iPhone: How To Mimic Android’s ‘Battery Saver’ With Low Power Mode

The iPhone has offered a way to extend battery life for many years. Through a feature Apple calls Low Power Mode. However, it isn’t quite as full-featured as the Battery Saver that’s built into some Android phones. The idea is to limit some of the less critical activities and processes when battery life is running low. The good news is that there is a relatively easy way to expand the usefulness of Low Power Mode so it can switch on automatically or request permission from the user.

Apple gave the iPhone a Low Power Mode in the iOS 9 update, released in 2015. The phone might operate a bit slower in this mode, and background activities are restricted, meaning fetching email, automatic downloads of apps, music, books and iOS updates will be affected. In addition, the screen’s auto-lock will be temporarily changed to 30 seconds, LTE might be used instead of 5G and iCloud Photos updates will be paused. The benefit is increased battery life.

Apple sets up the iPhone to show an alert when the battery falls to 20-percent, providing an option to enter Low Power Mode. There are plenty of times when an alert or an automatic switch to a battery-saving at 40-percent battery capacity or even higher can make a big difference. This can be set up very quickly by using the Shortcuts app that’s pre-installed on an iPhone. After opening Shortcuts, tap the ‘Automation‘ tab at the bottom of the screen, then the plus-symbol in the upper-right corner.  A choice between ‘Personal‘ and ‘Home Automation’ will appear. The user will be able to select when the alert or automation happens by choosing ‘Personal,’ then scrolling down and tapping battery level. Tapping ‘Next, Add Action‘ will provide a search field to begin typing ‘Low Power Mode.’ Tapping ‘Set Low Power Mode,’ then ‘Next’ shows the toggle switch to ‘Ask Before Running.’ If this toggle is switched off, Low Power Mode will come on automatically without asking first.

Apple’s Low Power Mode Vs. Android Battery Saver

Android’s Power-saving mode varies by the manufacturer. However, the way the feature operates is similar to what Apple does with its Low Power Mode for the iPhone. Google’s low power option is called Battery Saver and comes with its Pixel phones, offering a much more advanced solution than Apple’s. For example, Battery Saver can be set to manual control, which means it remains off until switched on, similar to how an iPhone’s Low Power Mode works. Battery Saver includes an easy automated option to come on when Google’s AI feels that it’s appropriate, noticing the user’s patterns and lending a helping hand.

Google’s Battery Saver also has an automatic setting that can be triggered at a pre-set battery level, similar to the iPhone Shortcut described above. Finally, newer Pixel models also have Extreme Battery Saver that dramatically restricts app usage to stretch battery life by several hours. That isn’t the best phone experience, but it still beats having a dead battery. While the iPhone’s Low Power Mode helps somewhat and a 20-percent alert is helpful, the Shortcut Automation that can enable Low Power Mode at 40-percent or any given battery level will stretch battery life even longer.

Source: Apple 1, 2, 3

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Alan Truly
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Alan is a Tech Writer living in Nova Scotia, Canada. A tech-enthusiast since his youth, Alan stays current on what is new and what is next. With over 30 years experience in computer, video and photo equipment, you can expect useful tips and insights in his writing. Alan has a degree in programming, many years focused on design, editing, and animation. A period of managing logistics and e-commerce operations for a mobile accessories company rounds out a diverse background. Alan is a true jack of all digital trades in this ever-changing computer-enriched world. To stay flexible in mind and in body, he practices yoga, light cardio, and eats a whole food diet, based on minimally processed plants.

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