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irthy

macrumors member
Original poster
Dec 10, 2009
85
0
So i'm just trying to get a clear understanding of Edge. It's an alternative to 3G. So if i have good 3G coverage should i turn my edge off in sbsettings. Does this help battery life. If i don't get 3g or edge can i still make calls texts etc just wont have a decent internet connection. Even with edge on i heard it isn't that great compared to 3G.
 
Edge is slower than 3G. Dont turn edge off, unless youre DESPERATE to save battery. If you have good 3G coverage and dont care too much about battery, keep it on. Since I live on a hill I keep 3G off (actually, 98% of the day) in order to save battery. I just turn it on when im doing something data intensive.
 
3g is for loading data faster, which drains battery. edge is for phone calls, and doesnt drain as much battery. switch to edge to get better service and more battery life because at&t has more 2g towers than they do 3g. only use 3g when u are doing something internet related.
 
3g is for loading data faster, which drains battery. edge is for phone calls, and doesnt drain as much battery.

This is not accurate. EDGE and "3G" (properly called UMTS or HSDPA) are both for data. 3G does use more power, but because of increased bandwidth it is not at all clear that using Edge in areas with good 3GS coverage will save any battery; in fact, to accomplish the same tasks on Edge may require more battery because it will take longer. Turning off 3G will probably only save you battery when you are in a marginal 3G area or when you truly use no data.

OP: Leaving EDGE on in a 3G area will not waste battery. Your phone will only use one of these radios at a time, and will prefer 3G to EDGE.
 
This is not accurate. EDGE and "3G" (properly called UMTS or HSDPA) are both for data. 3G does use more power, but because of increased bandwidth it is not at all clear that using Edge in areas with good 3GS coverage will save any battery; in fact, to accomplish the same tasks on Edge may require more battery because it will take longer. Turning off 3G will probably only save you battery when you are in a marginal 3G area or when you truly use no data.

OP: Leaving EDGE on in a 3G area will not waste battery. Your phone will only use one of these radios at a time, and will prefer 3G to EDGE.


Thank you for clarifying what I wanted to say.
 
i live in the bay area so it's mostly covered for 3G. So to get on 2G i turn off 3G or do i need to turn on Edge to get 2G. Basically how can i maximize battery when not using the internet but still want to have the best phone text service.
 
to maximize battery life just turn off 3g when you are not using the internet...

u should never turn off edge..
 
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