How do I save power like Ultra Power Saving mode without using it?

[jameslieb]

My phone is a Samsung Galaxy Avant running Android 4.2.2. When you go into settings and activate Ultra Power Saving mode, the home screen/desktop changes to a more simple layout with only the essential apps (phone, text, web, Facebook, calculator, notes, clock). So I assumed it's saving battery power by keeping background apps closed and only running one app at a time.

Since there are some disadvantages to Ultra Power Saving mode (including auto-lock after 30 seconds), I tried using a couple battery saving apps (360 Security and Battery Doctor) but after seeing questionable results and discussing on this forum, I learned that those battery saving apps are actually just placebos and don't actually optimise your RAM/CPU anymore than standard Android mode.

So my question is, what exactly is Ultra Power Saving mode doing to conserve my battery so well and how can I replicate this in standard mode?

 

[Slug]

what exactly is Ultra Power Saving mode doing to conserve my battery so well and how can I replicate this in standard mode?

It alters several kernel parameters related to the OOM (out-of-memory) management in the OS so that apps spend less time idle before being 'killed' an their resources returned to the pool. It also changes the manner in which the processor cores run (clock frequency, number of cores active under various loading conditions etc), adjusts the display for minimal power consumption, and disables all but essential background processes.

You can replicate this behaviour, along with much more, by rooting the phone and installing a custom kernel (if available) that allows parameter tuning. An easier option however might be to use Power Saving Mode and experiment with the available settings; for example restricting background data usage for non-essential apps.