Why Do MacBooks Have Such Bad Battery Life?

When it comes to laptop batteries, many users find themselves disappointed with the performance of MacBooks. This phenomenon is often attributed to the unique design, form-factor, and functionalities that distinguish these devices from their counterparts. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the relatively short battery life of MacBooks and compare them to the efficiency of smartphones.

The Design and Form-Factor of Laptop vs. Smartphone

First and foremost, the design and form-factor of laptops and smartphones differ significantly, and these differences heavily influence their battery life. Smartphones are designed with efficiency in mind, focusing on minimal power consumption to operate an entire device ranging from calls to email to high-definition video playback.

In contrast, MacBooks and other laptops are engineered for versatility and performance. They often feature:

Bigger screens that require more power to function properly. Faster CPUs, necessary for running demanding applications and multitasking. Active cooling fans to manage heat generated by these components. More expandable designs, including ports and upgradeable components. Full-sized keyboards with backlight, adding further power consumption.

These additional features significantly consume battery life, setting MacBooks apart from smartphones.

Efficiency and Performance Trade-offs

The trade-off between efficiency and performance is evident when comparing the battery lifetimes of MacBooks and smartphones. For instance, Intel and AMD-based laptops often provide battery lives of up to 22 hours, but these still fall short of smartphone lifetimes. Smartphones are specifically designed to draw less power and offer longer battery life despite having smaller batteries.

This difference can be attributed to how these devices are used. Laptops are typically used for more demanding tasks like:

Programming and software development. Video editing and graphic design. Real gaming. Heavy multitasking.

While smartphones, despite their smaller form-factor, can still handle tasks like:

Email and social media. Light web browsing. Built-in apps for entertainment and basic work.

Smartphones are optimally designed for these tasks and can consistently last a full day with moderate use.

The Case of MacBooks and Other Devices

A prime example of a MacBook’s battery life is the M2 MacBook Air, which offers 18 hours of battery life. This is significantly less compared to the impressive battery lifetimes of some older iPhone models. For instance, iPhones with smaller screen sizes like the iPhone 6s, 7 (2020), and SE (2020) generally provide fewer hours of battery life, while larger form-factor models like the iPhone XR, 11, 12, 13, and 13 Pro offer better battery efficiency.

However, the shorter battery life of smaller iPhones does not necessarily mean that these devices are inefficient. They are designed for users who value a smaller form-factor and are likely to use their devices in light to moderate ways.

For example, my father who uses an iPhone 12 Mini can leave his device charged at around 95-96% in the morning and still have 20-30% battery life by 7 PM, as he is a light user. This demonstrates that battery life can vary significantly based on individual usage patterns and needs.

Similarly, other connected devices like AirPods and Apple Watches can offer impressive battery lifetimes. An Apple Watch can easily survive a full day of usage, and original AirPods 1 or 2 can last up to 8-9 hours on continuous usage, switching between the two ears.

Conclusion

The battery life of MacBooks and other laptops is influenced by their design and the multitasking capabilities that they offer. While they are powerful and versatile, they typically offer shorter battery lives compared to smartphones, which are designed for more efficient and power-saving features. Understanding these trade-offs can help users make informed decisions when choosing a device that best suits their needs.