From the supposed danger of an explosion at the gas station to potentially crashing planes. Many myths about mobile phones persist. right?
A lot is said about smartphones. There is a kernel of truth in many things, some is utter nonsense, and some have the truth somewhere in the middle. Steffen Herget from the trade magazine “c’t” explains which tips are really helpful and which mobile phone myths finally belong to the realm of legends.
Updates make the smartphone slower
That’s not true. Mobile phone users should definitely install updates regularly, advises Steffen Herget. Because the updates not only bring new functions, but also close security gaps. Even if old devices are rarely overwhelmed with new functions and should become slower, there is no alternative to updates for security reasons.
Every mobile phone, even without an IP protection standard, can withstand a rain shower
It depends, or rather it depends on the amount of moisture. A few drops can usually not harm smartphones, says Herget. However, if a cell phone falls into water, it can be defective, even despite the IP protection standard. This protects a device against contact with foreign bodies, which can lead to failure or destruction of the electronics. In addition, water can penetrate more easily through openings for headphones, charging cables or similar.
Also interesting: Four immediate measures if the smartphone falls into the water
With a smartphone camera, many megapixels mean the same good photo quality
That’s not true. With modern smartphones, the quality of the images does not depend on the resolution, but on the quality of the lenses, sensors and other technical components, explains Herget. In addition, the camera software is becoming more and more important for the image quality, especially for night shots or photos in difficult lighting conditions.
Also interesting: The smartphones with the best cameras
The battery should be as empty as possible before charging
That’s not true. The idea dates back to the times when nickel-cadmium batteries were the norm. Today’s lithium-ion batteries can and should be charged when they are not empty. Steffen Herget recommends never falling below 20 percent battery power as a guideline. Because a complete discharge even damages the battery.
On flights you have to turn off the mobile phone, otherwise the plane could crash
That’s not true. On planes, passengers are asked to turn off their phones or turn on airplane mode. But not because transmitting devices cause the plane to crash, but because they could interfere with radio traffic. Otherwise the safety precautions would be much stricter, says Herget .
A cellphone attracts lightning outside during a thunderstorm
That’s not true. In order to be able to attract lightning, there is not enough metal built into the smartphone, says Herget. So cell phones don’t attract lightning.
Smartphones that are not restarted regularly will slow down
That’s not true. Unlike the PC, according to Herget, mobile phone owners do not have to switch off their devices regularly. The installed operating systems are designed for permanent use.
Also interesting: When should you turn off your cell phone?
Telephoning at the gas station is tricky: risk of explosion!
That’s not true. Smartphone prohibition signs at petrol stations do not warn of an imminent explosion if someone is using their cell phone. Rather, they warn of an increased risk of fire, which basically emanates from gas stations. The signs are intended to prevent a damaged battery from catching fire and starting a fire in the worst-case scenario, for example after someone accidentally dropped their cell phone. Steffen Herget therefore advises leaving your smartphone in your pocket when filling up so as not to take any risks.
Closing open, unused apps makes the phone faster and saves battery
Depends on. That depends on the age of the device and how you use it. Modern smartphones slow down apps by themselves in terms of power consumption, explains Herget. It is therefore not necessary to close applications. On the contrary, you even save power if apps that you use regularly remain open and don’t have to be constantly restarted. With older devices, however, it might make sense to close the apps .
SMS can contain viruses
That’s not true. Viruses could not be transmitted directly this way, says Herget. But it is quite possible for criminals to send links in this way that lead to phishing sites or to download malware. Therefore, never click on links from untrustworthy sources.