I have a Smartphone, and I have a good 3G connection. Both from home and at work or public places, I can connect to WiFi networks that allow me to save data on my phone. If my goal is to save battery, what type of connection should I use? WiFi or 3G?

Wifi Vs 3g?

Traditionally, WiFi connections have always consumed more battery than 3G. For some time now, improvements in both WiFi algorithms and implementation and 3G retransmission have optimized the energy savings in our phones.

The new 3G versions use the discontinuous transmission/reception of data and the HSPA / HSPA +, which helps to consume less battery.

Similarly, in WiFi connections, many networks use a “sleep mode” system that helps save battery power when we are not browsing or using the network.

Many people think that the use of WiFi involves managing a new radio signal on your phone. It makes the device work harder and consumes more battery, but that is not entirely true. When you connect to a wireless network, your 3G connection is deactivated. So, you stop emitting all those signals necessary to establish the data connection with your phone and consume less battery. Check this tech guide.

If you use a 3G connection and your signal is weak, or the network is too saturated. Your Smartphone will have to work harder since many packets will be lost in sending / receiving data, increasing battery consumption.

There is no firm statement that confirms which of the 2 signals consumes less battery. If you have a perfect 3G connection, you will drain less battery (in exchange for data consumption). Thanks to the improved quality of the WiFi signals, this difference is virtually undetectable. Our recommendation: connect to a WiFi network whenever you can. If you use WiFi, you will not spend data and battery consumption will be similar.