Not wishing to start an argument on the merits and pitfalls of using a mobile for mapping in the hills, but last night on the hills, with 50% battery remaining, my phone turned itself off whilst taking a picture.
It was just below zero but the wind was howling (enough to cover my prints in the deep snow within 30 minutes).
Not the end of the world for me, but something to be mindful of.
Mobile phones and cold weather
Moderators: Bearbonesnorm, Taylor, Chew
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voodoo_simon
- Posts: 4071
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Re: Mobile phones and cold weather
Everything has limitations; whether a map and compass, an iPhone(*), or a dedicated Garmin GPS.
The skill is knowing and working with those limitations.
(*) other smart phones are available.
The skill is knowing and working with those limitations.
(*) other smart phones are available.
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johnnystorm
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- Location: Eastern (Anglia) Front
Re: Mobile phones and cold weather
I found my phone stayed working long after my camera gave up the ghost in Sweden.
Where were you storing it? In an insulated pocket or warm next to your body?
*Edit*
iPhone only rated to 0 degrees.
https://www.apple.com/batteries/maximizing-performance/
Where were you storing it? In an insulated pocket or warm next to your body?
*Edit*
iPhone only rated to 0 degrees.
https://www.apple.com/batteries/maximizing-performance/
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BigdummySteve
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Re: Mobile phones and cold weather
The same applies to anything powered by batteries, cold slows down the chemical reactions until they effectively stop. Even cars struggle.
We’re all individuals, except me.
I woke up this morning but I’m still in the dark
I woke up this morning but I’m still in the dark
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Specialist Hoprocker
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- Location: Deepest Darkest Surrey
Re: Mobile phones and cold weather
I've heard/seen iphones being particularly unreliable in the cold.
My last couple of Sonys have been fine down to the minus numbers on my handlebars.
My last couple of Sonys have been fine down to the minus numbers on my handlebars.
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whitestone
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Re: Mobile phones and cold weather
My iPhone* is several years old and really doesn't like the cold even when the battery indicator says 80% charge. Just keeping it in an uninsulated trouser pocket is enough to keep it alive. Come Finland it will be in a pouch close to my body and nicely covered by whatever major insulation I choose.
* for Stu's benefit this is the bastard offspring of a phone and a computer that's so small you can't read the screen
* for Stu's benefit this is the bastard offspring of a phone and a computer that's so small you can't read the screen
Better weight than wisdom, a traveller cannot carry
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voodoo_simon
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Re: Mobile phones and cold weather
iPhone 7 Plus user.
Started off in an insulated pocket and was fine. Used it for a bit for some navigation to see if an alternate path was viable, then stored it in my waterprooof outer jacket that I put over my insulated jacket to stop the wind chill.
Took phone out for a photo and then it shut down.
Stored it back in my insulated pocket and tried again after 30-45 or so minutes once I was off the hill and it turned on straight away (more like coming out of standby).
Will be storing it somewhere else for Rovaniemi*
Yes, agreed Asposium
*Conincidently, my other phone survived Rovaniemi in 2017 when it dropped to -25C and it was stored in my feed bag.
Started off in an insulated pocket and was fine. Used it for a bit for some navigation to see if an alternate path was viable, then stored it in my waterprooof outer jacket that I put over my insulated jacket to stop the wind chill.
Took phone out for a photo and then it shut down.
Stored it back in my insulated pocket and tried again after 30-45 or so minutes once I was off the hill and it turned on straight away (more like coming out of standby).
Will be storing it somewhere else for Rovaniemi*
Yes, agreed Asposium
*Conincidently, my other phone survived Rovaniemi in 2017 when it dropped to -25C and it was stored in my feed bag.