Always-On display keeps a dimmed Lock Screen visible while your iPhone is locked; Raise to Wake lights the screen when you lift the phone. Always-On makes it easier to glance at the time, notifications, and widgets without moving the phone, but it also leaves the display visible more often. Apple’s published information does not establish a universal battery-drain percentage for Always-On compared with Raise to Wake, so the practical choice comes down to convenience and your own battery experience.
How Always-On display and Raise to Wake differ
| Feature | What happens while iPhone is locked | Convenience | Battery implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Always-On display | A dimmed version of the Lock Screen stays visible. Apple says it can show the time, date, notifications, and widgets. | Glance at information without lifting or tapping the iPhone. | The display remains visible in some situations, so it can use more power than when the screen is off. Apple does not publish a general drain figure versus Raise to Wake. |
| Raise to Wake | Lifting the iPhone turns on its display. With Always-On off, the display otherwise turns off when the phone locks. | See the screen by picking up the phone rather than keeping it visible on a desk. | The screen is not kept visibly lit while the phone is idle, but actual battery use depends on settings and usage. |
Always-On is not the same as leaving the phone unlocked: it shows a dimmed Lock Screen. You can still wake iPhone by raising it or pressing the side button; tapping the screen also works except on iPhone SE. Apple describes these behaviors in its iPhone display guide and guide to waking, unlocking, and locking iPhone.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $300.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $587.52 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $408.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | Unlocked | $262.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $387.73 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Does Always-On use more battery?
Keeping a visible display can use more power than letting the screen turn off, but Apple’s public battery information does not provide a controlled, quantified daily comparison of Always-On with Raise to Wake. That means there is no evidence-based universal percentage to apply to every iPhone or user.
Recommended Free Tools
Apple’s battery test information says its iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max testing kept Always-On enabled while the display was not visible. Apple also says audio playback time decreases when Always-On is visible compared with when the phone is face down or covered in a pocket or bag. The test was conducted in July and August 2022 on preproduction iPhone 14 family devices and software; it is not a direct comparison against Raise to Wake in everyday use. See Apple’s iPhone battery test information.
#1 Best Overall
- 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 cautions that battery results depend on the cellular network, location, signal strength, feature configuration, usage, and other factors. The effect on your own phone therefore depends on how you use it as well as whether and how often its Always-On screen remains visible.
When Always-On turns off automatically
Even when the setting is enabled, Apple says the screen can turn off in these situations:
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 obstructed from view.
- It is not near a paired Apple Watch.
- A CarPlay session starts or Continuity Camera is in use.
- Low Power Mode or Sleep Focus is on.
- It is the user’s usual bedtime.
These conditions mean the screen is not necessarily visible every moment the feature is enabled.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Choose based on how you use your phone
Choose Always-On if glance access matters
Always-On is a sensible fit if you often check the time or Lock Screen information while the iPhone is resting nearby and would rather not lift or tap it. It is available only on supported models; check your specific iPhone if you are unsure, since Apple’s cited guide does not list every compatible model.
Rank #3
- 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
Choose Raise to Wake if you prefer a dark screen while idle
Turn Always-On off if you would rather the display go dark while the phone is locked, or if minimizing visible display time matters more to you than seeing Lock Screen information at a glance. Raise to Wake can still bring the display on when you pick up the iPhone.
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.
Rank #4
- 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.
How to change the settings and check your battery use
- Turn Always-On on or off: Open Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On Display. Apple says the feature is on by default on supported models. On that screen, you can also choose whether to show wallpaper and notifications.
- Turn Raise to Wake on or off: Open Settings > Display & Brightness and change Raise to Wake.
- Check your device’s battery activity: Open Settings > Battery and review the battery usage information and suggestions. Apple’s battery-drain guidance explains how to investigate app and system usage.
- Compare your own results: If you want to see whether Always-On affects your endurance, change one setting at a time and compare your battery use under broadly similar conditions. Your result is specific to your device and habits, not a universal feature test.
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.
