Always On Display: battery hog or smart innovation?
Always On Display on your iPhone. Handy for quick info checks. Disastrous for your battery. At least, that's what everyone thinks. Apple only introduced this feature with the iPhone 14 Pro—years after Android launched it. Yet, the late introduction proves to be a smart move. Apple perfected what others have been trying for years: an always-on display that doesn't drain your battery.
The secret? The new OLED technology only activates the necessary pixels. The rest simply stay off. Result: you see your notifications without touching your refurbished iPhone , while your battery barely notices the feature is active. In fact, with the right accessories , like a wireless charger on your desk, you won't even notice the difference. But there's a catch that no one tells you.
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What exactly is Always On Display?
The Always On Display feature transforms your locked iPhone into an always-visible information center. The screen continuously displays essential information like the time, date, widgets, and notifications, without you having to touch the device. This technology, available exclusively with the iPhone 14 Pro, uses an advanced LTPO OLED screen that can reduce the refresh rate to just 1Hz.
The difference with traditional screens is significant. While normal displays shut down completely in standby mode, this screen remains selectively active. Only the necessary pixels light up, while black areas remain completely disabled. This smart approach prevents unnecessary battery consumption.
Battery consumption: myth vs. reality
Many users worry that an always-on screen will drain the battery. However, tests show that the additional consumption is limited to about 5-10% per day. This minimal difference is due to various energy-saving techniques:
Smart brightness adjustment
The display automatically adjusts its brightness based on ambient light. In a dark room, the screen dims significantly, while in bright sunlight it remains just bright enough to be readable. This dynamic adjustment is fully automatic via the light sensor.
Motion detection
When your phone is in your pocket or bag, the proximity sensor detects this and turns the display off completely. The function is also automatically deactivated when the device is placed face down. This intelligent detection prevents unnecessary power consumption in situations where you can't see the screen.
Personalization options for your work style
The feature offers several customization options, which you can find under Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On. Here you can determine which information remains visible:
- Background : Choose whether your lock screen picture remains visible or fades out
- Notifications : Select which apps can show notifications
- Widgets : Customize widgets for quick access to information
- Focus mode : Link the display to different focus modes
For nighttime hours, you can set the function to automatically turn off using sleep schedules. This prevents disturbing light in the bedroom while still keeping the alarm active.
Comparison with Android alternatives
Android devices have offered similar features for years, but Apple's implementation differs in a few ways. Samsung's Always On Display, for example, uses more battery due to its higher refresh rates. OnePlus offers fewer customization options, while Google's Pixel phones don't support widgets on the lock screen.
The iPhone version combines the best of both worlds: extensive personalization, minimal battery consumption, and seamless integration with the iOS ecosystem. The difference lies in the details, such as the smooth transition when you pick up the device.
Practical use scenarios
The function proves its value especially in everyday situations:
At the office
Place your phone next to your computer to see incoming messages instantly without constantly unlocking the screen. Combine this with a wireless charger for unlimited use without battery worries.
While exercising
Check your training data via fitness widgets without interrupting your workout. The pedometer and activity rings remain visible for quick progress checks.
At night
Use the device as a desk clock with automatic brightness adjustment. Night mode provides a reddish tint that's less distracting in the dark.
Tips for optimal use
Maximize the benefits with these practical tips:
- Select relevant widgets : only choose widgets that you actually consult regularly
- Limit notifications : Turn off unnecessary app notifications for a cleaner screen.
- Use dark backgrounds : Black pixels consume no energy on OLED screens
- Activate focus modes : Link different views to work, personal or sleep focus
- Battery Impact Test : Monitor the difference in your specific usage situation via battery settings
Conclusion for daily use
The Always On Display feature on iPhone offers a thoughtful balance between functionality and power management. The minimal battery consumption is more than offset by the convenience of instantly accessible information. For professionals who receive a lot of notifications or sports enthusiasts monitoring their performance, this feature adds substantial value to the daily iPhone experience.
Conclusion: less catch, more benefit
So, it turns out that Always On Display isn't a battery hog, but a thoughtful feature that Apple has cleverly implemented. The extra 5-10% battery life doesn't outweigh the convenience of having information readily available. Whether you have a refurbished iPhone 14 Pro or a newer model, the feature adapts seamlessly to your usage.
From office workers monitoring notifications to athletes tracking their performance, everyone benefits from the smart personalization options. The catch? That turns out to be mostly a myth from the Android era.
