CNET senior mobile expert Abrar Al-Heeti said practical strategies to improve smartphone battery life during an appearance on the CBS News 24/7 streaming service.

As mobile devices become more advanced, the hardware and software demands often outpace battery capacity. This gap creates a need for users to adopt specific habits to ensure their devices last throughout the day.

Al-Heeti said the relationship between increasing device sophistication and the resulting strain on power cells. While the expert focused on smartphone optimization, broader industry data highlights varying battery performance across different mobile ecosystems. For example, some Android-specific guides suggest six quick fixes to help batteries last all day [5].

Battery degradation remains a primary concern for mobile users. Industry reports have identified nine common mistakes that can quietly kill a phone's lifespan [6]. These errors often involve improper charging habits, or neglecting power-saving settings that are built into the operating system.

Comparison to other portable electronics shows a wide range of battery expectations. Some Apple peripherals, such as the Magic Trackpad, are designed for extreme longevity, with a claimed battery life of four months [2]. In contrast, high-performance laptops like the MacBook are designed to retain up to 90% capacity after 1,000 charge cycles [4].

Al-Heeti said that small adjustments in settings can lead to significant gains in daily usage. By managing background apps and screen brightness, users can mitigate the effects of aging batteries and demanding software updates.

“Smartphones are becoming more advanced and their batteries may not keep up”

The disconnect between processing power and battery chemistry means that software optimization is now as critical as hardware specifications. As users rely more on AI and high-refresh-rate screens, the ability to manually extend battery life through settings will remain a necessary skill for the average consumer.