
Samsung Galaxy S25 battery tips — 4 things you should do for a longer-lasting phone
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the battery life king of Samsung devices, lasting longer than any Samsung phone we've ever put through our Tom's Guide battery test. The Galaxy S25 Plus is no slouch either, joining the Ultra on our best phone battery life list, and even the regular Galaxy S25 can hold out for a long time on our test.
But while the batteries on these phones may take a while to drain, they do run down. And when that happens, you may find yourself lamenting what you could have done to stretch things out further as you look for the nearest outlet to charge.
Fortunately, there are ways to stretch your S25's battery life even further — especially helpful if you're picking up a Galaxy S25 Edge, since that newly released device doesn't last as long on a charge as Samsung's other phones. I've done a few things to my phones settings that not only allow it to go longer in between charging sessions but also extend the life of its battery. The changes are all simple, straightforward and I'll show you how to do them.
Using all of the tips below can push the S25's battery life to two, maybe three days between charges. Admittedly, some of these suggestions can limit other Galaxy S25 capabilities, so you'll have to weigh battery life against specific functions. My advice is to pick and choose from among these battery extenders to balance your mobile lifestyle with your need for power.
The display of your Samsung phone is one of its standout features, particularly on larger models. But it's also one of the biggest power hogs on your phone, so screen settings should be your first stop in getting the most out of the phone's battery pack.
Go to the Display portion of the phone's Settings to adjust the S25's screen configuration to make it more power efficient. The S25's OLED screen delivers a lot of light, so I adjust the slider to set its brightness to about 50%. I can always raise it in a bright room. I stay away from the slider's full brightness pink zone that chews through the battery. I also turn off the Adaptive Brightness setting below that so the screen brightness won't automatically increase depending on the environment I'm in.
By the same token, the Extra brightness setting that gooses the brightness should also be off limits. It's OK to use when your phone is plugged in.
It can be annoying, but I suggest using a 30-second screen time-out so that the screen isn't wasting power when nobody's looking at it. Finish by changing Motion Smoothness from Adaptive, which can use 120 Hz refresh rate to Standard at 60 Hz, as faster refresh rates can put a hit on your phone's battery. Feel free to switch the adaptive rate back on when watching high-quality videos or playing graphically intense games.
Next stop — the Battery portion of the Galaxy S25's Settings so that you can make sure it's at peak efficiency. Some of its settings overlap with the Display's choices, providing two places to make the modifications.
Here, the Power Saving mode can yield lots of extra time and, happily, the interface shows a good, but not perfect, estimate of how long the phone will stay on with the changes. You can choose between tapping the Power saving switch to activate all six of its changes so the battery will last and last or flip them on or off individually. My favorite settings to adjust are using the Dark Mode and turning off the power-sucking Always On display.
I like the Limit CPU speed to 70% selection, which throttles the processor to save a lot of battery power. I hardly notice the change but I turn it off when I'm using the S25's AI features that need full-power processing.
The Maximum Power Saving entry at the bottom goes too far but can keep a phone running in a battery emergency by limiting background data flow, turning off the Edge panel and forcing the use of Dark mode. On the other hand, it essentially turns the Galaxy S25 Ultra superphone into the equivalent of an economy handset.
The Galaxy S25 has so many features and abilities that it's easy to forget about some, leaving them to drain the battery, whether you use them or not. Many can be turned off or limited to deliver extra battery time, such as GPS mapping. I often turn off the Location tasks in the Settings menu. It can be quickly turned back on when I get lost.
My phone has 8GB memory, and turning off RAM Plus, which extends the phone's memory by using its storage chips as virtual RAM, does really affect performance. The RAM Plus switch is in the Memory portion of the Device care section. After the phone restarts, RAM Plus isn't draining the battery.
While there, it's a good idea to tap the Clean Now link to refresh the phone's memory. It may not add many minutes to the phone's battery life but it will make it run better.
Squeezing extra time out of the Galaxy S25's battery runs the risk of wearing out its cells. The S25's Battery settings can help with three Battery Protection modes that limit overcharging to extend the battery's lifespan.
To strike a delicate balance between always having a full charge — or nearly so — and the battery having a long life expectancy, you'll probably need to engage in some trial and error. But it's worth getting right in order to have a constantly connected digital companion that lasts for years and years.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Android Authority
3 hours ago
- Android Authority
I still keep a 6-year-old Android 10 phone in my back pocket — here's why
Andy Walker / Android Authority I've been feeling quite nostalgic lately, especially for old camera phones. Last month, I praised the Nokia 9 PureView for its unique camera setup that makes every shot an adventure. I've also revisited the LG G4, a phone that sparked my love for photography. However, there's one more older Android camera phone I still carry around whenever possible. In its prime, the HUAWEI P30 Pro was the best Android phone money could buy. Sure, that's just my opinion, but plenty of evidence supports it. It was durable and relatively compact compared to today's phones. It had simple yet attractive styling, fast performance, and excellent battery life. After five years as my loyal daily driver, its age started showing. The battery health was declining, and I received its last update in mid-2023. It's still stuck on Android 10, and there is no hope of new software versions or security upgrades. How important is smartphone camera zoom performance to you? 0 votes I only consider phones with great zoom performance. NaN % It's pretty high up my priority list. NaN % It's not that important to me. NaN % I don't care if a phone doesn't have a zoom camera. NaN % Andy Walker / Android Authority I had to upgrade, albeit reluctantly. The phone to fill that void was the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. Our review of the 2024 Fan Edition phone was positive, and my experience has been equally solid. Despite the poor battery life, mediocre display, and heavy footprint, it's a capable upgrade that will be supported for years. I also have a Pixel 8, which I love for its small size and swift operation. Importantly, both devices are capable pocket cameras in their own right. I've had endless fun capturing street scenes and landscapes with the Pixel 8, while the Galaxy excels as a point-and-shoot portrait camera for family and friends. However, both phones lag behind the P30 Pro in one important aspect: zoom. A periscope camera that's as good as ever It may be half a decade older than the Samsung and Google phones I replaced it with, but the HUAWEI still outperforms both, grabbing objects much farther away and bringing them even closer to me. On paper, the 8MP 5x optical and 50x digital periscope lens seems modest and outdated, but I miss it dearly when the phone isn't within reach. This feeling was particularly evident during a recent road trip. I usually toss a few phones in my bag before heading off on adventures, and this time I brought the Galaxy, Pixel, and PureView along. After much of the visit was spent capturing ground-level subjects, I turned my view to the top of a building where a raptor was perched. I grabbed the Samsung — the only phone with a dedicated zoom lens — and zoomed. Despite its 3x optical and 30x digital zoom, the phone couldn't bring me close enough to my avian subject. It soon flew off, and I regretted leaving the P30 Pro at home. It may be half a decade older than the Samsung and Google phones I replaced it with, but the P30 Pro still out-zooms both. Spending less time with the P30 Pro has made me realize how vital periscope capabilities are for me on a smartphone, and not just for photography. Capturing tighter shots of distant, unapproachable fauna or flora increases the likelihood of getting an accurate hit in a bird or plant identification app. Using Lens or Circle to Search to identify other items is easier too when used via Google Photos on my primary phone. Longer zoom offers more utility, which is indispensable for my phone usage habits. Ryan-Thomas Shaw / Android Authority I've since learned my lesson. I keep the P30 Pro with me just in case I need it. Despite its age, it still works great as a backup phone, despite its growing issues. I haven't reset it, so all my apps and files are still stored safely on it. Its 256GB storage bank also comes in handy for offline file storage. Nevertheless, my recent experiences without the phone have taught me two valuable lessons. First, I can't imagine buying a phone in the future without a capable zoom lens. Sure, I could and probably should use my 70-300mm zoom lens on my D3400 more often, but I don't always have the comparatively bulky DSLR camera with me. Convenience comes at a price. Secondly, older hardware often surpasses modern innovation. The P30 Pro is proof of that. I wouldn't have considered upgrading if the phone still received regular updates. Now that it's no longer my daily driver, I don't care if it's running an older version of Android. But, thanks to its stellar reach, it more than earns its place among my current devices.


CNET
5 hours ago
- CNET
Apple's MagSafe Charging Explained: Qi2, Faster Charging and Android Compatibility
Apple's MagSafe for phones has evolved quite a bit since its debut on the 2020 iPhone 12 line, bringing magnetic wireless charging from the iPhone to the AirPods. Since Apple's MagSafe is compatible with the Qi2 wireless charging standard and has proven popular, we're starting to see Samsung, Google and OnePlus provide support for similar magnetic accessories. Even better, these wireless charging accessories are cheaper now than when MagSafe debuted, with companies such as Anker and Belkin making Qi2 magnetic charging pads and stands that support 15-watt speeds without Apple's certification and approval. But if you get a new iPhone 16 and use it with one of Apple's MagSafe chargers and a 30-watt power adapter, you can get even faster 25-watt charging speeds. Read more: iPhone 16: What We Know About the Release Date, Leaks and More But it's not just about charging. Apple's MagSafe for iPhone allows for all sorts of magnetic cases, wallets, stands, grips and other accessories that can be quickly attached to the back of an iPhone using built-in magnets. This has led to an assortment of accessories -- some officially licensed by Apple and others that are simply magnetic -- that take advantage of the feature to provide plenty of customizable options. So, as MagSafe grows, and hopefully starts coming to non-iPhone devices as the Qi2 standard, let's decipher what Apple's MagSafe for iPhone exactly is and how to tell the difference between that, nonmagnetic Qi2 chargers and accessories that simply magnetically attach to your phone. David Carnoy/CNET Watch this: iPhone Features You Need to Try On Your Next Trip 07:29 What is MagSafe for iPhone? Apple's MagSafe for iPhone standard refers to both a series of magnets that have been installed in most new iPhone models since 2020 -- outside of the iPhone SE and iPhone 16E -- and a wireless charging standard that can recharge an iPhone faster than the original Qi standard. Apple's MagSafe allows for accessories that can be attached to an iPhone using magnets. These include MagSafe phone cases, wallets, mounts, grips, chargers, stands and many other options. Before the launch of the Qi2 standard, Apple's MagSafe wireless charger was also the only way to get faster 15-watt wireless charging to work on an iPhone, with Apple citing that the magnets allowed a secure fit to help hit those speeds. Now, Qi2 chargers provide the same 15-watt speeds for earlier iPhone models, while the iPhone 16 series can hit 25 watts over Apple's MagSafe chargers when used with a 30-watt adapter. When using a standard Qi charger, the iPhone caps the rate at half that speed, offering 7.5-watt wireless charging. The Belkin Boost Charge Pro 3-in-1 Qi2 charger David Carnoy/CNET What is Qi2 charging, and how is it different from MagSafe? Qi2 is an open standard and iterates on top of the prior Qi wireless charging standard while incorporating elements of Apple's MagSafe standard. This includes both magnetic compatibility and a 15-watt wireless charging speed, meaning that any phone that supports Qi2 could potentially support magnetic accessories along with faster wireless charging. As of right now, however, the only Android phone that natively supports Qi2 is the HMD Skyline, but there are already several companies making Qi2 accessories that work across both the Skyline and Apple's iPhone. For its new Galaxy S25 phones, Samsung is now selling first-party cases that are "Qi2 Ready" -- meaning that the cases include the magnets needed to support magnetic accessories. OnePlus is selling a similar magnetic case for its OnePlus 13, and Google's so far announced that it will provide support for the Qi2 standard by contributing toward its development. While Google isn't making magnetic cases for the Pixel 9 line, the company is selling such cases made by other accessory makers on its website. Apple has also updated all of its MagSafe-compatible iPhones to support Qi2, meaning that if you buy a Qi2 wireless charger, it should support faster 15-watt wireless charging. Plus, Qi2 phones that include magnets should support the plethora of magnetic accessories that were first released with MagSafe in mind, likely bringing compatibility to docks, mounts, grips and wallet accessories. Some of these Qi2 accessories are also slightly cheaper than MagSafe-certified accessories, which require certification by Apple in order to get the MagSafe branding. Belkin's iPhone mount attaches with MagSafe. David Carnoy/CNET Which MagSafe accessories can I use? With the launch of Qi2, there are now several different types of magnetic accessories that could work with your phone. This can get a bit confusing, but if you buy a magnetic phone accessory and your phone supports either MagSafe or Qi2, it should attach and function to varying degrees. If you buy a MagSafe or Qi2-certified wireless charger, you should be able to use it to get the maximum 15-watt wireless charging speed when you've attached it to your phone. This includes charging docks and stands which also include MagSafe or Qi2 branding. If you have an iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro, you can get faster 25-watt charging using a MagSafe charger that's connected to a 30-watt or faster power adapter. If you buy a magnetic wireless charger that does not specify whether it's MagSafe or Qi2-certified, that likely means that while the charger will attach to your phone, it will probably charge at the original Qi standard that is limited to a 7.5-watt speed when using it with an iPhone. Results could vary when using one with an Android phone, since some phones do support 15-watt wireless charging over the prior Qi standard. And if you're buying a noncharging magnetic accessory -- like a wallet or a dock for using your phone as a webcam -- that accessory will likely work with any MagSafe-compatible phone regardless of its branding. These accessories are created with the magnets inside the phone in mind and will largely attach regardless of their certification. However, I have noticed -- in my own personal experience -- that the strength of the magnets can vary between accessory-makers. If you're buying a magnetic grip, for example, test it out a bit after buying to make sure it fits your needs like you would a pair of shoes, and don't destroy the box in case you decide to return it. Patrick Holland/CNET Which iPhones are compatible with MagSafe? Every iPhone that's been released since 2020 -- barring the iPhone SE line -- is compatible with MagSafe and the Qi2 standard. This includes the iPhone 12 line and later. The iPhone 11 is not compatible with MagSafe, but it does work with the original Qi wireless standard for charging. It just won't be as fast nor involve magnets. The HMD Skyline is one of the first Android phones with Qi2 support, including the ability to use magnetic attachments. HMD/Viva Tung/CNET Which Android phones are compatible with MagSafe or Qi2 wireless charging? The HMD Skyline is the first Android phone to support the Qi2 wireless standard, with integrated magnets for attaching magnetic accessories. Outside of that device though, you can often add a "MagSafe-like" experience to an Android phone using magnetic cases that some accessory-makers create. As mentioned earlier, Samsung and OnePlus are starting to provide first-party support with magnetic cases, but there are often third-party options for adding magnets to phones that support wireless charging. Your success may vary greatly with these options, since you'd be using MagSafe or Qi2 accessories with phones that don't officially support it. Again, you should treat it like a pair of shoes and be prepared to return it if it doesn't work for you. The AirPods 3 feature wireless charging with MagSafe. Apple Can I charge my Apple Watch or AirPods over MagSafe charging? The Apple Watch does not support MagSafe charging: It uses a different type of magnetic wireless charger to refill its battery. Apple's AirPods are much more flexible, however, as depending on the model, you might be able to recharge with either an Apple Watch charger or a MagSafe-compatible wireless charger. All AirPods Pro cases support Qi wireless charging using a MagSafe charger or a standard Qi wireless charger. This also extends to the second- and third-generation standard AirPods cases. The new AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation and the AirPods Pro 2 both include Qi/MagSafe wireless charging and can use an Apple Watch charger. The standard AirPods 4, however, lack wireless charging and instead only use wired USB-C charging. Dan Ackerman/CNET What about MagSafe on Apple's MacBook laptops? MagSafe on Apple's MacBook line is separate from the line of MagSafe accessories for the iPhone. These proprietary laptop chargers -- which briefly went into retirement when the MacBook line adopted USB-C charging -- attach quickly to compatible MacBook laptops using a magnet and can easily detach in the event the cord is accidentally pulled from the laptop. This is particularly suitable for anyone who has a tendency to trip over power cords. Should your MacBook include both a MagSafe port and USB-C ports, you can choose either method for recharging your laptop. Just don't try to slap an iPhone's MagSafe charger against the computer, as that will do nothing.


Forbes
8 hours ago
- Forbes
JBL Begins Shipping New Flip 7 And Charge 6 Bluetooth Speaker Updates
The JBL Charge 6 Bluetooth speaker has been updated with new drivers as well as Bluetooth 5.4 with ... More Auracast support. The speaker also has an IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating. Competition in the world of portable Bluetooth speakers is brutal. With so many brands are fighting for a slice of this competitive market the quality and value can vary a lot. Every year or two, one of the biggest and best-known names in the industry continues updating its products and the customers keep coming back for more as the quality goes up as prices hold or even fall. That Bluetooth speaker brand with probably the most loyal following is JBL. The company consistently scores well with its customer base and despite being at the upper end of the market, JBL continues updating the hugely popular Flip and Charge models and the latest updates are here with the Flip 7 and Charge 6. JBL is a part of the Harman International portfolio of brands which is, itself, a subsidiary of Korean electronics giant Samsung. For the past decade, JBL has built itself a solid reputation with its regular speaker updates and color refreshes. Each new generation of the speakers comes with a few new features and a more refined sound that keeps the customers coming back for more. The JBL Flip 7 Bluetooth speaker is available in Purple as well as Black, Blue, Pink, Purple, Red, ... More Camo and White colorways. The latest version of the Charge 6 and Flip 7 speakers were announced back in March and they are now shipping in volume. Both models have been tweaked to deliver a bigger and more reliable sound plus there are waterproof ratings which make the speakers ideal for pool parties and days at the beach. New AI Sound The two new updates now feature AI Sound Boost, a proprietary technology that analyzes the sound waves of music in real-time and optimizes the speaker drivers to play the music loud and without distortion. AI Sound gives this latest generation of the speakers extra functionality changing where and how we listen to music. Carsten Olesen is President of Consumer Audio at Harman. He says: 'With the addition of Flip 7 and Charge 6, JBL is not just launching new products, we're immersing ourselves in the heart of cultural moments with our presence at SXSW.' 'Designed to tap into the limitless places listeners go to experience incredible sound, the introduction of AI Sound Boost highlights our dedication to delivering dynamic solutions that shape the soundtrack of consumers' lives,' he adds. With the JBL Flip 7 you get to choose whether you want to use finger loop strap or a carabiner clip. ... More So, whether you are sunbathing in the backyard or out hiking, the new JBL Flip 7 is ready for action thanks to an ingenious clip-on finger loop that can swapped over with a carabiner hook enabling the speaker to be hung from the branch of a tree or almost anything else, making it an suitable speaker for camping, DIY or sports. Thanks to that new AI Sound Boost, the Flip 7 has a powerful bass response that won't distort, even when the volume levels are cranked up. The compact and cylindrical shape of the Flip 7 hides an upgraded dome tweeter that serves up a sweeter treble. The result, says JBL, is a clearer and crisper sound even when at louder settings. Not only is the Flip 7 even more portable thanks to the new finger loop and carabiner, but it has an IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating that removes most of the limits of where the speaker can go or be used. This is a Bluetooth speaker that's as much at home by the pool as it is at the beach. The Flip 7 from JBL is a punchy speaker considering its compact size. Thanks to Playtime Boost, the JBL Flip 7 also features improved battery life and can play for up to 16 hours on a single charge. The speaker uses Bluetooth version 5.4 and supports Auracast broadcasting technology. The Flip 7 can be paired with other Auracast-enabled speakers two form a stereo pair or a multi-speaker setup for an ensemble performance with an even bigger sound. Auracast can also pick up braodcasts from other Auracast enabled devices like TVs or PA systems. Another useful feature is the Flip 7's ability to connect to a computer or smartphone via a USB cable. This means the Flip 7 can now play hi-res audio files streamed from a computer via USB, so it can be used for presentations as well as for streaming hi-res music from services like TIDAL or Qobuz. The compact Flip 7 is just the right size for use as a travel speaker because it is small enough to fit in a carry-on bag but loud enough to fill a the average hotel room with high-quality sound. Even with the volume turned up, there's little or no distortion and the treble and bass levels automatically adapt depending on volume levels. JBL Charge 6 can be used with a carry handle or a wrist strap. JBL Charge 6 Launching at the same times as the Flip. 7 is the latest version of the JBL Charge. Now renumbered as the Charge 6, this slightly larger Bluetooth speaker has proved itseld as a firm favorite with JBL's customers for some time now. The Charge 6 has a detachable carrying handle that can easily be turned into a wrist strap, making the Charge 6 even more convenient for taking to the beach or out into the back yard. Like the Flip 7, the Charge 6 also features AI Sound Boost for lower distortion sound at louder volume levels. JBL has also upgraded the woofer inside the speaker so it now delivers a deeper and stronger bass than its predecessor. Thanks to Bluetooth 5.4, the Charge 6 also supports Auracast, making it possible to sync with other Auracast speakers to create a stereo pair or series of linked speakers. The Charge 6 can also work as a power bank. Simply plug in your smartphone to the USB-C port and ... More enjoy a top-up anywhere. A full charge of the Charge 6's large battery provides an impressive 28 hours of listening time thanks to the addition of Playtime Boost. Because the battery is so large, the Charge 6 can also be used as a power bank for topping up other devices such as a smartphone. Although the JBL Charge 6 is a larger than its Flip 7 sibling, it does produce a bigger sound and the larger battery can go longer between charges, making it a handy party speaker and power bank for that summer barbecue at the beach or party by the pool. Thanks to the IP68 rating, the Charge 6 can shrug off water, sweat, dust and sand, making it robust enough to be used almost anywhere, even in British summer rain. The JBL Flip 7 Bluetooth speaker is available from Amazon and other retail outlets in a choice of Black, Blue, Pink, Purple, Red, Camo and White colors. The Flip 7 is priced at $149 / £129. The new JBL Charge 6 is also available from Amazon and other retail outlets. It's available in Black, Blue, Pink, Purple, Red, Camo and White colors. The JBL Charge 6 is priced at $199.95 / £169. JBL Flip 7 JBL Charge 6.