DEV Community: Mohi Moha

What Is Sensor-Shift Optical Image Stabilization on Mobile Cameras?

Mohi Moha — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 01:56:09 +0000

Optical image stabilization (OIS) counters hand shake so photos stay sharp and videos stay steady. Traditionally, phones moved lens elements. Sensor-shift OIS takes a different approach: it moves the image sensor itself.

How lens-based OIS works

Gyroscopes detect movement, and tiny motors shift one or more lens elements to redirect light so the image stays still on the sensor.

How sensor-shift OIS works

Instead of moving the lens, the sensor floats on a mechanism and shifts in the opposite direction of your hand movement, often thousands of times per second. Some systems also correct rotation (roll).

Apple popularised sensor-shift on iPhones (starting with iPhone 12 Pro Max), and several Android makers use similar approaches or gimbal-style stabilization modules.

Advantages of sensor-shift

Lighter moving part: sensors can be moved precisely without moving heavy lens groups, especially as lenses grow larger.
Correction on more axes, including rotational shake.
Longer handheld exposures in low light with less blur.
Smoother video, especially combined with EIS.

Limitations

Sensor size: very large sensors are harder to move.
Doesn't freeze subject motion: a moving person still blurs at slow shutter speeds.
Walking video still benefits from EIS or action modes.

Photo by Corentin HENRY on Pexels

OIS vs EIS vs hybrid

	Lens OIS	Sensor-shift OIS	EIS
Moves	Lens elements	Sensor	Nothing (software crop)
Low-light photos	Good	Very good	Weak
Video crop	None	None	Yes
Large motions	Limited	Limited	Good

Most flagships use OIS (lens or sensor-shift) + EIS together for the best results.

Tips to get the most from stabilization

Brace your arms and hold still during night shots.
Use the main camera (usually best-stabilized).
For walking video, try action mode or a gimbal.
Don't use magnetic mounts on motorbikes; vibrations can damage OIS mechanisms.

Video explainer

Summary

Sensor-shift OIS stabilizes by moving the sensor rather than the lens, enabling sharper low-light photos and steadier video. Combined with EIS, it gives modern phones remarkably stable footage.

Compare phones with advanced stabilization on infozme's best camera phones list.

Cover photo by Alexey Demidov on Pexels. This article was written with the help of AI.

Why Do Mobile Screens Scratch Even With Protective Glass? Mohs Scale Tests

Mohi Moha — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 01:49:21 +0000

Phone durability videos often scratch screens with picks labelled 1 to 10 and declare: "scratches at level 6, with deeper grooves at level 7." What does that actually mean, and why can't manufacturers make screens that never scratch?

The Mohs hardness scale

The Mohs scale ranks minerals by which can scratch which, from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond):

Mohs level	Example
2–3	Fingernail, copper coin
4–5	Steel knife (~5.5)
6	Feldspar (and many glass surfaces)
7	Quartz (sand, dust)
8	Topaz
9	Sapphire
10	Diamond

It's ordinal, not linear: the jump from 9 to 10 is enormous compared with 6 to 7.

What phone scratch tests show

Most phone cover glass (Gorilla Glass, Ceramic Shield, etc.) shows scratches starting at level 6, with deeper grooves at level 7. That means:

Keys, coins and knives (below 6) generally won't scratch it.
Quartz sand (7), common in pockets and dust, can.

That's why screens accumulate micro-scratches from pockets and bags.

Why not use sapphire?

Sapphire (Mohs 9) is extremely scratch-resistant, but:

More brittle: it's more likely to shatter when dropped.
Expensive and heavier.
More reflective.

Glass makers balance hardness (scratch resistance) with toughness (resistance to cracking). Phones drop far more often than they meet diamonds, so drop resistance is often prioritised.

Photo by Sergey Meshkov on Pexels

Limitations of pick tests

Mohs picks are inconsistent in force and technique.
Real-world scratches come from particles under pressure, not single picks.
Coatings (anti-reflective, oleophobic) can wear differently from the glass underneath.

Practical takeaways

Use a tempered glass protector. Replacing it is cheaper than replacing the screen.
Keep phones out of pockets with sand or grit.
Clean screens gently; don't wipe gritty dust across them.
Newer glass-ceramics (e.g., Gorilla Glass Armor) improve scratch resistance, but no phone glass is scratch-proof.

Video explanation

Summary

Most phone glass scratches at Mohs level 6–7, the hardness of common sand. Manufacturers trade some scratch resistance for drop toughness, so a screen protector and clean pockets remain the best defence.

Compare phones with the latest protective glass on infozme's top-rated phones.

Cover photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels. This article was written with the help of AI.

Best Mobile Screen Protectors: Matte vs Privacy vs Clear Tempered Glass

Mohi Moha — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 01:35:54 +0000

Once you've decided on tempered glass, there's another choice: clear, matte, privacy or special-purpose coatings. Each changes how your screen looks and feels. Here's how to pick the right one.

Clear tempered glass

Best for: most people who want the screen to look like the screen.

✅ Maximum clarity and colour accuracy
✅ Smooth, glossy feel
✅ Works with most in-display fingerprint sensors (choose quality brands)
❌ Reflects glare outdoors
❌ Shows fingerprints

Matte (anti-glare) protectors

Best for: gamers, outdoor use, people who hate fingerprints.

✅ Reduces glare and reflections significantly
✅ Resists fingerprints, smooth "silky" swipes for gaming
✅ Hides micro-scratches
❌ Slight grain/sparkle and reduced sharpness
❌ Colours look a bit softer

Privacy protectors

Best for: commuters, open offices, anyone handling sensitive info in public.

✅ Screen is hard to see from the sides (typically beyond 30–45°)
❌ Darker screen, so you'll use more brightness (more battery)
❌ Can make auto-brightness and front sensors less accurate
❌ Viewing angles for sharing content suffer
❌ Some can interfere with in-display fingerprint or proximity sensors

Anti-blue-light protectors

Tint the screen slightly amber.
Built-in software filters (Night Light, Night Shift) do the same job more flexibly, so these are usually unnecessary.

Photo by Wajahat Ahmad Khan on Pexels

Comparison

	Clear	Matte	Privacy
Clarity	Best	Good	Good (head-on)
Glare	High	Low	Medium
Fingerprints	Visible	Hidden	Visible
Gaming feel	Good	Excellent	Good
Battery impact	None	None	Higher brightness needed

Buying tips

Choose case-friendly sizes.
Check fingerprint sensor compatibility, especially for ultrasonic sensors.
Look for oleophobic coating on clear glass.
For phones with anti-reflective glass (e.g., Gorilla Glass Armor), a glossy protector cancels that benefit. Consider none, or a matte/AR protector.

Video comparison

Summary

Clear glass keeps the best picture, matte fights glare and fingerprints, and privacy glass hides your screen from onlookers at the cost of brightness. Pick based on where and how you use your phone.

Compare phones with tough, low-reflection displays on infozme's top-rated phones.

Cover photo by Line Knipst on Pexels. This article was written with the help of AI.

What Is Wi-Fi Calling and When Should You Use It Over Cellular?

Mohi Moha — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 01:28:54 +0000

Wi-Fi Calling lets your phone make regular calls and send SMS over a Wi-Fi internet connection, using your normal number and the default phone app. It's a lifesaver in homes and offices with weak signal. But it isn't always the better choice.

How Wi-Fi Calling works

Your phone creates a secure connection over the internet to your carrier's network. From your carrier's point of view, the call is handled like any other call; you keep your number, voicemail and caller ID. No WhatsApp or third-party app is involved.

When Wi-Fi Calling is the better option

Weak indoor signal: basements, thick-walled buildings, rural homes.
Offices with poor coverage but good Wi-Fi.
Travelling abroad: many carriers treat Wi-Fi calls back to your home country as domestic (check terms).
Congested networks: stadiums or events where mobile signal is overloaded but venue Wi-Fi works.

When to prefer cellular

Public or weak Wi-Fi: slow or unstable hotspots cause choppy calls.
On the move: walking or driving away from Wi-Fi can drop calls unless your carrier supports seamless handover.
Captive portals (hotel login pages) can block Wi-Fi Calling.
Some international calls over Wi-Fi may still be charged; read your carrier's rules.

Photo by MART PRODUCTION on Pexels

Emergency calls

Wi-Fi Calling can place emergency calls, but location handling differs. Most carriers ask you to register an emergency address when enabling the feature. Keep it updated, especially if you move. When possible, emergency calls use cellular networks first.

Battery and data

On good Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Calling can save battery compared with a phone struggling on weak signal.
It uses little data (roughly similar to a VoIP call), and doesn't count against your mobile data allowance.

How to enable

iPhone: Settings → Phone (or Mobile Data) → Wi-Fi Calling.
Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Wi-Fi calling; Samsung: Phone app → Settings → Wi-Fi calling.
Choose preference: Wi-Fi preferred (weak signal areas) or Mobile preferred.

Troubleshooting

Option missing: carrier or plan doesn't support it, or the phone model isn't enabled.
Calls drop: improve router placement, prioritise voice traffic (QoS), disable VPN.

Video explainer

Summary

Use Wi-Fi Calling indoors with poor signal, abroad on good Wi-Fi, and in congested areas. Stick with cellular on the move or on unreliable public Wi-Fi, and keep your emergency address updated.

Check Wi-Fi Calling and VoLTE support when choosing a phone on infozme's latest mobiles page.

Cover photo by PNW Production on Pexels. This article was written with the help of AI.

Why Does Mobile Charging Slow Down Past 80 Percent?

Mohi Moha — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 01:22:03 +0000

Your phone races from 10% to 70% in half an hour, then crawls through the last 20%. That isn't your charger failing. It's how lithium-ion batteries must be charged to stay safe and last longer.

The two phases of charging: CC and CV

Lithium-ion batteries are charged in two main stages:

1. Constant Current (CC)

The charger pushes a high, steady current while the battery voltage rises. This is the fast part, usually from low charge up to around 60–80%.

2. Constant Voltage (CV)

When the battery nears its maximum voltage (about 4.4–4.5V per cell on modern phones), the charger holds voltage steady and the current gradually tapers. This is the slow part, from about 80% to 100%.

Pushing high current near full voltage would overheat the battery and cause lithium plating and faster wear.

Why phones deliberately slow down

Heat: the battery is already warm from fast charging.
Battery health: high voltage plus high current accelerates ageing.
Accuracy: the phone needs time to "top off" the cell precisely.
Adaptive charging: phones may pause at 80% overnight on purpose.

Understanding marketing claims

Advertisements say things like "0–50% in 15 minutes" or "full charge in 30 minutes." Pay attention to:

The starting point (often from 1–5%)
Conditions (room temperature, phone idle, official charger)
That 0–100% always takes much longer than twice the 0–50% time

Photo by Lukas Blazek on Pexels

Typical charging curve (example)

Charge level	Relative speed
0–50%	Fastest
50–80%	Fast, starting to taper
80–95%	Slow
95–100%	Very slow trickle

Tips to charge efficiently

For quick top-ups, charge from 20% to 70–80%. It's the fastest and healthiest range.
Keep the phone cool during charging.
Use the official or certified charger that supports your phone's protocol.
Enable charge limits (80%) if you don't need 100% daily.

Video explanation

Summary

Charging slows past 80% because lithium-ion batteries switch from constant current to constant voltage, tapering current to avoid heat and damage. It's a feature, not a fault, and charging to 80% is often all you need.

Compare phones with the fastest charging on infozme's fast charging phones list.

Cover photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels. This article was written with the help of AI.

Best Waterproof Phones Tested: Submersion and Pool Survival

Mohi Moha — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 01:12:52 +0000

Many phones survive being dropped in a pool or toilet, and some are marketed with pool photos. But "waterproof" is really water resistant, and how a phone copes depends on its rating, age, and what kind of water it meets.

What IP68 tests guarantee

IP68 means dust-tight and protected against continuous immersion under conditions set by the manufacturer, commonly:

1.5m for 30 minutes (many phones)
4–6m for 30 minutes (some recent flagships, e.g., certain iPhone Pro and Galaxy Ultra models)

Tests are done in still, fresh water at room temperature.

What real-world testing shows

Independent tests typically find that new flagships survive deeper and longer than rated in fresh water. But:

Pools contain chlorine; the sea contains salt; both are harsher on seals and ports.
Moving water (jumping in, waves, water slides) creates pressure spikes beyond still-water tests.
Warm water (hot tubs, showers) makes seals expand and can force steam inside.
Age and drops weaken adhesive seals over time.

Flagships vs rugged phones

	Flagship IP68	Rugged IP68/IP69
Submersion	Good (1.5–6m)	Good–excellent
Port covers	No	Often yes
Drops + water	Seals may weaken after drops	Built to survive both
Underwater photos	Touch struggles underwater	Physical buttons help

Photo by Serg Alesenko on Pexels

Taking photos in the pool

Use the volume button as a shutter; touchscreens barely work underwater.
Stay shallow and brief.
Rinse with fresh water afterwards and dry thoroughly.
For regular underwater use, buy a waterproof case.

After water exposure

Rinse if salt or chlorine was involved.
Shake gently and wipe dry.
Don't charge until the port is dry (watch for moisture warnings).
Let speakers clear, or use a water eject feature/tone.
Avoid heat guns and rice.

Warranty warning

Most manufacturers don't cover water damage, even on IP68 phones. Treat water resistance as accident protection, not a swimming feature.

Video tests

Summary

IP68 phones survive accidental dunks in fresh water, and many exceed their ratings when new. Pools, the sea, heat and ageing seals reduce protection. Use cases for underwater photography and don't rely on warranty.

Compare water-resistant phones on infozme's top-rated phones.

Cover photo by Sergey Meshkov on Pexels. This article was written with the help of AI.

What Is a Telephoto Macro Lens and Why Is It Changing Mobile Photography?

Mohi Moha — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 01:04:39 +0000

For years, phone macro meant pushing the lens a couple of centimetres from your subject, casting shadows and scaring away insects. Telephoto macro changes that: a zoom lens that can focus close lets you shoot magnified close-ups from a comfortable distance.

How telephoto macro works

A telephoto (often periscope) lens is designed to focus on distant objects. Telephoto macro adds close-focus capability, so the lens can focus on subjects around 10–30cm away while keeping its magnification.

Result: a subject fills the frame without you needing to get uncomfortably close.

Why it beats ultra-wide macro

	Ultra-wide macro	Telephoto macro
Working distance	2–4cm	10–30cm
Shadows	Phone often blocks light	Rarely
Scaring subjects	Common with insects	Much less
Perspective	Distorted, wide	Natural, compressed
Background blur	Limited	Creamy, attractive

Great uses

Insects such as butterflies, bees and spiders
Flowers with smooth, blurred backgrounds
Product photos (jewellery, watches, food details)
Textures like fabric and leaves
Documents or labels from a distance

Photo by wal_ 172619 on Pexels

Which phones offer it?

Telephoto macro has spread among photography-focused flagships, including models from vivo (X Pro series), OPPO (Find X), Xiaomi (Ultra), Honor (Magic Pro), and iPhone Pro tetraprism lenses that focus closer than older telephotos. Check reviews for the minimum focus distance of the telephoto camera.

Tips for sharp telephoto macro shots

Switch to the telephoto lens (3x–5x) and move back until focus locks.
Tap to focus precisely on the eye of an insect or centre of a flower.
Brace your elbows, since magnification magnifies shake too.
Use burst mode for moving insects.
Shoot in good light; telephoto sensors need more light than the main camera.
Lower exposure slightly to protect highlights on petals.

Video explainer

Summary

Telephoto macro lets phones capture detailed close-ups from a distance, with natural perspective, beautiful blur and no shadows. It's one of the most exciting camera features for creative mobile photography.

Compare camera phones with advanced telephotos on infozme's best camera phones list.

Cover photo by Олександр К on Pexels. This article was written with the help of AI.

Why Do Phone Batteries Discharge Faster in Freezing Temperatures?

Mohi Moha — Sat, 26 Sep 2026 21:14:32 +0000

You step outside on a freezing day, the battery shows 40%, and a few minutes later the phone shuts down. Bring it back indoors and suddenly it shows 30% again. Cold doesn't destroy the charge; it temporarily makes the battery unable to deliver it.

What cold does to lithium-ion batteries

A lithium-ion battery works by moving lithium ions through a liquid electrolyte between the anode and cathode. In the cold:

The electrolyte becomes thicker, slowing ion movement.
Internal resistance rises, so the battery can't supply power as easily.
Voltage drops under load, especially during demanding tasks (camera, GPS, 5G).

The phone's power management sees the voltage fall and may think the battery is empty. To protect itself, it shuts down.

Why the percentage jumps around

The fuel gauge estimates charge partly from voltage. When cold lowers the voltage, the percentage drops quickly. Once the phone warms up, voltage recovers and the percentage comes back. The energy wasn't lost, it just couldn't be delivered.

Temperature ranges

Most phones are designed for:

Operating: about 0°C to 35°C (32°F to 95°F)
Storage: roughly -20°C to 45°C

Below 0°C, performance drops; far below, shutdowns become common.

Photo by 虎曼 on Pexels

Don't charge a frozen phone

Charging below about 0°C can cause lithium plating, where metallic lithium deposits on the anode. That permanently reduces capacity and can create internal defects. Most phones block or slow charging in the cold, but let the phone warm to room temperature before charging.

Tips for cold weather

Keep the phone in an inside pocket close to your body.
Carry a power bank in a warm pocket too.
Use Battery saver and lower brightness outdoors.
Minimise heavy tasks (video recording, GPS navigation) in extreme cold.
Use a case for insulation, and consider an insulated pouch for skiing or hiking.
Warm up gradually indoors to avoid condensation; don't use heaters or hair dryers.
For winter sports, keep a smartwatch or radio as a backup.

Does cold permanently damage batteries?

Occasional cold exposure causes temporary drain. Repeated deep cold cycles, and charging while cold, can contribute to permanent wear. Heat is generally more damaging long term, but both extremes matter.

Video explanation

Summary

Cold thickens the battery's electrolyte, raises resistance and lowers voltage, causing fast percentage drops and shutdowns. Keep the phone warm, carry a power bank, and never charge a frozen phone.

For winter adventures, a phone with a big battery helps. Compare models on infozme's best battery life phones.

Cover photo by Ali Durmuş Cevlan on Pexels. This article was written with the help of AI.

Best Portable Power Banks for Fast Charging Smartphones on the Go

Mohi Moha — Sat, 26 Sep 2026 21:01:47 +0000

A good power bank keeps your phone alive through long travel days, festivals and power cuts. But capacity numbers are misleading, and many power banks charge phones slowly because they don't support the right fast-charging standard. Here's how to pick one that genuinely delivers.

1. Capacity: what the mAh really means

Power banks list capacity at the internal battery voltage (about 3.7V), but phones charge at higher voltages through conversion, losing energy. Real usable capacity is typically 60–70% of the rated number.

Rated capacity	Real phone charges (5,000mAh phone)
5,000mAh	~0.6–0.7
10,000mAh	~1.2–1.5
20,000mAh	~2.5–3

Watt-hours (Wh) are a clearer measure: 10,000mAh ≈ 37Wh.

2. Fast charging standards

To fast charge, the power bank must speak your phone's language:

USB Power Delivery (PD): iPhone, Pixel and most modern Android phones
PPS (Programmable Power Supply): needed for Samsung Super Fast Charging (25W/45W)
Quick Charge: older Android phones
Proprietary (SUPERVOOC, HyperCharge): usually only works at full speed with brand power banks

Look for "USB-C PD 3.0 with PPS" for the widest compatibility.

3. Output wattage

20–30W: fast enough for iPhones and most phones
45W: Samsung Ultra super fast charging, tablets
65–140W: laptops too

Check per-port output; total wattage is shared when multiple devices charge.

Photo by Lukas Blazek on Pexels

4. Useful features

Pass-through charging: charge the power bank and phone at the same time
Built-in cables (USB-C or Lightning), so you never forget a cable
Magnetic (MagSafe / Qi2) wireless packs: convenient but slower and less efficient
Display showing percentage and output wattage
Recharge speed: fast input (30W+) refills big power banks quicker

5. Size and weight

5,000–10,000mAh: pocketable daily carry
20,000mAh: travel, weekends
25,000mAh+: laptop users, heavier

6. Airline rules

Most airlines allow power banks under 100Wh (about 27,000mAh) in carry-on only, never checked luggage. Some airlines now restrict use during flights. Check your airline's current rules.

7. Safety

Buy from reputable brands with certifications (CE, UL, etc.).
Avoid ultra-cheap "50,000mAh" claims.
Don't use power banks that are swollen, hot or damaged.
Store at around 50% charge for long periods.

Video buying guide

Summary

Choose a power bank with USB-C PD + PPS, enough per-port wattage for your phone, realistic capacity for your needs, and a trusted brand. You'll get genuinely fast top-ups wherever you are.

Pair it with a phone that charges quickly. Compare models on infozme's fast charging phones list.

Cover photo by Andrey Matveev on Pexels. This article was written with the help of AI.

Why Does Your Phone Vibrate Randomly? Phantom Vibration and Notification Bugs

Mohi Moha — Sat, 26 Sep 2026 20:49:12 +0000

Your phone buzzes, you check it, and there's nothing there. Or you feel a vibration in your pocket that never happened. Random vibrations come from two very different sources: real vibrations with no visible cause, and phantom vibrations your brain invents. Here's how to tell them apart and fix the real ones.

Real vibrations with no visible notification

1. Silent or hidden notifications

Some apps vibrate but don't show a visible notification, or the notification disappears quickly (e.g., a message read on another device, or an app updating a notification).

Check notification history:

Android: Settings → Notifications → Notification history (turn it on). Next time it buzzes, check what arrived.
iPhone: swipe down to Notification Centre and check recent items.

2. Apps that vibrate on events

Battery or charging notifications (plugging in, reaching full, low battery)
Connection changes (Bluetooth device connecting/disconnecting, e.g., a smartwatch)
Delivery and ride apps with live updates
Games and fitness trackers

3. System events

Emergency or government alerts (sometimes silent test alerts)
Wireless emergency alert tests
Software update notifications

4. Settings that add vibrations

Android: Vibrate for calls, touch feedback, keyboard vibration, charging vibration (Settings → Sound & vibration).
iPhone: System Haptics and Vibration in Accessibility → Touch.

Photo by John (Giannis) Tekeridis on Pexels

Bugs and glitches

Stuck notifications repeatedly updating
A faulty app repeatedly triggering alerts. Check battery and notification usage for suspicious apps
Haptic motor glitches after updates; a restart often fixes it

Fixes step by step

Enable notification history and identify the culprit.
Turn off vibration for non-essential apps (Settings → Apps → Notifications → turn off Vibration per category).
Check connected devices: smartwatches and earbuds often trigger vibrations when connecting.
Restart and update the phone.
Safe Mode (Android): if vibrations stop, a third-party app is responsible.
Reset all settings (iPhone) or app preferences (Android) if the source remains unknown.

Phantom vibration syndrome

If you feel vibrations when the phone didn't vibrate, or when it isn't even in your pocket, you're experiencing phantom vibration syndrome, which is extremely common. Your brain becomes hyper-alert to expected notifications and misreads small sensations (clothing movement, muscle twitches) as buzzes.

What helps:

Reduce vibration notifications (use sound or silent for non-urgent apps).
Carry the phone in a different pocket or bag.
Use Focus / Do Not Disturb periods to reduce anticipation.

Video fixes

Summary

Turn on notification history to catch mystery buzzes, disable vibrations for non-essential apps and events, and check connected devices. If you feel vibrations that never happened, it's phantom vibration, and fewer buzzes help.

Compare phones with refined haptics on infozme's top-rated phones.

Cover photo by John (Giannis) Tekeridis on Pexels. This article was written with the help of AI.

How to Block Spam Calls and Unwanted SMS on Android and iOS

Mohi Moha — Sat, 26 Sep 2026 20:38:27 +0000

Spam calls and scam texts are more than annoying. Many are phishing attempts designed to steal banking details or install malware. Fortunately, modern phones and carriers include strong tools to filter most of them automatically.

Android: built-in protection

Caller ID & spam protection (Google Phone app)

Open the Phone app → three dots → Settings → Caller ID & spam.
Turn on See caller & spam ID and Filter spam calls.

Suspected spam calls go straight to voicemail without ringing.

Call Screen (Pixel and some other phones)

Settings → Spam and Call Screen → Call Screen. Set unknown numbers to be screened automatically. The assistant answers, asks the caller who they are, and shows you a live transcript.

Samsung

Phone app → three dots → Settings → Caller ID and spam protection (powered by Hiya). Choose to block high-risk calls.

Block individual numbers

Open recent calls → tap the number → Block / report spam.

Filter spam texts

Google Messages: Settings → Spam protection → on.
Samsung Messages: Settings → Block numbers and spam.

iPhone: built-in protection

Silence Unknown Callers

Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers. Calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent outgoing calls or Siri suggestions go to voicemail silently.

Call Screening (newer iOS)

Settings → Apps → Phone → Screen Unknown Callers asks unknown callers for their name and reason before your phone rings.

Filter texts

Settings → Apps → Messages → Unknown & Spam → Filter Unknown Senders. Messages from unknown numbers go into a separate list without notifications.

Block a number

Recents → tap the ⓘ → Block this Caller.

Photo by Lê Minh on Pexels

Carrier tools

Most carriers offer free spam blocking apps or network-level filtering (for example, spam alerts, call blocking and "scam likely" labels). Check your carrier's app or website. Many can block international spoofed numbers at the network level.

Third-party apps (use carefully)

Apps like Truecaller, Hiya or RoboKiller can identify more spam, but some upload your contacts or collect lots of data. Read permissions carefully, and prefer built-in tools where possible.

Golden rules against scams

Never share OTP codes, passwords or card numbers with callers, even if they claim to be your bank.
Don't click links in unexpected texts about parcels, taxes or prizes.
Hang up and call back using the official number on the company's website.
Report spam in your phone app. It trains filters for everyone.

Watch the settings

Summary

Turn on spam filtering in your Phone and Messages apps, use Call Screen or Silence Unknown Callers, add your carrier's protection, and never share codes with callers. Together they stop the vast majority of spam and scam attempts.

Newer phones often include smarter call screening. Compare current models on infozme's top-rated phones.

Cover photo by Moose Photos on Pexels. This article was written with the help of AI.

How to Prevent Overcharging and Manage Smart Battery Protection Features

Mohi Moha — Sat, 26 Sep 2026 20:13:09 +0000

Modern phones don't truly "overcharge". Charging stops at 100%. But sitting at 100%, especially while warm, speeds up battery ageing. That's why manufacturers now include smart battery protection features. They're easy to miss in settings, so here's how to find and use them on each major brand.

The main types of protection

Charge limit: stops charging at 80–95%
Adaptive / optimised charging: holds around 80% overnight, finishes before you wake
Bypass / pass-through charging: powers the phone directly while gaming, reducing battery heat
Thermal management: slows charging when hot
Battery health reporting: shows capacity or health status

Samsung Galaxy

Settings → Battery → Battery protection:

Basic: charges to 100%, then stops until it drops to 95%
Adaptive: holds at 80% during sleep
Maximum: limits charging to 80% (newer One UI allows 80–95%)

Pause USB Power Delivery in Game Booster enables bypass charging on supported models.

Google Pixel

Settings → Battery → Adaptive charging: reaches 100% just before your alarm.
Charging optimisation (newer Pixels): limit to 80%.
Battery health (newer models): Settings → Battery → Battery health.

Photo by DEBRAJ ROY on Pexels

iPhone

Settings → Battery → Charging: Optimised Battery Charging, or set a limit (80%, 85%, 90%, 95% on newer models).
Battery Health: Maximum Capacity and cycle count on recent models.

Xiaomi / POCO / Redmi

Settings → Battery → More battery settings → Optimised charging / Smart charging.
Some models offer 80% charge protection and bypass charging in Game Turbo.

OnePlus / OPPO / Realme

Settings → Battery → Advanced settings → Optimised charging / Smart charging.
Some models include Battery health engine and bypass charging for gaming.

When to turn protection off

Before long trips or days when you need every percentage point
If your routine is irregular and adaptive charging leaves you short in the morning

Other habits that protect batteries

Avoid heat: no charging under pillows or in hot cars.
Use quality chargers and cables.
Don't let the phone sit at 0% for long periods.
Store unused phones around 50%.

Video guide

Summary

Turn on your phone's charge limit or adaptive charging, use bypass charging for gaming if available, and keep the phone cool. These built-in tools do most of the work of keeping your battery healthy for years.

Compare phones with advanced battery features on infozme's best battery life phones.

Cover photo by Markus Winkler on Pexels. This article was written with the help of AI.