While many smartphone users focus on the display and features, one must question how much it'll cost to keep the smartphone charged per year.
The question has been answered for both Apple's iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S3 devices.
When it comes to the iPhone 5, according to the energy analytics company Opower, on the assumption of iPhone owners charging their smartphone once a day for the entire year, projected users will spend $0.41 cents per year.
This is what Opower noted, the iPhone 5 "consumed 9.5 watt-hours to charge, taking 1 hour and 50 minutes. Maximum wattage was 6.3 watts, with an average of approximately 5.0 W. Multiplying 0.0095 kWh/day by 365 days = 3.47 kWh per year."
The charge is three cents higher than the iPhone 4.
When it comes to Apple rival, Samsung, their Galaxy S3 $0.53 cents per year to keep charged at 4.9 kWh.
Opower stated the Galaxy S3, "consumed 12.3 watt-hours to charge, taking 2 hours and 26 minutes. Maximum wattage was 6.6 watts, with an average of approximately 5.0 W. Multiplying 0.123 kWh/day by 365 days = 4.49 kWh per year. At the average US residential rate of $0.118/kWh, the annual charging cost is projected to be $0.53/year.
Another factor in the different charges is due to the higher battery capacity the Galaxy S3 has compared to the iPhone 5. The iPhone 5's battery capacity measure at 1,440 mAh while the Galaxy S3 is at 2,100 mAh. As Webopedia stated, the higher the mAh, then the stronger and healthier the battery of the device will be, especially to power the 4.8-inch Super AMOLED HD screen.
In comparison to other electronic devices, a 42-inch Plasma television cost $41.13 in electricity per year, second by the Xbox 360 at $40.24. The iPad stands at $1.36 per year.
For full details on Opower's statistics, click here.