Why does Google Maps consume so much battery? This is the new power saving mode that saves battery for up to 4 hours
In this era, smartphones are no longer just a means of communication for us, they have also become an integral part of our journey. Whether traveling to unfamiliar places or short distances within the city, we often depend on Google Maps.
But one of the bitter truths of using Maps is that it consumes the phone's battery at a very fast rate. Using Maps while going on a long journey or when there is no charging facility is like pushing the phone to the brink of death.
To solve this serious problem, Google has introduced a new power saving mode in its navigation service. As claimed, this feature can increase the battery life of smartphones by up to four hours.
But as attractive as this feature looks, some of the conditions or limitations that come with it are equally challenging. Today, we are discussing in detail about this new feature of Google Maps, how it works and the impact it has on the user.
Why does Google Maps consume so much battery?
There are many technical reasons behind Google Maps consuming battery. The first and main reason is the constant GPS tracking. Every second, the phone has to constantly communicate with satellites to determine your geographical location. This never lets the phone's processor rest.
The second reason is real-time data streaming. Maps doesn't just show the route, it also downloads real-time road speeds, accident information, and traffic congestion details based on data from millions of other drivers. Using machine learning, it constantly calculates the estimated time of arrival (ETA) to your destination and alternative routes.
The third and most visible reason is the bright screen. In daylight, the phone's screen needs to be run at full brightness to see the road clearly. Full-color maps, 3D buildings, and constantly changing scenes put a lot of strain on both the phone's processor and display. All these factors together can make even a phone with a large battery die before it can be fully charged.
New Power Saving Mode
This new mode recently introduced by Google is specifically aimed at users who are on long-distance trips and do not have the option of charging their phones. This feature minimizes unnecessary and energy-consuming visuals without removing basic information needed for navigation.
Technically speaking, this mode uses the phone's Always On Display technology. When you turn on this mode and press the phone's power button while navigation is active, the phone's screen turns into a monochrome, i.e. black and white interface, instead of turning off completely. This saves a lot of battery, especially on phones with OLED displays. Because the phone's pixels do not have to light up to display black.
Limited to the Pixel 10 series
One downside for now is that this feature is not available to all Android users. Google has limited this feature to its new models Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Pro Fold for now. These phones use Google's new Tensor G-5 chipset. Which can handle such complex tasks in a way that consumes less energy.
Although this feature has been rolling out since last year, it has not yet reached other older Pixel models or phones from other brands like Samsung and Xiaomi. However, Google is expected to gradually make it widespread.
How to activate this mode?
If you have a Pixel 10 series phone, you will have to adjust this feature from the internal settings of Google Maps. To do this, first open the Google Maps app.
Tap on your profile picture in the upper right corner. Now select the Settings option and go to the Navigation settings.
You will see a toggle button for Power Saving Mode within the Driving options there, turn it on.
Once this setting is turned on, you just have to press the power button when you start your journey. After doing this, the main navigation information will start appearing on your phone's lock screen.
Effects of turning on power saving mode
While this mode is said to save battery, it may not always be useful for everyone. Google has removed many important features of Maps in this mode to save battery. Normally, Maps shows red if there is traffic jam, yellow if there is moderate traffic, and green if there is clear traffic.
However, this color-coded information is not available in power saving mode. You will not get visual alerts about accidents, construction work, or sudden jams on the road.
Similarly, this mode removes 3D buildings, detailed street names, and complex map layers. Only a simple black and white line appears on the screen and an indication of where your next turn is.
Where is the gas station in the middle of a trip? Where is the nearest restaurant or coffee shop? Such details are not visible in this mode. If you want to eat or fill up on gas along the way, you'll have to turn this feature off and return to the normal map.
Many drivers prefer to keep their phones in a horizontal position on the dashboard of their car. However, this power saving mode only works in portrait mode. This makes it difficult for those using the landscape mount. This can be inconvenient for some.
Surprisingly, this feature only works when you are driving. This mode does not work if you are walking, cycling or on public transport. While pedestrians may need more battery life.
In what situations does it work?
This mode seems to be designed by Google as an emergency tool rather than a default setting. Imagine, you are on a long road trip and your car's mobile charger suddenly breaks down.
Your phone has only 10 percent charge left and the destination is still far away. In such a situation, this mode can keep your phone alive for an additional 4 hours. It helps you reach your destination without getting lost. But it does not provide other features on the road.
So, using this mode on short daily trips or when there is a phone charging facility does not make much sense. It keeps you away from the real road conditions, which can sometimes be risky from a safety point of view.
