The always on display is a feature mainly found in recent smartphones, allowing certain information to be continuously displayed on the screen, even when the phone is locked or in standby mode. Unlike a screen that turns off completely to save battery, the always on display keeps data such as time, date, battery level, or received notifications visible. This solution takes advantage of OLED or AMOLED screens, which can independently illuminate each pixel. Only those necessary for displaying the data are activated, minimizing energy use. This display mode does not engage the entire screen but a specific area, ensuring sufficient visibility without quickly draining the battery.
This function, initially appearing on a few high-end models, has become widespread across a wide range of smartphones thanks to advancements in screen technologies and the growing demand for quicker access to information.
What the always on display is used for daily
The always on display provides a practical solution for quickly checking essential data without having to deeply interact with the phone. By constantly displaying the time or important notifications, it prevents the user from having to fully turn on their device, unlock the screen, or interact with the interface to obtain this information. This time-saving feature is particularly appreciated in situations where discretion is required, such as in meetings, at work, or when hands are occupied.
Beyond quick access, this function also limits frequent screen activations, which can help preserve battery life and reduce component wear. Users can thus check their phone at a glance without interrupting their main activity.
Finally, it plays a role in managing notifications: the ability to view alerts without unlocking the device helps quickly sort what requires immediate attention and what can wait.
Battery consumption related to permanent display
Energy consumption is often mentioned as a constraint of the always on display, but technological advancements have helped limit this expense. OLED screens only illuminate the necessary pixels, significantly reducing consumption compared to a traditional display. According to independent studies, this mode can reduce the battery by 1 to 5% per hour of continuous use, depending on the amount of information displayed, brightness, and device settings.
Smartphones equipped with LCD screens consume more to maintain the permanent display, as these screens require full backlighting, making the function less suitable for this technology. This is why most manufacturers limit the activation of the always on display to models with OLED screens.
To maximize battery life, some phones allow scheduling activation times so that the permanent display is turned off at night or at certain times, thus limiting its impact on overall battery duration.
Customization options for the always on display
The settings available for the always on display vary by brand and model, but it is common to be able to customize several aspects. The user can select the information to be displayed: only the time, or also the date, remaining battery, or notifications. Some smartphones offer options to choose the visual style, such as font, colors, or displayed icons.
It is also possible to adjust the brightness of the permanent display to further reduce energy consumption, especially in dark environments. Additionally, activation can be scheduled: the screen can automatically turn off during the night or at certain periods, according to the user’s habits.
Finally, some models include light animations or customizable graphic themes for the always on display, offering a more aesthetic aspect, but at the cost of a slight increase in energy consumption.
Devices compatible with the always on display
The always on display is now widely available on smartphones equipped with OLED and AMOLED screens, technologies particularly suited to this display mode due to their low consumption when only part of the pixels is activated. Among the brands offering this feature are Samsung, which popularized the function on its Galaxy ranges, as well as OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Google Pixel.
Besides smartphones, this function has also extended to smartwatches, where the permanent display facilitates checking the time and alerts without excessively draining the battery, thus improving user comfort.
The widespread adoption of this option reflects users’ interest in quick and constant access to certain information while managing their devices’ battery life.