Provided is a method for controlling a low-power state in a mobile handset. The method includes shifting from an active state to a low-power idle state by blocking power of modules for a mobile communication function and decreasing a frequency of a control clock when an inactive request of the mobile communication function is received; shifting from the low-power idle state to a low-power access state by increasing the frequency of the control clock when an additional service request is received; shifting from the low-power access state to the low-power idle state if an additional service request is not received any more; shifting from the low-power idle state to a suspension state by suspending the control clock when request is not received for predetermined time; and shifting from the suspension state to the low-power idle state when the input interrupt and the timer interrupt occur.