Database Users

GPS and Battery comments

Normally I leave home with a full charge and come back 10 hrs later with about 15% battery remaining. I won’t break down my type of usage but it’s a general mix of voice and data. The phone is in my hand, in use, about 1hr and 30min per day with the screen on about 45min.
Today I ended my day using the phone about 1 extra hour (incl. 30 min Bluetooth phone call) and had 48% battery remaining. On a normal day I would have never even had gotten to the 30min phone call before it was dead.
So, if you do the math, the battery life today was roughly double of what it has been for the past 2 weeks.
I made one small change ... I turned off the GPS. Yes, I know, the GPS is only supposed to be running if a program that requires it is also running. I think that is false. In settings, locations the only feature I’ve ever had turned on was the GPS. I started thinking yesterday how amazingly, unbelievably really, quick that Google Maps set my exact location. I have 2 HTC phones with built in GPS and have had 2 Garmin GPS units, using an external GPS antenna, of which not one of those would acquire a satellite lock in less than 30 seconds, usually 45 to 60.
Now, flame me if you like but I’m convinced, after today, that the GPS is always acquiring satellites even when the icon isn’t present.
I downloaded GPS Test from the market, closed ALL programs with ATK, ran GPS Test and as soon as the screen appeared, 2 seconds, 4 satellites were already locked. It can’t be that good.
Try it ... won’t cost you anything.
BTW, it would be nice to get some feedback from someone that gives it a try. I’d like to know if this truly worked or it was just a fantastic coincidence.
Thanks

Nope, I agree completely. I've kept GPS off unless I absolutely need it and my battery life is great.

zephyrix said:
Nope, I agree completely. I've kept GPS off unless I absolutely need it and my battery life is great.
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Click to collapse
Glas to hear someone echo the thought. I may actually start to enjoy this X10 afterall

With GPS off, WIFI off and BT on about 2h/day i get 2 days juice
Problem is, i'm in wifi range 24h/day and i don't have a data plan so, wifi is on most of the time => about 12h juice.
GPS and WIFI are draining battery pretty fast.

Made a huge improvement for me too well done for spotting this
Sent from my X10i using XDA App

do you mean specifically turning gps off under settings, location? or all location services including location by network?

I am using the R2BA020 firmware.
I make approx 2hr voice call per day.
I left the wifi ON, but remove the wifi detection notification
I left the GPS ON, it should be only be activated via GPS apps.
I turn OFF the BT when I am not in the car.
So far, after weeks, on the average, I still get 2 days of juice at least.

oops! miss out the text...
I do only about 20-30 text per day.
And do quite a fair bit of FB and Twit daily...

cricka15 said:
do you mean specifically turning gps off under settings, location? or all location services including location by network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, Settings > Location > GPS Sat ot just do it from the screen Widget, same thing.

wolf0491 said:
I leave all gps things checked and get over 30 hours if use... are you using the .20 firmware? I am a heavy user also. Lots of downloading and screen use because I text all day.
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
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Click to collapse
Wow, you're much better off than I am
I use 023, rooted.

gnayres said:
I am using the R2BA020 firmware.
I make approx 2hr voice call per day.
I left the wifi ON, but remove the wifi detection notification
I left the GPS ON, it should be only be activated via GPS apps.
I turn OFF the BT when I am not in the car.
So far, after weeks, on the average, I still get 2 days of juice at least.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using 023 and wouldn't get half of that time without turning off the GPS.
I'm not sure if my GPS isn't sleeping the way it should or not but unless I turn it off it always seems to be active.
It's not a big problem for me since GPS isn't a feature that I need too often and it's pretty easy to activate from the widget if I do want to use it.
Strange as it may be this is the change that made the single biggest difference for my battery life.
Last night I installed (reinstalled) SetCPU and set up some profiles I read about that look like they make sense. One of the profiles that caps the processor at 338mhz when the screen is off but runs it full tilt when the screen is on seems to be pretty logical. My previous complaint about SetCPU was when I had it set to near 600mhz the screen performance seemed really slow. Now it only caps the processor when the screen is off so if checking email in the background takes an extra microsecond but helps battery life I'll be happy

tuxStyle said:
With GPS off, WIFI off and BT on about 2h/day i get 2 days juice
Problem is, i'm in wifi range 24h/day and i don't have a data plan so, wifi is on most of the time => about 12h juice.
GPS and WIFI are draining battery pretty fast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't really comment on WiFi usage since I only use it once in a while to run SwiFTP but GPS radios are a big battery drain, have been on every GPS device I've ever owned.
Today with the GPS off and SetCPU setup better (from last night) I plan on giving the X10 some heavy use today and see how it does.

jomil said:
Made a huge improvement for me too well done for spotting this
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
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If the life of only one person is improved then my job is done
Glad it helped you.

just for your information. if you use the widget for wifi,silent,gps,BT which was included by SE you will notice that this widget has bugs. for example it shows that gps is off while it is on in the settings. same with wifi.
dont use this widget. take a widget for example from curvefish. these work properly.

I'll check out that widget problem, thanks.
Sent from my X10a using XDA
App

Hi, I've got an unrooted R2BA020.. I've done a test this morning. I use wifi all the time at home and today have used the stock widget and quick profiles to enable wifi, bluetooth, GPS, and 3g. They've all been on for 6 hours, have actively used wifi for about an hour or so.
I'm now down to 90%, from 100%.. 10% in 6 hours.. More than happy with that.
Sent from my x10 using XDA and swype.

Saturday when I have time I'll do the test with everything on and see how long it takes to drop 10%
Sent from my X10a using XDA App

I assume when you used the wifi for an hour the screen was always on?
Sent from my X10a using XDA App

Yep - It was..

im_iceman said:
Yep - It was..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll try it this weekend.
Well, I finished a 10 hour day with moderate usage, maybe 1.5hrs of screen time, 45 min phone calls, 3G data, no WiFi and the GPS turned off all day with 48% remaining.
That, for me, is a big improvement.
Since it's still not as much as I would like (I find myself holding back from using the device more) I've ordered a 2600 mAh Cameron Sino battery from eBay. I know, the battery is made in HK but what the hell ... the phone is made in China
I've read mixed reviews on the CS battery but most lean towards good.

Battery constantly drop 10+% every night irregardless whichever rom installed

my battery is dropping like mad recently, no matter which rom I use, JVK JPG JPK, all the roms that is known for good battery life, with various kind of modems.2G network taskilled everything before sleep, no gallery bug, no background data updates, not connected to wifi BT GPS, battery stat wiped, more than 3 times full cycle charge..I have done everything I could, the battery still drop like mad.I fully charge the device at 12am, took off the charger, the battery is 88% when its 8am..checked the batter use, cell standby 40+%, display 20+, phone idle 20+..no more and when I slide the menu, for nothing, just slide for fun, scroll the app drawer, see the apps flying, it drops another 1%..lol
I had no idea what is happening, maybe the battery is dead? but I checked the batter health it says good..should I buy a new battery or what
p.s.I had only 1-2% drop everynight back in a month time, but now... ... ... Is this some kind of hardware failure or battery's dead?

12% for 8 hrs is NOT that bad. I get around 1.6% drop per hr with Wi-Fi ON and push notifications.
Anyways, See if you have a Time without Signal entry under Cell standby. Keeping a phone in a low/no service area can drain the battery faster.

You should recalibrate the battery after each rom flash. I think there is an App somewhere in the forum which is really easy to use.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

PhoenixFx said:
12% for 8 hrs is NOT that bad. I get around 1.6% drop per hr with Wi-Fi ON and push notifications.
Anyways, See if you have a Time without Signal entry under Cell standby. Keeping a phone in a low/no service area can drain the battery faster.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but the thing is I had only 1% drop using the same apps same setting last time.the battery drop like mad recently and idk why =(

johnsonxray said:
but the thing is I had only 1% drop using the same apps same setting last time.the battery drop like mad recently and idk why =(
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Click to collapse
Did you check for Time without Signal ? Maybe cellular reception in your area has deteriorated.

time without signal 0

PhoenixFx said:
Did you check for Time without Signal ? Maybe cellular reception in your area has deteriorated.
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Click to collapse
Or maybe just general poor reception in your bedroom? When I'm in school (a nice plain concrete building to prevent young software developers from ever finding joy in life) I have 1-2 bars of edge reception and my phone loses with data off around 1.5%/h.
Either that or your battery has lost capacity and you can fix the issue by buying a new one. My bet is on the reception.

nah not possible..I placed the device on the same spot everyday..back in a month time it constantly dropped 1-2% but now 10+%..its not about the signal or reception or what I guess..it may be due to the frequent flashings recently..anyway I just ordered a new battery..see if it works =(

theduckking said:
Or maybe just general poor reception in your bedroom? When I'm in school (a nice plain concrete building to prevent young software developers from ever finding joy in life) I have 1-2 bars of edge reception and my phone loses with data off around 1.5%/h.
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Click to collapse
I second that. In my basement lab at university, ~1 bar EDGE reception, 1.5%/h is not untypical

Is it searching for WiFi connections that is what used to drain mine when sleeping .
jje

JJEgan said:
Is it searching for WiFi connections that is what used to drain mine when sleeping .
jje
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Click to collapse
everything's off =)

Hold down your power button. Set data network mode to disabled.
I was getting 10-15% battery drain over 8 hrs of stand by with data network mode enabled.
Now with data network mode disabled (when I need it I just switch it on again) I get 1-2% drain for the same time period.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App

Turn off all networks, including 2G (put your phone in to airplane mode) and leave it overnight. If the battery still drains the same then you can make sure it has nothing to do with 2G/3G/WiFi/BT or GPS.

BlackMY01 said:
Hold down your power button. Set data network mode to disabled.
I was getting 10-15% battery drain over 8 hrs of stand by with data network mode enabled.
Now with data network mode disabled (when I need it I just switch it on again) I get 1-2% drain for the same time period.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App
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Click to collapse
no way..I don even have APN list how to have data network lol

PhoenixFx said:
Turn off all networks, including 2G (put your phone in to airplane mode) and leave it overnight. If the battery still drains the same then you can make sure it has nothing to do with 2G/3G/WiFi/BT or GPS.
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Click to collapse
well if its not about 2G/3G/WiFi/BT or GPS then what could possibly be the problem?

running apps or worn out battery

PhoenixFx said:
Turn off all networks, including 2G (put your phone in to airplane mode) and leave it overnight. If the battery still drains the same then you can make sure it has nothing to do with 2G/3G/WiFi/BT or GPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is the point in buying a smartphone, if needs turning off everything?
I suppose your custom ROM is a wipe install
10% battery drain overnight seems to be fine. If you use background data and auto sync, keep on Wifi because that will do the job quickly.
Widgets are notorious battery drains, esp weather widgets. Remove all type of widgets from display. Change sync interval for facebook/twitter to 3, 6, 12 hrs etc... from 15min, 30 min.
Check sync interval for apps like Pulse, buzzbox, weather apps

Just a thought.. how about letting your phone completely discharge. When restarted, immediately flash to stock rom, allow that to completely discharge, repeat process several times (3 ideally) then load your custom rom of choice.
If it sounds absurd, I agree. It really does! However just remember, electromagnetic charge carries resonance memory, much like xrays. This old school trick is not often related to modern batteries, but have found it to increase battery life with several Android devices.
The main things are screen brightness and running apps. Your problem sound's quite normal even. Considered a secondary battery?

I think it is fine because if I use wifi (i.e. browsing XDA forum), it use ~8% for HALF an hour.
Anyway why don't just shut it down when you are asleep?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

tt0204 said:
I think it is fine because if I use wifi (i.e. browsing XDA forum), it use ~8% for HALF an hour.
Anyway why don't just shut it down when you are asleep?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
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your battery dropped because you on wifi, at least, the thing is, I din even connect to BT wifi GPS, no task running in the background(taskilled before sleep) and it still drops 10+%..jus imagine if I had my wifi on overnight

Google maps or Latitude consuming battery

On JHV.
Seems like maps is consuming much battery. Haven't even started it since I disconnected from charger (4 hours ago). Even though it stands for 30% usage. Battery now is 83% and have been.
Any suggestions?

try turn off Latitude

DummyPLUG said:
try turn off Latitude
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Click to collapse
Nope. I love the app. Didi'nt use this much battery on Froyo.

same problem here, only on GB roms, so I hope it will be fixed next roms or the next version of gmaps.

kicsihuszar said:
same problem here, only on GB roms, so I hope it will be fixed next roms or the next version of gmaps.
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Click to collapse
I have also experienced insane battery drain on ALL SGS rom's I've ever had (froyo, ginger). As if its typical for this device. If you turn on latitude, don't expect more than half a day on battery... especially if 3G is also turned on.
I also have a ZTE Blade. It has I believe a 1100 mAh battery, easily taking 2 days on battery with normal use + latitude + 3G.

Yeah, I loved latitude until the day I got GB, then I had at most a full day of battery life. Now, without Latitude I can manage up to three days. So, hopefully Google can find a fix.

Battery drain is caused by Latitude in GB. If you turned it off but battery drain didn't stop - simply check off/on Use wireless networks in Location and Security Menu. It should help.

mio520 said:
Battery drain is caused by Latitude in GB. If you turned it off but battery drain didn't stop - simply check off/on Use wireless networks in Location and Security Menu. It should help.
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Click to collapse
I can confirm that the "Use wireless networks" option in the "Location and security" menu in the settings is draining battery. I think Google is using this to create a worldwide map of wireless networks to be able to use it for position estimation when GPS is off or unavailable. They are warning you when you switch it on, so it's not spying on you without your knowledge. The problem is that it seems that the software is not well written and drains your battery. I've switched it off and the battery use improved a lot.

Battery tip for people with bad battery life.

I've had bad battery life since I bought this phone on release day. I would get no more than 1.5-2 hours screen on time. The battery wouldn't last more than 12 hours. I've been messing around with it since then but still had bad battery life up until the last few days. Now I get 3.5-4 hours screen on time and I'm a moderate user.
Here is what I did:
1. Go to Google maps and then go to settings and untick anything that is ticked then click on "location reporting" and set it to do not update your location.
2. Go into the phone settings>location services and untick everything. When you want to use maps just turn on gps.
3. Get the app "battery calibration". First charge your phone to 100% and keep the charger plugged in and then go to the app and Press calibrate. Then use your phone till the battery is dead (turns off) and plug the charger in and let it charge to 100% while it is off.
Turn it on and then use it till the battery is dead again and charge while off to 100%.
I'm not saying this is guaranteed to work for you but it has for me.

You know my problem is I did that and when on Jb lib battery drain like crazy.Back on ICS no problem with battery can you explain that why on ICS calibration is not needed ???
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
---------- Post added at 10:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:48 PM ----------
goose2515 said:
You know my problem is I did that and when on Jb lib battery drain like crazy.Back on ICS no problem with battery can you explain that why on ICS calibration is not needed ???
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
O end yes maps drain battery I turn this off
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

uf21 said:
Up until now I had bad battery life since I bought this phone on release day. I would get no more than 1.5-2 screen on time. The battery wouldn't last more than 12 hours. I've been messing around with it since then but still had bad battery life up until the last few days. Now I get 3.5-4 hours screen on time and I'm a moderate user.
Here is what I did:
1. Go to Google maps and then go to settings and untick anything that is ticked then click on "location reporting" and set it to do not update your location.
2. Go into the phone settings>location services and untick everything. When you want to use maps just turn on gps.
3. Get the app "battery calibration". First charge your phone to 100% and keep the charger plugged in and then go to the app and Press calibrate. Then use your phone till the battery is dead (turns off) and plug the charger in and let it charge to 100% while it off.
Turn it on and then use it till the battery is dead again and charge while off to 100%.
I'm not saying this is guaranteed to work for you but it has for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First two items I agree on. GPS uses up a lot of battery, though from personal experience, it didn't dent my battery too much anyway as long as I don't have running apps using it.
But the last point. I believe those battery calibrations are actually useless. There was some article from the android team describing why.

The 2nd and 3rd are completely useless.
People who use gps know that even if you tick those location services, it only gets enabled when an app requires gps. Thua, battery is only lost if you use loads of navigation services. Unchecking those won't do any good.
Battery Caliberation is just what you can call the perfect reading that is shown on your status bar. Ultimately, whether you caliberate or not, battery gets charged upto 100% only. It won't surely exceed that.
Sent from Hell!!

uf21 said:
I've had bad battery life since I bought this phone on release day. I would get no more than 1.5-2 hours screen on time. The battery wouldn't last more than 12 hours. I've been messing around with it since then but still had bad battery life up until the last few days. Now I get 3.5-4 hours screen on time and I'm a moderate user.
Here is what I did:
1. Go to Google maps and then go to settings and untick anything that is ticked then click on "location reporting" and set it to do not update your location.
2. Go into the phone settings>location services and untick everything. When you want to use maps just turn on gps.
3. Get the app "battery calibration". First charge your phone to 100% and keep the charger plugged in and then go to the app and Press calibrate. Then use your phone till the battery is dead (turns off) and plug the charger in and let it charge to 100% while it is off.
Turn it on and then use it till the battery is dead again and charge while off to 100%.
I'm not saying this is guaranteed to work for you but it has for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A better idea:
Disable auto sync for accounts
Disable GPS (and wifi gps)
Disable auto backup of Gmail account
Set wifi sleep policy to “when plugged in”
Disable motion
Check your apps settings and disable useless background sync​

Setup a static IP via your router.

I had issues with Chrome Sync - when enabled it prevented phone from going into deep sleep. So if you use Chrome and struggle with battery life this is one more thing to look at ...

Official Facebook app uses a lot of power and waking device for many times. Use browser for facebook or alternatives...You will see the diference !

Darkside Agent said:
A better idea:
Disable auto sync for accounts
Disable GPS (and wifi gps)
Disable auto backup of Gmail account
Set wifi sleep policy to “when plugged in”
Disable motion
Check your apps settings and disable useless background sync​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
good list id like to add:
freeze unused apps/battery hogs if used sparringly (with titanium backup)
set wifi to always on, switch off manually when not in use
firewall apps that dont require internet

I agree on the Facebook app. I will charge my phone to full, reboot it, and then let it sit overnight without using any apps and it will be one of my top processes in better battery stats. I really like using facebook simply for the picture and phone number syncing. I guess I could always go back to haxsync. On my Galaxy Nexus since I can't use facebook app to sync I just use mobile page and it definitely is better on battery life.
I've been trying to improve my battery life on 4.1.1 LIB as if I leave it on Wifi overnight with no use after reboot and full charge I'll see Deep Sleep at maybe 90% if I'm lucky. I'm losing almost a full hour of sleep time over the course of 7-8 hours. I think Facebook is part of it, also it seems to be worse when I use the S3's built in alarms.

Go into Settings -> Location and disable everything? You mean that we should disable:
1) Use wireless networks (location determined by wi-fi and/or mobile networks). I really don't see how this saves battery.
2) Use GPS satellites. This uses up battery ONLY when an app requires GPS (and when the icon shows).
3) Use sensor aiding. See above.
4) Location and Google Search. (only used to get your location when you're connected to GPS and/or wifi/mobile network).
I really don't see how this saves battery.
On a side note, one might want to freeze unwanted apps, not use too many live wallpapers, sync only when needed, and get rid of unwanted widgets. THAT might help.

Better tip. Use your phone with everything turned on as it was designed like I do and get 4 hours + screen on time, and 1 to 2 days useage depending on how much it's used.. simples...

I really don't see the point of buying a phone like this and turning everything off!
Google now won't work properly with all the location stuff switched off.
I always get through the day with everything turned on, in use power saving at work and switch off wifi that's it.
If the battery runs down have a back up waiting, galaxy s3 owners are always going on about it being good that our phone has a removable battery and iphone doesn't but there are still many people not happy that their battery runs down quick!
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

The best thing I ever spent on for this phone was the official samsung battery kit. At least I don't have to worry about the battery at all and I can leave all the features on.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

The best app to see exactly what's happening on the phone is "Better Battery Stats".
I can have access to all partial wavelocks and see exactly what app is sucking my battery like a vampire on a virgin.
Companies creates amazing devices but forgot to create the amazing batteries that go with them!

DeadSOL said:
Go into Settings -> Location and disable everything? You mean that we should disable:
1) Use wireless networks (location determined by wi-fi and/or mobile networks). I really don't see how this saves battery.
2) Use GPS satellites. This uses up battery ONLY when an app requires GPS (and when the icon shows).
3) Use sensor aiding. See above.
4) Location and Google Search. (only used to get your location when you're connected to GPS and/or wifi/mobile network).
I really don't see how this saves battery.
On a side note, one might want to freeze unwanted apps, not use too many live wallpapers, sync only when needed, and get rid of unwanted widgets. THAT might help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that's true but this is not for everyone. I don't use Google now and why should I use wireless networks when there is a built in GPS.

Thank you OP. That was the problem with my phone. Now its awake when the screen is on. Before that, it was awake every 5 minutes. !!!!

And after you've turned every single feature off, you can stand back and admire your Nokia 3310

boundy said:
And after you've turned every single feature off, you can stand back and admire your Nokia 3310
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're only turning of location services. Why does the phone need to know where you are 24/7? Just turn it on when you need to use maps or location. Not hard.
My car was designed to be driven, does that mean it should be left on while I'm not using it? Think about that.

terranoid said:
Thank you OP. That was the problem with my phone. Now its awake when the screen is on. Before that, it was awake every 5 minutes. !!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad I could help.

google now draining battery

I have used G2 for about a week, battery life has been superb, decided to turn on google now yesterday, drained my battery like 20% in 10 hours while I was sleeping it was keeping phone awake
I turned it completely off now. Does anyone use google now? Anyway to use it but not drain battery?

I use it. Idk how much it drains at night cause that's when I charge the g2. My battery does pretty well though and I'm on it a ton and it still lasts all day.
LG G2

tannor said:
I have used G2 for about a week, battery life has been superb, decided to turn on google now yesterday, drained my battery like 20% in 10 hours while I was sleeping it was keeping phone awake
I turned it completely off now. Does anyone use google now? Anyway to use it but not drain battery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Now will use some more battery because it's checking for updates and probing for location periodically, but nothing like you describe, so something else was going on.

go to google settings, location, and turn off location reporting and location history. Google Now will still work fine, but your battery will immensely improve.

stevessvt said:
go to google settings, location, and turn off location reporting and location history. Google Now will still work fine, but your battery will immensely improve.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK great thanks going to give it a try, what about do I check off Access Location under that same menu or keep it off?

You can leave that on, it shouldnt impact your battery by itself.

stevessvt said:
You can leave that on, it shouldnt impact your battery by itself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks one more question, under main settings -> Location access
Do I need any of these on (Access to my location)? and if so which ones? GPS & Verizon or Wi-fi & mobile network location. Right now I have all of it, not sure which is least battery drain

You only need GPS on if you need very accurate pinpointing, like using navigation, mobile network location is fine to leave on.

Another tip: Google Now>settings>Phone Search
You can change which apps Google Now searches on your phone. This sped up Google Now for me as well as helping with battery.