Data via 3G while calls via EDGE only for saving battery

[aendaman]

I am considering to get an iPhone. So I was wondering if there is an option to draw data via 3G while using only EDGE/GSM for calls. I know that this can save you a great deal of battery esp. when you do long calls while the quality for voice calls should be similar on 3G and EDGE/GSM anyhow...
If this option does not exist, please everybody who likes that idea send feedback to !

 

[aristobrat]

Haven't seen a way to independently toggle 3G data from voice.

FWIW, in my area, a 3G (UMTS) voice call sounds a lot better than an EDGE (GSM) voice call. Not sure if it's the codecs AT&T uses for EDGE around here or what, but there's a huge difference.

 

[cube]

EDGE is data, not voice. You are asking for GSM voice.

 

[aendaman]

EDGE is data, not voice. You are asking for GSM voice.

Agreed, but you get the message...

 

[aendaman]

Haven't seen a way to independently toggle 3G data from voice.

FWIW, in my area, a 3G (UMTS) voice call sounds a lot better than an EDGE (GSM) voice call. Not sure if it's the codecs AT&T uses for EDGE around here or what, but there's a huge difference.

I am in Germany and here 3G is still relatively rarely used because GSM is just fine for voice calls... At least in cities where the coverage and signal strength is good.

 

[aristobrat]

I am in Germany and here 3G is still relatively rarely used because GSM is just fine for voice calls... At least in cities where the coverage and signal strength is good.

Lucky.

Over here, most AT&T markets use a half-rate codec (AMR-HR) instead of a full rate one (for GSM). This compresses the conversation, which allows AT&T towers to service more GSM users, but the trade-off is that voice quality sounds worse. The voice quality of 3G is amazing in my area (compared to that).

Agreed, but you get the message...

Are you sure that having the iPhone maintain connections to two separate networks (GSM/UMTS) would actually save battery life?

 

[wackymacky]

It does save battery power to turn off 3G when you're not using it. I sometimes leave it off except when I'm on the net. I get an extra day between charges by doing it.

The degree of power-saving is dependant on the strength of the 3G signal (if its weak the phone uses more power trying to maintain it)

 

[aendaman]

Are you sure that having the iPhone maintain connections to two separate networks (GSM/UMTS) would actually save battery life?

Thats a good point. I guess it could but i am not sure... Any other opinions on that?