Long-lasting cell phones: Handsets with great battery life
Kent German
Senior editor August 16, 2011
Battery life is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a cell phone. No matter how flashy a handset may be and how many cool features it offers, it won't be worth much if the battery runs out too quickly.
Fortunately, CNET performs talk-time battery life tests on every handset that we review. Though manufacturers make promises about battery life, real-world testing is a much better guideline. Here is a selection of recent cell phones that lasted more than 7 hours in CNET's talk-time tests.
Leading the way are the Motorola Droid X2 for Verizon Wireless and the HTC Status for AT&T.; Both clocked in with 8 hours of battery life. Verizon also made the list with its durable Casio G'zOne Commando, which delivered 7.7 hours of juice. AT&T;'s LG Thrive, which is part of the budget-minded Optimus series, went 7.6 hours before needing a recharge, which is just a bit less than its prepaid counterpart, the LG Thrive. AT&T; also offers the higher-end Samsung Infuse 4G Android device. It lasted 7 hours. Finally, there's the Motorola Xprt from Sprint. The Android smartphone has enterprise-level security, a sliding keyboard, world roaming, and 7 hours of power.
| Product name | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $0.00 to $89.99 | $0.00 to $349.99 | $0.00 to $449.95 | $0.00 | $0.00 to $0.01 | $0.00 to $199.99 |
| CNET editors' rating | ||||||
| Average user rating | ||||||
| Release date | May 19, 2011 | May 15, 2011 | ||||
| The Bottom Line | The lack of 4G will be a turnoff for some, but the Motorola Droid X2's fast performance and good battery life make it one of Verizon's most solid Android phones. | The HTC Status offers stellar hardware and a fantastic Facebook experience, but it's hampered by a tiny landscape-oriented screen. | The Casio G'zOne Commando is absolutely the choice if you want a rugged Android smartphone, but you have to keep its various negatives in mind. | The LG Phoenix is a very affordable option for those seeking an entry-level Android smartphone on AT&T; Wireless. | The Samsung Infuse 4G disappoints in some areas, but it's still a very good Android smartphone for AT&T; customers as long as you're OK with the larger design. | Despite a few shortcomings, the Motorola XPRT is a great alternative to the BlackBerry because of its enterprise-level features and globe-trotting capabilities. |
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| Features | ||||||
| Cellular technology | CDMA2000 1X | Info unavailable | CDMA2000 1X | GSM / 3G | GSM / UMTS | CDMA2000 1X / GSM / WCDMA (UMTS) |
| Weight | 5.5 oz | 4.32 oz | 5.4 oz | 3.2 oz | 4.9 oz | 5.1 oz |
| Wireless Interface | Bluetooth 2.1 EDR IEEE 802.11b/g/n | Info unavailable | Bluetooth 2.1 EDR IEEE 802.11b/g/n | IEEE 802.11b/g Bluetooth 2.1 EDR | Bluetooth 2.1 EDR IEEE 802.11b/g/n | Bluetooth 2.1 EDR IEEE 802.11b/g/n |
| Service Provider | Verizon Wireless | AT&T | Verizon Wireless | AT&T | AT&T | Sprint Nextel |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications |
| Buying choices | | | | | | |
This is the same on internet: more and more difficulties to find the good answer by using the search engines. Too many pages, companies, websites...
John
Searchprobiz
Even though, "Fortunately, CNET performs talk time battery life tests on every handset that we review. " -- you still don't provide a way to easily compare those attributes. I'd appreciate it if you would.
Anyway, these aren't impressive battery numbers. And maybe my age is betraying me. Back in my day I could go 4 days or so without actually needing to charge certain phones. Even phones like the Touchpoint which was one of the original true "smart" phones could go 2 days on a single charge. In this era of "slim is in" we are losing the battery life that I expect, and it's gotten me to the point of being sick of it.
Miles
AND you would have the best phone in years!
My blackberry lasts easily for 2-3 days. I do not phone much and use it mostly for email and calendar, but also, for reading the newspapers in the morning at bed. Tried Palm but switched back to Blackberry after 3 days of drained battery.
If I upgrade, I'll probably wait for a service like Virgin's unlimited text, data and 200 minutes plan for $25. Right now, I have over 4,000 rollover minutes on ATT.
Don't mind me just having a laugh.
Iphone 3gs or 4 with Bluetooth and 3g enabled is drained in 1 business day WITHOUT making calls. Thats just how it is. My HTC Android is easily as bad or worse. On the otherhand my BB Torch will last two days of browsing, mail is auto as you'll know, and fairly high call use.
Some almost sensible folk do point out that switching off the iphone 3G and Bluetooth will make it last two days... Why would I want to do anything other than switch on and use a business phone??? Beats me maate. Facts are facts... you dont buy an iphone for battery life/full feature set.
I have to agree that upon purchase we should at least have the option of the Long Lasting Battery. I would pay a bit more to have a Long Lasting Battery included in my purchase of a new cell phone.