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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsAlways-On display uses more battery while its Lock Screen is visible; Raise to Wake keeps the screen off until you lift the iPhone. Always-On is more convenient for checking the time, notifications, and widgets at a glance. Apple does not publish a universal battery-drain figure comparing the two, so the practical difference depends on your settings and use.
How the two features differ
| Feature | What happens while iPhone is locked | Convenience | Battery implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Always-On display | A dimmed Lock Screen stays visible on supported models. You can glance at the time, date, notifications, and widgets; the phone is still locked. | See basic Lock Screen information without picking up or tapping the phone. | The display remains visible in some circumstances, so it uses power while lit. Apple does not provide a general drain-per-hour or drain-per-day figure. |
| Raise to Wake | The display turns on when you lift the iPhone. When the phone locks, the display turns off unless Always-On display is enabled. | Check the screen by lifting the phone, rather than having it remain visible on a desk. | The display is not kept visibly lit between wake-ups. Battery impact still varies with settings and use. |
Apple describes Always-On as a dimmed version of the Lock Screen, not an unlocked screen. Raise to Wake is a wake action: lifting the phone turns on its display. You can also wake iPhone with the side button, or by tapping the screen on models other than iPhone SE. See Apple’s Always-On display guide and wake, unlock, and lock guide.
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Does Always-On use more battery?
It can, because the Lock Screen remains visible rather than going completely dark. But the available Apple battery information does not establish how much more power it uses than Raise to Wake in ordinary daily use. It would be misleading to translate that evidence into a fixed percentage or an hourly or daily battery-loss estimate.
Apple’s iPhone battery test information says its iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max testing, conducted in July and August 2022 on preproduction devices and software, kept Always-On enabled while the display was not visible. Apple notes that audio playback time decreases when the display is visible compared with when the iPhone is face down or in a pocket or bag. That is not a quantified, everyday comparison with Raise to Wake.
The Tool Desk
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- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Apple also cautions that battery results vary with cellular network, location, signal strength, feature configuration, usage, and other factors. For your own phone, use the Battery settings to inspect app and system usage; Apple explains the charts and troubleshooting suggestions in its battery-drain guidance.
When Always-On turns itself off
Always-On does not keep the screen visible in every situation. Apple says it automatically turns off when:
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
- The iPhone is face down or its view is obstructed.
- It is not near a paired Apple Watch.
- A CarPlay session begins or Continuity Camera is in use.
- Low Power Mode or Sleep Focus is on.
- It is the user’s usual bedtime.
These automatic behaviors mean the screen may be dark even when Always-On is enabled. For details, see Apple’s description of Always-On behavior.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose the setup that fits your routine
Keep Always-On on for at-a-glance access
Choose Always-On if you often check the time or Lock Screen information while the phone is sitting nearby and you value not having to lift or tap it. The setting is on by default on supported models, and you can choose whether wallpaper and notifications appear.
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- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Turn Always-On off if you prefer a dark locked screen
Choose a fully dark screen between wake-ups if you would rather minimize visible display time. You can still use Raise to Wake to turn the display on when you lift the phone.
Check the settings
- To manage Always-On, open Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On Display. Turn it off, or adjust the wallpaper and notification options on that page.
- To disable Raise to Wake, open Settings > Display & Brightness and turn off Raise to Wake.
- If you are comparing battery endurance, open Settings > Battery and review the usage information. Change one setting at a time and compare your own use; results can vary with conditions and activity.
Always-On is available only on supported iPhone models. Apple’s guide describes it as a supported-model feature but does not enumerate the complete current model list on the cited page, so check the setting on your particular iPhone rather than assuming compatibility.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
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- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

