A desktop PC running 24/7 consumes 200 to 400 watts. A laptop on AC power uses 60 to 90 watts. An Android phone consumes 5 to 15 watts while charging and running scripts. Over a year, the electricity cost difference is significant -- particularly in markets where power costs are high or supply is unreliable.

Uptime Reliability

Phones are designed to stay on indefinitely when plugged in. They handle heat management better than laptops running continuously. The battery acts as built-in UPS protection during brief power cuts -- something a desktop cannot provide without additional hardware.

Cost to Entry

A second-hand Android phone capable of running the machine costs $40 to $80. A budget PC capable of the same workload costs $200 to $400. The Android setup pays for itself faster, with no monthly cloud fees and lower electricity overhead. For builders in markets where capital is constrained, the Android-first approach is not a compromise. It is the correct strategy.