Epic 4G Touch Battery Assault Test

After a couple of weeks in waiting and 40+ hours of running tests the Spotlight is finally ready to unveil the results of the Epic Touch’s battery assault.   Last week’s post outlined the protocol I leveraged to put battery life to the test but if you missed it here is the link providing the details:

http://mblspt.blogspot.com/2011/10/battery-test-precursor.html

(if you are unable to view the URL post a comment and I’ll repost the details as a comment)

I’ve got a couple of updates I need to disclose since that post; first I added a gaming test scenario which is simply an obvious miss on my part.   Second I added a standby scenario with the 3G radio so readers could further baseline the impacts of the 4G radio on battery life.  Last but not least I need to inform you that along with all the sync and display setting I previously mentioned I also ran a live wallpaper during the tests.  (not overly impactful but in the spirit of full disclosure. . .)  With all that said my intent with this test was to come up with everyday battery use scenarios or conditions specifically requested to give potential buyers and admirers an idea of what they can expect from the device.   Undoubtedly you have probably heard that the battery life for this device is significantly improved over previous generations of Android devices but by how much?  My advice is check out the results below, compare them to your current device’s performance and make the call!  Personally I’ve had the good fortunes to have a good baseline in that I owned the previous generation Epic, which like the EVO, had battery life challenges.  (so much so I had a horkin 3500mAh extended battery)

Test Results

For context I will mention this, each scenario was tested for 5 hours or until I bumped up against the low battery warning at 15%.  Test results are stated as such; of course you would know all of this if you were a faithful Mobile Spotlight follower.   No pressure but follow me. . . do it.    And just so you know I’m not making these results up I’m including screenshots for each scenario, enjoy! 

 Scenario 1:  Constantly Stream Pandora or Netflix while on a 4G connection

Purpose:   Test whether or not you are going to be able to watch the entire length of “Muppets go to Hollywood” on the plane and then stream your “Michael Bolton” Pandora station during your lay over.  

Test Results:  13% battery after hitting the battery warning at 4 hours, alternated at 1 hour intervals between the two applications

Comments:   A little better than I expected as I’ve traditionally understood streaming video to be the biggest drain on battery life and testing proved that out.  I was happy with 4 hours of overall use as I normally don’t do this type of activity for more than an hour/hour and a half at a time but another hour would have been nice. 

Test Result Image:

   

Scenario 2:  4G connection, normal use of checking SMS/email/twitter notifications as they appear

Purpose:  Test to see what impact 4G radio has on normal daily use to help determine if there is any truth in the 4G drain urban legend.

Test Results:  Full 5 hours, 59% battery life remaining

Comments:  Compare this one to the results from Scenario 3, not a huge difference.   If you are in a 4G coverage area you might want to consider simply leaving your 4G connection on and remove the stress of dealing with it.  That is unless you are like me and have programmed yourself over time to unconsciously turn on/off the connection.  Change takes time, cut me some slack. 

Test Result Image:     

 

Scenario 3:  3G connection, normal use of checking SMS/email/twitter notifications as they appear

Purpose:  Examine 3G battery life under normal daily conditions sans voice usage, assumes you are like me and prefer to text someone than actually talk to them. . .

Test Results:  Full 5 hours, 65% remaining

Comments:  This test is a good benchmark on what you can expect out of the battery life when you aren’t engaging multimedia functions on the device.  Suffice to say the Android and Touchwiz software updates are doing a good job of controlling background tasks.

Test Result Image:

  

Scenario 4:  Talk time, leverage voice and check all SMS/email/twitter notifications

Purpose:  Test battery life for all the yackers and telecommuters out there, you know who you are.  

Test Results:  Full 5 hours, 51% remaining, attended 2 hours of conference calls with the display dormant during calls

Comments:  15% more drain than the previous test scenario but I did spend two hours on the device in speaker mode.  Voice doesn’t seem to be a big drain on the battery and I don’t doubt the stated 8.7 hours of talk time based on this test. 

Test Result Image:

Scenario 5:  GPS use-  leave GPS radio on and leverage Google Maps, Navigation, Yelp, etc

Purpose:   Test out the battery life for the directionally impaired, geocachers, and traveler types.  How detrimental is it to not know where the h#ll you are going? 

Test Results:  Full 5 hours, 28% remaining, roughly spent 2 hours of the 5 hours leveraging GPS based services off and on but GPS radio was always on.

Comments:  This is the test that surprised me as I thought the GPS radio would match the battery drain of streaming video.  I know 28% after the five hour period doesn’t sound like a lot but to put it in context you could have used GPS services the entire 3 1/2 hour drive between Kansas City and St. Louis and still have power left over afterward.  Of course that means you would have needed GPS services for a road trip that is almost a perfect straight line East and West, great example Scott. . .

Test Results Image:

Scenario 6:  Office Talk

Purpose:  This one is for your Cary!  For those not in the know Office Talk is a free application that allows you to have Microsoft Lync IM services on your phone.  Both Cary and I had this on our Epics and it was a battery drainer so looking to see what impact it has on the Epic 4G Touch.

Test Results:  Full 5 hours, 52% remaining and I was on the application quite a bit

Comments:   Adds roughly a 10% drain against the baseline readout in Scenario 3, just need to decide if the battery expense is worth having the connectivity

Test Result Image:

Scenario 7:  Standby times, little to no interaction with various radio settings

Purpose:  Test standby times with 3G/4G standby battery life, originally had 3G and 4G split into two different scenarios but this post is already way to long.

Test Results:  3G- Full 5 hours, 79% remaining, checked a handful of text messages

                         4G- Full 5 hours, 66% remaining, had to take a couple of 5 minute calls

Comments:  4G connection impacted standby time more than I thought after reviewing the results from Scenarios 2 and 3.   The only stated standby battery life I could find was 252 hours or 10 ½ days.  Not sure I believe that but that measurement might represent leaving the device untouched in airplane mode the entire time.  (extremely useful)

Test Result Images:

Scenario 8:  Gaming, 3G connection

Purpose:  How useful is the device to gamers and their endless hours of slaying the dragon, drinking Mountain Dew, eating Doritos, and stretching thumb cramps.

Test Results:  stopped at 3 hours with 32% remaining, left a game running the entire time and periodically slipped in some playing time in between work duties. 

Comments:  I apologize for not running the full 5 hours on this one but I just didn’t have it in me.  I like to game as much as the next person but I fear in my age I’ve lost patience for it.  In terms of the test results this is sort of what I expected as Angry Birds, which was my game of choice during the scenario, is littered with advertising transported over a data connection.  That coupled with the display being constantly on resulted in a very video streaming like result. 

Test Result Image:

Test Conclusion

Overall the test results are in line with what I expected given the marketing hype around the improved battery life and the experiences I've had with the device over the course of the last 5 weeks.  I feel like we've finally reach a point technologically where we don't have to compromise between display quality and battery life.  The Super AMOLED display tech can be classified as both vividly beautiful and efficient.  This isn't the first device I've touted as much improved over previous generations as the Gingerbread update has shown benefits in the HTC EVO 3D and Motorola Photon.   The Epic 4G Touch out performs those devices because the new display tech is designed to use 15% less power than the first edition of AMOLED tech found in the original Epic.  Pretty big accomplishment for a display that still surprises me, haven't found a phone yet that looks quite this good.   To wrap up I personally think the battery life will meet the demands of even the most demanding users but don't take my word for it. . . compare my test results to your normal usage patterns then predict what you would get.  Until next time Spotlighters, never spit in the wind and always tell your mom you love her!  (especially since you live in her basement)

Link to previous Samsung Epic Touch Post:
http://mblspt.blogspot.com/2011/10/battery-test-precursor.html 

Battery Test Precursor

Gang-   In the process of putting together a battery test I'm hoping all of you will find informative.  It's going to take a few more days to execute so in the meantime I wanted to give you some insight into what I was pulling together.  Take a look and let me know if there are any additional scenarios or conditions you would like to see covered and as always be good! 

Device Settings:        

            app:                setting:

            hotmail            refresh 30 mins

            exchange         Push refresh

            gmail               Push refresh

            Twitter            refresh 15 minutes

            Screen            Full Bright

Test Conditions:                                                                                           

1.  Start with 100% Charge, let normal refresh settings occur, meet scenario conditions                 

2.  When not in use or listening to music the screen will be set to go dormant         

3.  Test will for 5 hours or until battery is drained,  I will record what battery life is left or when the battery died

Test Scenarios                                                                                               

1.  Constantly Streaming Pandora or Netflix-  4G                                                    

2.  4G connection, normal use of checking updates when notified and sending text

3.  3G connection, normal use of checking updates when notified and sending text           

4.  Confererence call for at least an hour, normal use of checking updates when notified and sending text

5.  GPS Use-  leave GPS on, leverage Google Maps, Navigation, Yelp, etc.           

6.  3G connection, normal use + actively logged onto Office Talk                           

            7.  Standby, little to no interaction with 4G radio on

Protection from inevitable Doom and Destruction

Salutations Spotlighters and welcome back to the third edition of our discussions on the Epic Touch.   Last week we briefly touched on a couple of case options for the Touch and when I posted my comments on the Sprint Space blog site there was interest from the readers to get a more in depth review of all the case options available.  My motto here at the Spotlight is “the people get what the people want” so our direction and fate for this post is set as we continue the case discussion.  In all honesty I’m not surprised that cases for this device is a topic of interest as we’ve talked about the slim and light profile, coupled with the slick materials on the back, leave something to desire in terms of grip.   The form factor along with the ability of the uncoordinated, yours truly included, to regularly allow their devices to perform suicide dives makes a case for the Touch a necessity.  There are a wide range of tastes when it comes to case selection so I’ve tried to divide up the options into logical categories.  I’ve also attempted to run the gambit but I only have so much time so if you don’t see your particular case of choice don’t freak out on me.  (I’m talking directly to you Otterbox enthusiasts!  no option available yet)   Sure there are more options out there than what I’ve provided below but what you will find when googling “Epic Touch cases” are most roll up into the first category listed below and the associated links pretty much display the same product over and over again.       

       

Cheap Plastic/Rubber Cases

The case option for folks looking to spend little dough, don’t want excessive bulk, and/or want to add ridiculous looking bling to their device: (oh snap. . .)

Sprint Hybrid Gel Cover Option:  ($21.99 less EWD/SWAC disc)

http://shop2.sprint.com/NASApp/onlinestore/en/Action/OSBrowseAccessoriesDetail?categoryRefName=Carry+%26+Protect&PHONE_ID=SPHD710KIT&selectedAccessoryID=CZS2875R&topPageNumber=0&subPageNumber=0

Several Options from Accessory Geeks, running $9.99 to $12.99, some rather bright options:

http://www.accessorygeeks.com/samsung-epic-4g-touch-plastic-cases.html

           

            TPU seems to be a popular brand, a few different colors available: ($8.90)

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=epic+touch+case&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=12535631850&ref=pd_sl_1j8e2rbzig_b#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=epic+touch+case+TPU&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aepic+touch+case+TPU

If you are too cheap to buy this one what are you doing with an Epic Touch?  Rubbery option providing better device grip:  ($1.97)

http://www.focalprice.com/MSD78L/Durable_Rubber_Samsung_Epic_Touch_4_D710_Case_Blue.html?utm_source=CS&utm_medium=GM_US&utm_campaign=CS_GM_US_MSD78L&kw=%7bkeyword%7d&gclid=CIWn1t6E36sCFcJrKgodxCGvNg

Kickstand Cases

Multimedia geeks unite! (again including yours truly)  Kickstand cases are suited for those of us that either lack the coordination to hold onto our devices or are addicted to multitasking requiring free hands for blogging while we watch Netflix.

Slim Kickstand option from Sprint: ($29.99 less EWD/SWAC disc)

http://shop2.sprint.com/NASApp/onlinestore/en/Action/OSBrowseAccessoriesDetail?categoryRefName=Carry+%26+Protect&PHONE_ID=SPHD710KIT&selectedAccessoryID=CZS0933R&topPageNumber=0&subPageNumber=0

Another almost identical designed Kickstand option on eBay:   ($19.99)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Protective-HardShell-Case-w-Built-In-Kickstand-Sprint-Samsung-Epic-Touch-4G-/350494161588?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item519b147ab4

Ultimate Protection Cases

Until Otterbox gets their act together there is only one device specific option and a couple of universals available:

Case Mate has always been a favorite of mine, appears to be a good design here as well:  ($34.99)

http://www.case-mate.com/Samsung-Epic-Touch-4G-Cases/Case-Mate-Samsung-Epic-Touch-4G-Tough-Cases.asp

Ok if you absolutely have to have an Otterbox this is your only universal option right now:  ($18.99)

http://www.daydeal.com/product.php?productid=41574

A couple of odd universal numbers I found, anyone for a swim?  ($24.95)

http://store.androidcentral.com/aquapac-handheld-case/4A104A593.htm

http://store.androidcentral.com/overboard-waterproof-case/4A104A7226.htm

      

Slim Profile Cases

Another category lacking selection, slim profile cases are for those folks looking for protection from the occasional drop but don’t want their case to add 20 lbs to the device’s waistline.

Not available for a couple of more days but you are able to preorder CaseMate’s Barely There option.  I had this on my Evo 3D and loved it:  ($19.99)

http://www.mobilecityonline.com/wireless/store/productdetail.asp?productid=28553

Pouch Clip Cases

What can I say about pouch and clip cases. . .  Taped up glasses, check.   Pocket protector, check.  Desire to show the world how cool you are at all times by displaying your phone on your hip, check.  

Sprint Clip Cargo Holster options:

            Canvas Option ($29.99)

http://shop2.sprint.com/NASApp/onlinestore/en/Action/OSBrowseAccessoriesDetail?categoryRefName=Carry+%26+Protect&PHONE_ID=SPHD710KIT&selectedAccessoryID=CCU9213_C&topPageNumber=0&subPageNumber=0

Leather Option:  ($39.99)

http://shop2.sprint.com/NASApp/onlinestore/en/Action/OSBrowseAccessoriesDetail?categoryRefName=Carry+%26+Protect&PHONE_ID=SPHD710KIT&selectedAccessoryID=CCU2588Q_C&topPageNumber=0&subPageNumber=0

Several clip case options out on Shopandroid.com:  (ranging $11-$25)

http://store.androidcentral.com/samsung-epic-4g-touch-cases.htm?utm_source=ac&utm_medium=housead&utm_term=cases&utm_content=sidebarmain&utm_campaign=community

If anyone has any other options worthy to note please feel free to respond.  Next week we’ll touch on the device’s battery performance and I’ll think of  another area of interest to tag along.  As always if there is something that you would like to see mentioned ring me up, until next time!    

Link to Previous Post on the Samsung Epic Touch:
http://mblspt.blogspot.com/2011/10/samsung-gives-you-power-of.html

Samsung gives you the power of CUSTOMIZATION! (But not necessarily the ability to hold on to it. . .)

Gang it is time for the Spotlight’s second edition of the Samsung Epic Touch and a lot has been going on.  After tinkering with the device’s interface, soliciting app suggestions, and examining case options I think I’m finally at my operating state for the foreseeable future.  In addition Samsung came in last Thursday and put on a heck of an event allowing attendees to get hands on experience with some 400 demos.  As we discussed in the first edition the display quality really caught people’s attention successfully turning them into zombies completely unaware of their surroundings and the other 2,000 people in attendance.  This week I would like to continue our review of the UI features Samsung built into their take on Android and what you can do with it.  We’ll then close with some of my takes on the device’s form factor and my personal need for a protective case.          

Don’t like it?  Customize it.

Let’s start off with a quick lesson in Android fragmentation to help us understand the differences in Android from manufacture to manufacture.  Legendary in IT circles fragmentation is the byproduct of Android’s open architecture approach where manufacturers can twist and bend the operating system to suit their intended device experience.  Open architectures are a wonderful thing but when it goes unmonitored aspects like software updates can be challenging as multiple UI versions must be accommodated for slowing down rollout timelines and elevating risk for pesky release bugs.  There are three main variants of Android which are as follows; HTC devices are suited with their Sense UI, Motorola quietly calls theirs Blur, and Samsung’s dawns the title of Touchwiz.  So why am I telling you all of this?  Because it is in your interest to understand the main difference between the three so you pick the right one to suite your tastes and your customization abilities.  The delineation between the three variants is largely determined by how much stock customization options, and in turn internal resources consumed, are included on the device.  On one side of the spectrum you have HTC’s Sense which loads up their devices with tons of stock widgets and UI features for manufacture guided device customization.  Samsung on the other hand seems to take the approach on the other side of the spectrum providing a fewer UI features largely leaving it to the user and the Android market to address customization and widget integration.  (Motorola is somewhere in the middle)  So if you are new to Android and haven’t spent endless hours sifting through the thousands of applications on the market place I would recommend a Sense based HTC device.  If you are a tech savvy or seasoned user with applications on hand looking for a device with less bloatware but still has some rather unique UI features a Touchwiz device might be your answer.  (end of lesson. .  .) 

We’ve talked about the entertaining motion features in the previous post so let’s review what else Samsung has up its sleeve.  True to what I’ve deemed as their non-intrusive mantra Sammy has provided a couple of really cool organization features that allow you to customize your application list.   Traditionally manufactures have handled application list views by simply providing page upon page upon page upon page. . .of applications organized alphabetically.  Honestly stated this is quite annoying because it takes forever to find anything and normally an app is needed on quick demand.  When we reviewed the Photon Motorola’s solution introduced the ability to create app list categories allowing users to create categories, assign apps to those categories, and then filter app list views by those categories.   Samsung has introduced a similar capability by extended some of the customizable features normally found on your homescreens into the application view screens.  Let’s take a look at those features:

1.       Customize your App View Type- 

Users have the ability to select one of three application list views represented above, two of which allow you to view alphabetically so if that is your thing go for it.  For those more adventurous there is the customizable grid view which is where the fun begins.

1.       Folder/Page creation in Customizable grid mode- Like the Photon’s category assignments Samsung decided to let users organize their applications but employed the approach of leveraging the same folder views available on your homescreens.  Once you have selected the customizable grid view press the menu button, select edit and you are letting your inner muse go to work.

In the view above I’ve created three subfolders and grouped icons accordingly, allowing me to substantially cut down on the application clutter I would have seen in the alphabetical list views.    If subfolders aren’t your thing and you like seeing your app icons notice that Sammy also gives you the opportunity to create pages as well.  Organizing by page vs. folders will allow you to maintain direct visibility to your app icons while providing the ability to have some semblance of organization.  Beware though that I’ve found once a page is created it looks like it can’t be deleted so choose your next steps wisely young grasshopper. (I’m sure this can be edited as well but I’m just not seeing it)  One other thing I would like to quickly mention is the carouseling ability between the app pages, nice touch that doesn’t require you to trace back the other direction once you’ve navigated to the extreme left and right app pages.  HTC’s sense UI employs this feature in their homescreen and I wish Samsung would have taken this one step further and implemented the same thing with their homescreen navigation capabilities.        

1.       Icons viewable on Folders-    I will save some space here by leveraging the previous image to illustrate the cool little feature of being able to see what apps are tucked into your subfolders.   Although subfolders are standard fair across all Android devices the presentation of the first six apps signed to that folder isn’t.  This is not a huge feature but pretty cool and useful if you can’t remember if you assigned say Google Navigation to your “Search” or “I’m fricken Lost” subfolder.  The above view probably makes the icons too small to view but know when presented on the device screen they are easily distinguishable. 

The Form Factor and the need for a case:

I want to quickly mention the physical dimensions of the device because the profile and weight are going to be two things that initially really jump out at you.   Light weight and slender design make the 4.52” screen very manageable pocket device.  The dimensions are as follows: (providing the original Evo specs as well for reference)

            Epic Touch:

Size:                129.9(width) x 69.6 (height) x 9.59mm (depth)

            Weight:           130g

            Screen size:     4.52”

            Evo 4G:

            Size:                122 x 66 x 13mm

            Weight:           170g

            Screen size:     4.3”

Yes the screen is larger than most large display phones, yes you would think this would make it less friendly from a pocket standpoint but the slim profile and weight successfully mitigates that concern.  With the device being 30% slimmer and 23% lighter than our most popular device to date  it slides rather easily in and out of your pocket.  (too easy if you ask me and back to my cracked screen dilemma)  Aside from the slim profile and low weight you will notice that the device’s backside and edges are made from a hard, textured, but slick plastic.  For folks like me that lack coordination the device is a bit of a challenge to hold on too.  I’ve taught myself to slow down and be very mindful of my grip as I grab the device but the first couple of days saw several near drops and inevitably I finally pulled off the suicide dive that cracked my screen.  Hardware specs that rock your world, Android UI features that blow you away, all packed into a shell d#mn near impossible to hold on to!  J   With that said I would highly recommend a case that at least provides an increased level of grip via a rubbery or tacky surface. (and Total Equipment Protection if you are as coordinated as I am)  I’m not big into the bulky ultra-protection cases so here are a few slim options I’ve found:           

Sprint’s Gel Option:

http://shop2.sprint.com/NASApp/onlinestore/en/Action/OSBrowseAccessoriesDetail?PHONE_ID=SPHD710KIT&categoryRefName=Carry+%26+Protect&selectedAccessoryID=CZS2875R

Silicon Option:

http://www.accessorygeeks.com/samsung-epic-4g-touch-silicone-case-black.html

Rubberized Slim Option:

http://www.samsungepictouchaccessories.com/epc4gitmzsgsii-1.html

(This is the one I purchased)

I’ll wrap it up with a little grip I have.  As good of a job Samsung has done keeping from overloading this device with bloatware and knickknacks they missed what I would consider a standard feature.  If you use your device for music and are a widget junkie like I am read on, for the rest of you leave now as this will seem inconsequential.  The native music application on the Epic Touch doesn’t have a widget display option!!!!  (thank you for letting me vent. . . I feel better now)   I guess I took for granted that every phone’s native music app would have this capability along with lock screen integration so I was completely shocked when the option wasn’t there.    Don’t fret my fellow audiophiles because this can be easily overcome by leveraging Doubletwist and Widget Locker.  I won’t go into great lengths here but Doubletwist is one of, if not the best, music app on the market and Widget Locker provides the ability to fully customize your device’s lock screen.  Once both are downloaded Doubletwist allows for homescreen widget creation and Widget Locker will give you the opportunity to incorporate the Doubletwist widget into the customized lock screen view.  Here is a quick pic of what mine looks like, until next time!

Link to previous Samsung Epic Touch Post:
http://mblspt.blogspot.com/2011/09/mobile-spotlight-scores-beast-from.html