Regardless of how 'heavy' one uses their iPhone, there will always be literally hours during the day (and night) where the phone is idle. Calls go to voicemail, text messages go unanswered, emails are left unread. Even if a person were to use the phone for 10 hours during the day the device would still have 14 hours to sit idle.
Idle or not, a 3G data connection uses much more battery power than an EDGE connection. This is usually more desirable during operation, however, as a 3G provides for greater bandwidth - pages render faster and calls have greater clarity. When the device is idle, however, a faster connection is meaningless and serves only to drain the battery faster.
Users can manually turn 3G on and off to balance battery life and speed. With the switch buried in the settings app, this method is a hassle and not user-friendly. Not utilizing the 3G connection also detracts from the appeal of the iPhone '3G'. Furthermore, customers pay a premium for an unlimited 3G data connection and they should expect value for their money.
Instead, what if the iPhone turned 3G on/off automatically? With a known WiFi network the connection is terminated when the screen is locked and established when unlocked. This behavior allows WiFi to be enabled at all times with an insignificant decrease in battery life because there is no connection when the device is locked and only minimal impact during usage time without transmitting data.
In the same manner as WiFi, the iPhone could disable 3G when the device is locked (reverting to an EDGE connection) and enable it when unlocked. An idle 3G connection can drain the battery at a rate up to 300% faster than an idle EDGE connection. Automatically disabling the 3G connection will provide for faster data speeds while the device is in use as well preventing unnecessary drain on battery power while the device is idling.
If you think this is a good idea, send Apple feedback as an enhancement request concerning a smart 3G connection.
Idle or not, a 3G data connection uses much more battery power than an EDGE connection. This is usually more desirable during operation, however, as a 3G provides for greater bandwidth - pages render faster and calls have greater clarity. When the device is idle, however, a faster connection is meaningless and serves only to drain the battery faster.
Users can manually turn 3G on and off to balance battery life and speed. With the switch buried in the settings app, this method is a hassle and not user-friendly. Not utilizing the 3G connection also detracts from the appeal of the iPhone '3G'. Furthermore, customers pay a premium for an unlimited 3G data connection and they should expect value for their money.
Instead, what if the iPhone turned 3G on/off automatically? With a known WiFi network the connection is terminated when the screen is locked and established when unlocked. This behavior allows WiFi to be enabled at all times with an insignificant decrease in battery life because there is no connection when the device is locked and only minimal impact during usage time without transmitting data.
In the same manner as WiFi, the iPhone could disable 3G when the device is locked (reverting to an EDGE connection) and enable it when unlocked. An idle 3G connection can drain the battery at a rate up to 300% faster than an idle EDGE connection. Automatically disabling the 3G connection will provide for faster data speeds while the device is in use as well preventing unnecessary drain on battery power while the device is idling.
If you think this is a good idea, send Apple feedback as an enhancement request concerning a smart 3G connection.