Don't get stuck with a fancy--but battery draining--device. Check out these handsets that are built to last.
A smartphone that lasts all day can be a life saver. While trendier
phones like the iPhone 5 can last a good six hours or more, some models
are rated for a full 20 hours or more, which includes heavy data usage.
Here are my top picks.
1. Motorola Droid RAZR M
This brand new Android-powered phone, which works on the
Verizon network, is rated to last a surprising 20 hours of normal
use--checking email, browsing the Web, and even checking YouTube clips.
(Some smartphones give you only the "talk time" rating for usage.) The
phone still has a sharp 4.3-inch screen that uses a technology called
AMOLED--so, it's bright and clear but not power hungry. One important
spec: Even with the amazing battery longevity, the phone still connects
to Verizon's high-speed LTE network. Turn off some of the wireless
options and you'll get even better battery life.
2. Lumia 920
Keep an eye on this new Windows 8 phone, which should be
available in late October. The battery life is rated at 17 hours for
talk time, but 10 hours for data use. That's about four hours longer
than the iPhone 5 and much better than many Android phones on the
market. The main perk to this phone is the camera, which uses image
stabilization techniques, shoots in low light, and can even take
multiple shots in succession. The Windows 8 tile interface is also
easier to use.
3. Samsung Galaxy SIII
Another phone with an AMOLED display (a stunning 4.8 inches),
the SIII is rated for nine hours of talk time, which is a bit less than
the Lumia 920 but still higher than many Android phones. But it also has
some rather unique battery-saving features. For one, the phone knows
when you are looking at it. When you look away, the Smart Stay feature
dims the screen automatically. Another bonus: The SIII is the "halo"
phone for Samsung, which means they make extra accessories for it, like a
dock for charging up.
4. Motorola ES400S
This is one of those old-school phones from a few years ago,
but it has one clear advantage: It will last about 12 hours of talk time
and won't break easily. Since the older Windows 6.5 operating system is
on board (one that is now two versions out of date) you won't see any
snazzy apps or multimedia tools. However, the phone is ruggedized for
serious field use. You can drop the phone, use it on a wintry day--even
spill water on the screen and expect it to keep humming along all day,
without getting damaged.
This brand new Android-powered phone, which works on the
Verizon network, is rated to last a surprising 20 hours of normal
use--checking email, browsing the Web, and even checking YouTube clips.
(Some smartphones give you only the "talk time" rating for usage.) The
phone still has a sharp 4.3-inch screen that uses a technology called
AMOLED--so, it's bright and clear but not power hungry. One important
spec: Even with the amazing battery longevity, the phone still connects
to Verizon's high-speed LTE network. Turn off some of the wireless
options and you'll get even better battery life.
