The Best Practices for Maximizing Smartphone Efficiency
In the fast-paced world of technology, smartphones have become an essential part of our daily lives. Having tested numerous models over the past year, here are my top three tips for ensuring your device remains in optimal condition.
Enhancing Your Smartphone's Speed
If you're looking to boost the speed of your Android phone, a simple tweak is to adjust the animation and transition speeds. By enabling Developer Options—a feature usually intended for developers—you can access this handy setting.
To activate Developer Options, navigate to your phone's "About" section in the settings. Look for the "Build Number" and tap it seven times. A notification should confirm that Developer Options are now enabled. Within this new menu, you can find and adjust the "Windows," "Transition," and "Animator duration scale" from the default 1x to .5x, effectively doubling the animation speed.
Maintaining Optimal Battery Health
It's crucial to manage your phone's battery life to prolong its lifespan. Aim to charge your device between 20% and 80% and avoid letting it completely discharge or fully charge to 100%. Such extremes can generate heat that degrades the battery's capacity over time. This principle is why it's inadvisable to charge your phone overnight or leave it connected for lengthy periods.
After one or two years of use, consider replacing your phone's battery to restore its functionality. You'll likely notice a significant improvement in performance.
Keeping Your Device Clean and Protected
Unless you're covered by a repair plan like Apple Care, investing in a protective case and tempered glass screen protector is a wise decision. These accessories not only guard against accidental drops but also minimize the risk of scratches, scuffs, and potential water damage. For devices with an IP68 rating, this means they can resist dust and can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes.
Regular cleaning is also important. Use an alcohol wipe to sanitize your phone periodically. Given how frequently you touch your device, it is as susceptible to germs as your hands. Don't forget to keep it clean.