhere?

 

[Sydman]

WIFI is better for battery than trying to search for and keep a 3G or 4G signal.

Also if you are on WIFI and your data is white then you are using just WIFI and not taking up any data so you are good there.

 

[BanditRider]

The WiFi radio uses less power than the 3G/4G Cellular Data radios.
But
If you don't turn off the Cellular Data and you're connected to WiFi, you're using more power than if you had WiFi off because both radios are on. if you see a 3G or 4G symbol then the cellular data radio is on and communicating to the towers nearby. Incoming or outgoing MMS only go over the cellular data radio, never WiFi.

I only have one SmartAction defined and that's to turn off Cellular Data when connected to any WiFi. This extends my battery life and assures I'm not using any plan data while I'm on WiFi. The only downside is, when my daughter sends me MMS pictures of my grand kids, I get the notification but I have to temporarily disable the smartaction to receive the picture.

So, if you don't turn off the Cellular Data while connected to WiFi, you're using more power than if you were just on 3G/4G alone.

 

[lowfatdog]

Seeing as there is a problem with wifi sucking the life out of my battery, I have not been using it. Today after reading this thread, I thought that makes sence, I turned on my wifi and this time I turned off my data. My battery power still dropped rapidly. in less than 3 hours with very minimum use I went from 50% TO 15%. I can normally last 2 days off of a charge, I had to charge after 1 day 6 hours. I purposely do not use wifi because after the upgrade I noticed it destroyed my battery life. The only thing I can link this battery drain to is when I have wifi on.

 

[aarong03]

Seeing as there is a problem with wifi sucking the life out of my battery, I have not been using it. Today after reading this thread, I thought that makes sence, I turned on my wifi and this time I turned off my data. My battery power still dropped rapidly. in less than 3 hours with very minimum use I went from 50% TO 15%. I can normally last 2 days off of a charge, I had to charge after 1 day 6 hours. I purposely do not use wifi because after the upgrade I noticed it destroyed my battery life. The only thing I can link this battery drain to is when I have wifi on.

Is your phone switching/searching for 4G signal? That will drain the battery also. Did you do a factory reset yet?

 

[lowfatdog]

Is your phone switching/searching for 4G signal? That will drain the battery also. Did you do a factory reset yet?

The data was turned off and I normally show 4G when it is turned on. I did a factory reset about 3 weeks ago. I'm not sure what else could be the culprit. wifi on is the only change I make and my battery life gets cut in half.