Engadget Guides Detail Battery and Call-Quality Fixes for Samsung and Android Phones

For Samsung Galaxy battery life, Engadget recommends keeping the device and apps updated because Samsung software updates include efficiency fixes and optimizations meant to reduce unnecessary power drains. The guide says background apps are often the real reason a battery drains quickly, and Samsung's Battery and Device Care menu shows which apps consume power even when not in use. Users can place rarely used apps into deep sleep through Settings > Battery > Background usage limits; those apps then will not run in the background until opened again. The Battery menu also shows how much each app affected battery life on a given day, and the Power savings option restricts background apps from using Wi-Fi and mobile data.

Engadget also points to Battery protection, which lets users choose charging behavior. The Basic setting stops charging at 100 percent and restarts once the level drops below 95 percent, while the Maximum setting lets users stop charging at a chosen level between 80 and 95 percent. The guide says these settings can be selected for charging from an outlet or when away from one.

Display settings are another focus. Engadget says the screen typically consumes the most battery power, especially at high brightness. It recommends turning on Adaptive Brightness, which adjusts the screen based on surrounding light, and lowering the screen timeout, both under Settings > Display. Users can also switch the performance profile from Standard to Light under Settings > Device Care, a setting that prioritizes battery life over processing speed and does not apply to games, according to the guide. On some Galaxy models, users can limit the display refresh rate from 120Hz to 60Hz through Settings > Display > Motion smoothness, although scrolling and animations will feel less smooth.

Connectivity features left running can drain power even when not actively used, Engadget says. The guide recommends switching off Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and location services when they are not needed by swiping down and tapping the relevant icons. It also directs users to check battery health by opening the Samsung Members app, tapping Support and looking under Phone diagnostics.

In the second guide, Engadget says Android users can improve call sound quality by using VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling. VoLTE, or Voice over LTE, carries calls over a high-speed 4G data network, while similar 5G connectivity is called Voice over New Radio, or VoNR. The article notes that even in 2026 some calls still take place over older 2G and 3G networks because those networks were built mainly for voice traffic, early 4G could not carry phone calls, and VoLTE rollout remains incomplete. VoLTE and VoNR are described as delivering clearer sound, HD voice and faster connections. On Android, the setting path is generally Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile network > VoLTE calls, though some phones label it HD Calling or 4G Calling; on Samsung devices it is Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > VoLTE calls or VoNR.

Wi-Fi calling routes calls through a home or office Wi-Fi network. Engadget explains that it converts voice into small digital packets that are sent securely over Wi-Fi to the carrier's network, where the call is processed and sent to the other person. The guide says Wi-Fi calling can deliver better call quality than cellular networks because of extra coverage, fewer cellular obstructions and less network congestion. The general path is Settings > Network & internet > SIMS > Carrier SIM > Wi-Fi Calling, while Samsung phones use Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi Calling.

For background noise, Google Pixel phones offer Clear Calling on Pixel 7 and later, according to Engadget. The feature improves voice quality and filters background noise, and can be enabled through Settings > Sound & vibration > Clear Calling. It can also be turned on during a call by pressing any volume button and selecting Clear Calling in the volume panel. In VoIP apps including WhatsApp and Zoom, Engadget says Clear Calling only works on Pixel 10 and later, excluding the Pixel 10a.

Newer Samsung devices have a similar feature called Mic mode. Engadget says users must be on a call, open the Quick settings panel and tap Mic mode at the top. The options are Standard, which applies minimal audio filtering; Voice focus, which increases filtering to help users concentrate on the caller's voice; and Full spectrum, which captures both voice and background sounds. Tapping Done applies the choice. Mic mode is available only on select newer Galaxy devices and works on regular calls and VoIP apps, though the menu options can change depending on the calling app.

Engadget also describes Adapt sound on Samsung phones, which tunes audio output to a user's ears rather than filtering noise or boosting volume. It adjusts device audio to compensate for parts of the sound spectrum a user has trouble hearing. The feature is found under Settings > Sounds and vibration > Sound quality and effects > Adapt sound, where users can choose age-based presets or take a short hearing test. The guide says it only works with headphones. Pixel devices have a similar feature called Adaptive Sound, which uses the phone's microphone to adjust speaker sound depending on the environment.

Editor's Summary

Engadget published two Sept. 28, 2026 guides outlining no-cost settings changes for Samsung Galaxy battery life and Android call quality. The battery guide focuses on updates, background app limits, charging protection, display adjustments and connectivity controls, while the call guide covers VoLTE, Wi-Fi calling, Clear Calling, Mic mode and Adapt sound. The recommendations are presented as device-dependent and generally available without new hardware.