As known, most modern phones use a non-removable battery.
Their use allowed engineers to create more compact models with very high build quality. In addition, a one-piece smartphone case provides increased tightness.
Unfortunately, the cost of replacing a non-removable battery is quite high. This problem is less relevant for budget and mid-budget models, which usually change before this problem occurs. But a flagship worth around $ 1,000 is usually used for longer. In this case, the importance of battery longevity increases significantly. However, the optimal charging mode partially eliminates this problem.
Battery life
Battery life depends on many factors. Therefore, companies often indicate it vaguely. For example, Apple officially indicates a decrease in the capacity of the iPhone battery to 80% of the initial value after about 500 full recharge cycles. In fairness, most modern lithium-ion batteries have a similar indicator.
But this aspect has nuances. One cycle includes the full discharge of the smartphone to 0%, followed by charging the battery to 100%. At first glance, a discharge of up to 50% and a subsequent charge of up to 100% corresponds to only half the cycle. In this case, daily recharging the battery by 50% should provide 1000 days (500 cycles x 2 days / 1 cycle), or 3 years. During this time, the battery capacity will decrease to about 80% of the original.
In principle, this period is more than acceptable. But according to the authoritative Battery University resource, accounting for one full cycle is correct when the battery discharge is 70% or lower. In this case, the period will be reduced to 700. In addition, Battery University estimates annual battery loss of initial capacity in the range of 15% to 22%.
Moreover, improper use of the battery can easily reduce 500 cycles to 200 cycles. Given these factors, battery problems can begin much earlier than the planned replacement of the phone model.
Some features
Many companies recommend a full recharge cycle of the new phone. But this procedure is not related to battery life and longevity. It only provides calibration of the software to correctly display the battery level on the display. Recommended calibration frequency varies from 4-6 times a year.
Online tips sometimes suggest charging the battery only after it’s completely discharged. But such a scenario is absolutely not suitable for a lithium-ion battery, accelerating its wear. The discharge even up to 20% negatively affects its longevity. The optimal battery level varies in the range of 40-80%.
Of course, battery charge at night is very convenient for most people.
But some fear overheating the battery due to excessive charge. Of course, there is no such danger. All modern models use a protection that stops charging when the required charge level.
On the other hand, 100% charge also reduces battery longevity. Unfortunately, at night charging, the battery is in this state until the morning. Therefore, a few short recharges during the day are more optimal for a lithium-ion battery.
Many use the phone while charging. Of course it is safe. But in some cases, for example, in the game mode, the phone will additionally heat up due to the high processor load. Unfortunately, temperatures above 30 degrees celsius causes the degradation of the Lithium ions, reducing battery longevity. Of course, playing music or talking on the phone will not affect the temperature.
The current and voltage at the output of the charger must strictly comply with the specs. Otherwise, the charger may cause the bloating battery or even damage the smartphone. Using certified accessories eliminates these risks.
Charging from a PC is safe, but it’s very slow due to the small current strength.
Fast Wireless Charging
As known, wireless charging uses induction, charging a battery using an electromagnetic field (EMF) created by an induction coil in the charger.
Accordingly, fast wireless charging uses a stronger electromagnetic field, reducing charging time.
But really, the fast charge mode only works up to 50% of the charge. Further, the smartphone reduces the consumed electric power, reducing current or voltage.
Today, many experts debate the impact of these technologies on longevity and battery life. But in any case, companies show a pronounced trend towards the complete replacement of traditional charging in favor of innovative technologies. In addition, most consumers also prefer this quick and comfortable way to charge.
Conclusion
In general, a few simple rules can maximize battery longevity.
1. Non-certified charger may damage the battery.
2. The discharge to 0% or, conversely, a full charge of up to 100% reduce battery longevity. The optimal battery level varies in the range of 40-80%. Supporting the battery level in this range will extend its longevity.
3. Any overheating above 30 degrees celsius, for example, due to high load or direct sunlight reduces the battery longevity.
The video shows this year’s most popular Wireless Chargers.
