Tethering your phone feels easy until it isn’t.
The battery tanks. The video call stutters. The kids hop on Netflix mid-upload. And your phone? It’s hot enough to fry an egg.
If you’ve ever wondered whether carrying a pocket Wi‑Fi device is worth it, you’re not alone. Let’s break down how a dedicated device like the Solis Hero or Solis Pro compares to your phone’s built-in hotspot, especially when it comes to performance, battery, and real-world data use.
Does One Actually Use More Data? Not Exactly.
It’s not the hotspot itself that uses more data. It’s what’s connected to it. Whether you’re using a phone hotspot or a Solis device, data usage comes from the laptops, tablets, and phones linked to it. But here’s the catch: Dedicated hotspots like Solis Hero and Pro give you more control.
- Real-time dashboards (on-screen or in-app) help monitor usage
- You can spot background updates or syncing that drain data silently
-
With separate SIMO data plans, you’re not touching your phone plan
The result? You’re not necessarily using less data, but you’re managing it smarter.
Battery Life: The Real Drain
Phone Hotspot:
- Most phones lose battery quickly when tethering
- Juggling both data and Wi‑Fi eats power and makes phones overheat
-
Frequent use shortens long-term battery life (bad news if you rely on your phone for navigation or calls)
Solis Hero / Pro:
- Solis Hero: Up to 18 hours of battery
- Solis Pro: Up to 48 hours with an 8,000 mAh battery
-
Both can charge your phone in a pinch
In other words, Solis devices keep your phone free for what it’s best at while carrying the heavy Wi‑Fi load themselves.
Performance & Sharing Power
If you’re working on the road, managing a team, or traveling with family, sharing your phone’s hotspot just doesn’t hold up.
Feature |
Phone Hotspot |
||
Max Devices |
Up to 10 |
Up to 20 |
Typically, 3–5 reliably |
Wi‑Fi Standard |
Dual-band 2.4/5GHz |
Wi‑Fi 6E |
Basic phone Wi‑Fi |
Signal Flexibility |
4G Multi-Carrier Switching |
4G & 5G Multi-Carrier Switching |
One carrier only |
Physical Durability |
Water-resistant (IP52) |
Rugged + waterproof (IP68) |
Not designed for outdoor use |
Power Bank |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Designed for Sharing? |
Yes |
Absolutely |
Not really |
With multi-device support, stronger antennas, and smart switching across 140+ countries, Solis hotspots are simply built to handle more with less stress.
What About Speed and Data Control?
While speeds depend on local coverage, Solis devices tap into the best available network nearby using SIMO’s smart switching. That means you’re not stuck with just one carrier.
And thanks to dashboard access and data transparency, you can:
- See what’s using your data in real time
- Set data preferences or limit device access
- Avoid the “mystery usage” that often shows up on phone bills
It’s Not Just About the Data
Yes, your phone can hotspot. But if you travel often, work remotely, or share your connection regularly, a dedicated device like Solis Hero or Solis Pro delivers far more than just Wi‑Fi:
- Longer battery life
- Smarter data management
- Better sharing and speed
-
And most importantly, less worry
You’ll get more peace of mind, more uptime, and a lot fewer “why isn’t this working?” moments.