Tell me more ×
Android Enthusiasts Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for enthusiasts and power users of the Android operating system. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 11 down vote favorite
2

If I'm going to wireless tehter to my Android phone what method drains the battery the least? Wifi or Bluetooth?

share|improve this question
1  
I'd guess Bluetooth, as Bluetooth has lower transmission range (and thusly should use less power, at least theoretically), but I have no hard data about it. – Lie Ryan Nov 17 '10 at 23:16

1 Answer

up vote 15 down vote accepted

I decided to look up some data, and my guess seems to be correct: http://nesl.ee.ucla.edu/fw/documents/reports/2007/PowerAnalysis.pdf

According to the report, Bluetooth takes the least amount of energy.

However your 3G radio will probably take the most energy; maintaining a 3G connection without transferring any data is cheap, but once you start sending/receiving data, then it trumps even Wi-fi.

WiFi radios have a high wakeup and connection maintenance energy, but low energy per bit transmission cost and high bandwidth.

Cellular radios have low connection maintenance energy, but high energy per bit transmission cost and low bandwidth.

Disclaimer: The study might only apply for the particular model that the device they use.

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.