Apparatus and method for reducing power consumption in portable terminal

An apparatus and method minimize power consumption in a portable terminal which enters a low-power mode during connection with an access point (AP). The apparatus includes a memory for storing a Wi-Fi profile including position information of APs, a wireless LAN module for performing connection with the AP, an AP connection unit for performing connection with the AP using the wireless LAN module only when an AP exists around the portable terminal, a position determining unit for determining APs which exist around the portable terminal, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a position of the portable terminal, determine a position of an AP which exists around the portable terminal, and operate the wireless LAN module at only a position where the AP exists.