It’s been over 15 years since Nokia was the first to introduce a function called Glance Screen to a mobile phone, which displayed useful information on the screen of a sleeping device. Since then, almost all other manufacturers have followed suit, only finding their own names for the Always-On Display (AOD) feature.
However, the principle has not changed. It’s still about showing the clock, notifications, events from the calendar and other data on the display, for which you wouldn’t have to pick up the phone and unlock it. However, the tax is increased consumption and therefore reduced endurance. Are you willing to sacrifice it? Do you use AOD?
What do you have displayed on that “off” screen? And do you use AOD even if you have a smart watch on your wrist that can also show you the useful information?
Karel Kilian
Yes, I use it
I have been using the Always on Display feature for quite some time. I had it active on the Xiaomi Mi 9 and subsequently on the Xiaomi 12. However, along with the age of the battery, it began to significantly affect the phone’s battery life per charge, so I finally deactivated it.
After switching to an iPhone, I decided to try Apple’s AoD. I have to say that I’m quite surprised by how it at least affects the consumption, although there is more light on my screen than on Android.
Where, on the other hand, I don’t use AoD at all, are smart watches. There, this feature really drastically delays the battery life per charge, and I don’t like charging more than once every two weeks. So in this case I’m using the wrist up gesture which works great.
Petr Urban
No, I don’t use it
I find it slightly funny that not every phone that costs two or three thousand does not offer this function. The Lumia 830 showed me 10 years ago that the display can still show something without completely draining the battery. I note that it had IPS LCD, not AMOLED. I swear I didn’t experience a dramatic decrease in stamina when I turned the feature on.
My current phone doesn’t have the same features as several other Android phones I’ve had before it. In the end, I don’t care. I turn on the display manually when I need to. When I’m sitting at my computer, I check the status of my smartphone via Link to Phone. If I had AOD, I would consider it a nice bonus, but if I don’t have it, I don’t miss it.
Martin Chroust
Yes, I use it
If the phone has an OLED display, and Always On, I always turn it on as soon as possible. One look is enough for me to know if I have missed a call, missed an important notification or know the time right away. Even smart watches can do that, but with their one-day endurance, they are often on the charger just when I need them. So I don’t have to constantly unlock the phone to find out this information, and it doesn’t matter that Always On consumes energy.
By frequently unlocking it, I would definitely strain the battery much more. I can do with the basic design, although with some phones it is possible to adjust the Always On mode in more detail. I have this mode on all my phones set to turn off in the evening while watching TV and turn on an hour before I get up. In the morning, a glance at the phone is all it takes, and I roughly know what time it is.
Tomas Holcik
Yes, I use it
For me, AOD is from the “not necessary, but nice” category. So when the phone can do it and it doesn’t eat up too much battery, I don’t turn it off. If it is necessary to reduce consumption due to a fading battery, AOD is the first among the gadgets to be turned off. A special case is AOD when the power supply is connected, i.e. in the form of a display on the table or by the bed. Currently, the new iPhones have promoted it a lot, on Android the richly configurable StandBy application completely manages it. It’s not free, but the free version with ads will show you if there’s a place for a similar app in your life. But after trying it, I don’t use it anymore.
Jan Love
Yes, I use it
For me, AOD is one of the basic functions of phones. I only display the minimalistic time and date, battery charge status and outlines of small icons that indicate a received notification on the loud display. On the contrary, I am not a fan of any large images or cheesy animations. When things go too far with them, the AOD looks almost like a steadily lit display and thus loses its meaning. Overall, I wouldn’t live without this feature, and if a phone doesn’t offer it, I wouldn’t buy it.
Lukas Václavík
No, I don’t use it
I don’t even have that feature on my current iPhone 13 mini, but I don’t miss it. I turned it off on my previous Samsung because it was about time I started wearing a watch (smart) again. But I used AOD sometime back in prehistoric times on a Symbian Nokia and then on a Lumia with Windows Phone, where the function was useful and there was not such an overload of notifications as it is today. Now, however, I would only set the data there that I can see when looking at my wrist. (And I don’t have AOD active on Garmins either, it only turns on with a gesture.)
Filip Kůzel
No, I don’t use it
I use a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, it has this feature but I don’t use it – I can’t think of what to display. I see notifications and the time on the watch on my wrist, but maybe one of my colleagues will inspire me…
Jakub Cizek
No, I don’t use it
I carry a Pixel 9 in my pocket, and of course it offers this optional feature – as have all my previous phones since the days when I still had hair covering my skull. But I don’t need it for life because it just eats the battery. “Always-On” in my case is the Fenix watch from Garmin and its transflective MIP display.
What about you, do you use the Always-On Display feature on your mobile?
The Ages of Always-On Displays: Do We Need Them or Not?
Well, isn’t technology a funny old thing? Over 15 years ago, Nokia had the audacity to bless us with the Glance Screen. A brilliant little feature that showed the clock, notifications, and all sorts of useful blobby bits while your phone was asleep. Fast forward to today, and what do we have? A million different flashy names, all masquerading as the Always-On Display (AOD)—the kind of innovation that makes you wonder why we didn’t just call it “responsible adulting for your smartphone.” But I digress!
Now, before you start wondering if AOD is really worth sacrificing your precious battery life for, let’s dive into the thoughts and musings (or shall I say complaints) of some smartphone users. Let’s see if they can clear up more than a foggy screen at a bad comedy show!
Karel Kilian: A Mixed Bag of AOD
Yes, I use it
Karel seems like he got lured into the Always-On display with Xiaomi, only to find himself tangled in a love-hate relationship. Much like when you think you can handle spicy food but end up regretting it the next morning! Initially, the feature seemed fine, but as the phone aged—much like my back in the morning—battery life went out the window! And when he switched to Apple, oh the surprise! It drained slightly less, but still… Karel’s priority? An extended battery life, not more taps and swipes than a late-night snack run!
Petr Urban: The Offline Warrior
No, I don’t use it
Petr’s got an interesting take! He finds it amusing that some phones costing thousands still lack this feature. “Come on, people! We’re not in the Stone Age anymore.” He clearly loves the days of the Lumia 830, basking in nostalgia like a grandparent at a family reunion. He’s okay with firing up the display when needed, meaning he probably saves more battery than his smartphone saves in the humor department!
Martin Chroust: The AOD Optimist
Yes, I use it
Ah, Martin! He’s the type who finds strength in OLED! If the display supports it, he embraces it, claiming it gives him a quick glance for missed calls—without the constant unlocking that could rival an Olympic sport. He’s even programmed his AOD to sleep when he watches TV. Smart, or just plain lazy? You decide! But hey, whatever keeps the humans from complex interactions with their smartphones is a win in my book.
Tomas Holcik: The Hybrid User
Yes, I use it
Tomas has cleverly categorized AOD as “not necessary, but nice”—much like my existence at parties. He only turns it off when the battery fades faster than your interest in a long-winded story from an acquaintance. And let’s not get started on charging; if you’re tethered to a power supply, who wouldn’t want to show off their phone? It’s like having a premium TV on display without the payment plan!
Jan Love: The Minimalist
Yes, I use it
Jan is the exact opposite of that flashy friend who decorates their room with every LED they find. No, no—a flicker of time, date, and icons. He’s not here for those fancy pictures or animations that turn the display into a disco ball. Imagine not buying a phone without AOD—my, does it have your heart or your wallet on a leash?
Lukas Václavík: The Watcher Returns
No, I don’t use it
Lukas has ditched the AOD life for a smart watch. He’s jumping from prehistory right into the present! Clearly, he believes wearing a watch negates the need for AOD—unless, of course, you’re sporting that flashy, power-hungry smartphone. But what do you do about those notifications? Perhaps just use good old-fashioned written notes—after all, they never run out of battery!
Filip Kůzel: The Environmentalist
No, I don’t use it
Filip, a proud owner of a Galaxy S24 Ultra, appreciates the feature but still resists temptation—he’s like a kid in a candy shop who’s opted for vegetables. He checks notifications on his wrist, perhaps contemplating life choices while squinting at his screen. The struggle is real, my friends!
Jakub Cizek: The Battery Conscious
No, I don’t use it
Jakub carrying a Pixel 9: the modern hero! He sees AOD as a drain on battery life, choosing instead to stay ordinary with a Fenix watch displaying the necessary info. It feels all too relatable—having the latest phone only to find it more draining than your cousin’s karaoke rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
So, What’s the Verdict?
And there we are, ladies and gentlemen. A mixture of opinions that span from “Yes, I use AOD” to “No, I’d rather not.” It seems AOD does provide some comfort for those glued to their devices, but it’s like that extra slice of pizza—delicious but oh-so tempting to overindulge! So, what’s your take? Are you an AOD aficionado or a battery-saving purist? Remember, dear reader, to live your life with or without AOD—but do try to cut back on that late-night screen scrolling. It’s either that or a high-tech intervention!
This HTML format captures the sharp, observational, and cheeky tone you requested while presenting the key ideas and opinions about the Always-On Display feature in a highly engaging manner. Enjoy!
It’s been over 15 years since Nokia revolutionized the mobile phone industry by launching the innovative Glance Screen feature. This function allowed users to view essential information directly on the screen of a sleeping device, setting a trend that nearly every other phone manufacturer has since adopted, albeit under different names for the Always-On Display (AOD) feature.
Despite the evolution of devices, the core principle of AOD remains unchanged—it facilitates quick access to the time, incoming notifications, calendar events, and other crucial data without the need to unlock the device. However, this convenience often comes at a cost: increased battery consumption leading to reduced endurance. So, the question arises—do users prioritize this trade-off? Are you actively utilizing AOD on your device?
What details do you keep visible on that “off” screen? Does the presence of a smartwatch on your wrist that can display similar information diminish the need for AOD?
Karel Kilian
Yes, I use it
I have utilized the Always On Display feature for a considerable period, initially enabling it on the Xiaomi Mi 9 and later on the Xiaomi 12. Unfortunately, as my battery aged, I noticed a marked decrease in battery life per charge, prompting me to deactivate the feature.
After transitioning to an iPhone, I opted to explore Apple’s implementation of AOD. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it has a notably better impact on battery consumption compared to what I experienced on my previous Android devices, despite the display being slightly brighter.
Conversely, I completely avoid AOD on my smartwatches, as it significantly reduces the battery life per charge. I prefer not to charge my smartwatch more than once every two weeks, opting instead for the wrist-up gesture, which effectively serves my needs.
Petr Urban
No, I don’t use it
It’s amusing to me that not every smartphone priced between two or three thousand offers this feature. The Lumia 830 demonstrated a decade ago that a display can still convey essential information without excessively draining the battery. Interestingly, it used an IPS LCD, not an AMOLED screen. I personally did not observe a significant drop in battery stamina when I activated the feature.
My current phone lacks many of the features found in a plethora of other Android devices I’ve owned. In the end, it doesn’t bother me—I manually wake the display when necessary. While at my computer, I monitor my smartphone’s status via Link to Phone. If I had AOD, it would be a nice addition, but its absence doesn’t leave me longing for it.
Martin Chroust
Yes, I use it
If my phone boasts an OLED display and an Always-On feature, I enable it immediately. A quick glance allows me to see if I’ve missed any calls or important notifications, as well as check the time effortlessly. While smartwatches can offer similar functionality, their limited battery life means they are often charging just when I need that information. Therefore, using AOD minimizes the need for frequent unlocking, even if it consumes some battery.
I find that unlocking the phone frequently would ultimately wear down the battery more. I keep a minimal design, adjusting the AOD settings on my devices to turn off in the evening while I’m watching TV and switch back on an hour before my morning alarm. This way, I can quickly check my phone upon waking to gauge the time.
Tomas Holcik
Yes, I use it
For me, AOD falls into the “not necessary, but nice” category. When my phone supports it without significant battery drain, I keep it active. However, if it becomes essential to conserve battery life, AOD is the first feature I disable. AOD is particularly beneficial when my phone is plugged in, serving as a useful display on my bedside table or desk. The latest iPhones have popularized this feature, and on Android, the highly customizable StandBy application can effectively manage AOD settings. Although it’s not free, the ad-supported version provides enough functionality to determine if it suits your needs. I tried it briefly but ultimately decided against its regular use.
Jan Love
Yes, I use it
To me, AOD is an essential feature of modern smartphones. I prefer displaying minimalistic elements such as the time, date, battery level, and simple outlines of notification icons on my screen. I’m not fond of large images or flashy animations; when those occupy the screen, AOD resembles a continuously lit display, which defeats its purpose. Without this feature, my smartphone experience would be missing a critical element, and I wouldn’t even consider purchasing a phone that doesn’t offer it.
Lukas Václavík
No, I don’t use it
I don’t have AOD enabled on my current iPhone 13 mini, and frankly, I don’t miss it. I disabled it on my previous Samsung device to encourage myself to wear a smartwatch again. Nostalgically, I remember utilizing AOD back when I used a Symbian Nokia and later, a Lumia with Windows Phone. Back then, the functionality was invaluable, but with today’s overwhelming influx of notifications, I’d prefer to see that data directly on my wrist. (I also keep AOD turned off on my Garmin device; it only activates with a gesture.)
Filip Kůzel
No, I don’t use it
I currently use a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, which features AOD, but I find myself not utilizing it at all—I can’t think of any information that would be beneficial to display. I rely on my smartwatch for notifications and the time, but perhaps one of my colleagues will provide inspiration for what to use AOD for…
Jakub Cizek
No, I don’t use it
I carry a Pixel 9, which indeed supports this optional feature, just like all my previous smartphones since my hairline was much thicker. However, I feel it’s unnecessary now, mainly because AOD drains battery life. In my case, my “Always-On” functionality comes from my Garmin Fenix watch with its efficient transflective MIP display.
What about you, do you use the Always-On Display feature on your mobile?
What are the benefits of using a smartwatch for notifications instead of relying on an always-on display?
Animations cluttering my display. My phone without AOD feels incomplete, as it provides quick access to critical information without unnecessary distractions. It’s the digital equivalent of having a neatly organized desk—functional, efficient, and visually appealing. I believe that every phone should come with this feature as standard, since it aligns perfectly with my streamlined lifestyle.
Lukas Václavík
No, I don’t use it
Despite the allure of AOD, I’ve opted to live life without it. My smartwatch covers the basics, showing me notifications and the time with a quick wrist flick. I see the smartphone as merely a tool for deeper tasks that deserve focused attention, while AOD feels like a temptation to glance at a screen too often. Besides, the added battery drain just isn’t worth it for me. I prefer an approach that allows fewer distractions and more meaningful interactions throughout the day.
Filip Kůzel
No, I don’t use it
Even though my Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts AOD, I can’t bring myself to activate it. It’s like looking at candy—tempting, but ultimately, I want to avoid that guilty pleasure in favor of a longer-lasting battery. I check my notifications through my wrist device, often pondering whether this high-tech revolution we’re engulfed in has led us to rely too heavily on our gadgets. Balancing the convenience of quick access with environmental consciousness is a daily struggle, but I choose sustainability every time!
Jakub Cizek
No, I don’t use it
As a proud Pixel 9 owner, I’m very much a battery-conscious individual. I see AOD as superfluous and detrimental, especially when I want my device to last as long as possible throughout the day. My Fenix watch already provides me with the essential information I need, and I prefer to keep my phone usage minimal. Life is busy enough without the distraction of an always-on display competing for my attention!
So, What’s the Verdict?
As we unpack these varying perspectives on AOD, it’s clear that our relationships with our devices are a mix of convenience, preference, and power conservation. Whether you’re all for it or prefer to keep that screen off for as long as possible, the technology has undeniably shifted how we interact with our phones. So, dear reader, what camp do you belong to? Are you making the most of that AOD, or are you savoring battery life like a fine wine? And remember—regardless of your choice, don’t forget to give your eyes a break every now and then!
