In September 2023, the European Union introduced a new energy labelling regulation for mobile devices to improve energy efficiency and provide consumers with transparent energy consumption information. The regulation will become mandatory on June 20, 2025. This means that all mobile devices and tablets sold within the EU will need to carry an energy label indicating their energy efficiency, similar to what we already see for household appliances like refrigerators and washing machines. The Energy Label should be available for each smartphone and tablet at the point of sale including trade fairs, visual advertisements and promotional materials.
To help manufacturers prepare for this shift, SmartViser has developed a comprehensive benchmark report comparing six mobile devices released in 2024. This report not only evaluates devices based on their battery capacity and energy class but also provides deep insights into various battery and energy-related metrics that will help manufacturers understand the market landscape and stay ahead of the competition before the new EU Energy Labelling Regulations take effect in June 2025.
The New Energy Labelling Regulation: What Does it Mean?
The regulation requires that mobile devices be rated according to their energy efficiency, with classes ranging from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). This rating system is designed to encourage manufacturers to optimize their devices for energy consumption, focusing specifically on battery life and endurance.
Testing for the energy labelling involves running a variety of user-defined actions in a loop, which simulates real-world device usage. This includes activities such as making calls, browsing the internet, watching videos, and using apps—all while monitoring battery consumption. Testing begins from a fully charged battery and runs until the device powers off, providing a full picture of its battery endurance.
The Testing Methodology: Powered by SmartViser Test Automation
To comply with the regulation, manufacturers must follow a rigorous testing process using specialized tools like the SmartViser Test Automation platform.
This automated approach ensures accuracy, repeatability, and comprehensive insights, making it easier for manufacturers to meet regulatory requirements and optimize their devices for better energy performance.
Battery Performance Trends: From 2023 to 2024
Since the introduction of this regulation, manufacturers have put considerable effort into improving their devices’ battery performance. SmartViser has carried out some testing back in 2023 and the average energy class performance across tested devices fell between D and E.
However, in 2024, we have seen a significant leap in improvement, with most devices now performing closer to energy classes B and C.
One standout device even reached Class A, boasting an impressive battery endurance of over 55 hours with a 5000 mAh battery capacity. This marks a major milestone in energy efficiency and demonstrates the industry’s capacity to adapt and innovate in response to new regulatory challenges.
SmartViser’s First-Ever Benchmark Report on 2024 Devices
To assist manufacturers in their preparations for the 2025 regulation deadline, SmartViser has released its first-ever benchmark report comparing six devices launched this year. The report provides a comprehensive market snapshot, featuring a variety of brands and device tiers. It is designed to offer actionable insights and help manufacturers fine-tune their products for compliance and competitive advantage.
What’s Inside the Report?
The report, available in PDF format, includes detailed information on:
Device information: Brand, Model, OS version
Battery capacity and endurance
Energy class (A-G scale)
KPIs such as:
Battery level discharge
Power consumption per user action
For SmartViser Test Automation subscribers, the report is also available in .json format, compatible with VWS Analytics Studio. This allows for advanced data analysis and direct comparison between devices, giving manufacturers a competitive edge in preparing for the new regulation.
Why This Benchmark Report is Critical
With the upcoming energy labelling regulation, understanding how your device performs compared to competitors is crucial. This benchmark report offers manufacturers a unique opportunity for the first time to assess their position in the market, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that their products not only meet the new standards but excel in energy efficiency.
First introduced for several household appliances in 1994, the EU energy label has been a key driver for helping consumers choose products which are more energy efficient. The energy label is well-known by citizens - it is recognised by 93% of consumers and considered by 79% when buying labelled products, according to a Special Eurobarometer 492 survey.
Given the significant improvements we’ve already seen in 2024, the next two years will likely bring even more advancements in battery performance and energy consumption optimization.
1. Energy-Efficient Processors
Modern processors like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 series and Apple’s A-series chips have been designed to perform tasks more efficiently. The introduction of smaller nanometer process technology (e.g., 5nm) allows for better energy efficiency. These energy-efficient chips consume less power while still delivering high performance, thus extending the overall battery life.
2. Dynamic Refresh Rate Displays
Modern smartphones, particularly flagships, have introduced adaptive refresh rate technology that dynamically adjusts the screen’s refresh rate based on the content being displayed (e.g., switching between 10Hz to 120Hz). By lowering the refresh rate when high frame rates aren’t necessary (e.g., reading text or viewing static images), battery consumption is reduced, leading to longer battery life.
3. Improved Software Optimization
Smartphone and Tablet manufacturers for both Android and iOS operating systems have looked for ways to become more efficient at managing background processes and apps, ensuring that energy is not wasted on unnecessary tasks. Testing early using viSer test automation ensured better software optimizations to allow phones to use their battery more efficiently, giving users more screen time without needing to recharge.
4. More Efficient Displays
OLED and AMOLED displays are more power-efficient than traditional LCD displays. They only light up the pixels that are required, especially when displaying dark or black colors, reducing power consumption. Displays account for a large portion of battery drain, and these more efficient technologies help mitigate that.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
As the industry moves toward greater transparency and accountability for energy usage, being proactive is key. SmartViser’s benchmark report offers the data you need to make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition.
Don’t miss out!
Contact us today to enquire about the report and learn how SmartViser Test Automation can help you optimize your devices for the new energy labelling regulation.
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