- For some, it is simply a multi-media entertainment device and seldom used for phone calls. Heavy role playing games place a heavy load on the CPU and impose a heavy demand on battery life, as well as creating a lot of heat in the phone. Watching a lot of videos and movies also uses a lot of power.
- At the opposite end of the usage spectrum is the person who simply wants basic phone use plus text messaging. But also wants to have access to the "Smart Features" that allow for web surfing, GPS applications in their job or hobby, access to weather resources, document writing, spreadsheets, and more. This type of use is easy on the battery and its life will be more than a Heavy User will experience.
- For instance, if Screen and/or Android System is at the top of the list, that means that you have not been using the phone very much, the screen time is minimal. Usually the 2nd item in this instance will be Android OS, but not necessarily. This does not mean that the Android System is bad, it just means that the phone has been mostly idle and just listening for phone calls, messages, operator keyboard use, etc… IF you actually have poor battery life in this category, pull the battery out for a while, Restart the phone. If this does not fix it, then consider getting the phone replaced.
- If Screen is the top item, then the meaning is that you have been actively using the phone and the use will be listed in descending order of use: Phone, email, text messages for a lighter version of "heavy use".
- Heavy role playing games might be on the top of the list if multi-media is your thing.
- A bad/rouge application might be at the top. Amazon Suites is infamous for this type of activity and is the first thing I uninstalled/disabled on my personal S5. That one app was using a horrendous amount of battery life on my S5 phone.
- If it is an app, uninstall it if possible or turn it OFF. You will usually find more than one app causing a high drain. Uninstall/turn OFF the culprits.
- If it is an Android "feature", you will need to make adjustments to that feature to reduce the power requirements for it.
o Screen: Reduce the brightness level to the lowest amount you are comfortable with
o Data use: Consider turning OFF data when not needed, and/or turn OFF Background Data (Google don't like this)
o Network connection: Delete the connection and then restore it again. This often gets rid of glitches with WiFi especially. It is normal for WiFi radios to constantly be scanning so don't get hung up on "why is it scanning?". It is supposed to, and it does not effect the channel you are using.
- Restart the phone and recharge the battery so that you have a new Baseline to measure the next Discharge cycle from.