gmail vs sms battery usage

[wmdude]

What is a better way of instant communication? SMS or email? More specifically in regards to battery life?

My girlfriend uses gmail app on her phone to communicate with me basically in place of sms. I therefore respond using my gmail app. I have an htc evo. Is this hurting my battery life as opposed to using just sms? Or do SMS and gmail use about the same amount of battery? Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[DaedalusxX]

I'm on an Evo as well. I can't say for certain but I assume that using sms is a lot more battery efficient because it does not need to access the internet via 3g, 4g, or wifi....The gmail app is also a lot more "flashy" with all the colors and what not, which would kill a little more of the battery...

 

[takeshi]

I don't think anyone can conclusively answer that. I suspect the difference is negligible as neither approach involves polling (unless gmail was specifically set up to poll). As for gmail being more "flashy", both apps are going to use the screen and the screen is probably the bigger battery hog than the apps.

If you're truly curious, check your battery usage screen or an app for monitoring battery usage.

 

[wmdude]

ok thank you