In today’s smartphone-dominated world, the Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery has become the go-to choice for its fast-charging capabilities and extended lifespan. However, improper charging habits can accelerate battery deterioration, raising questions about the best charging practices for keep battery health.
The Importance of Knowing How Long Batteries Last
The longevity of a phone battery is determined by its health status, which gauges its power storage capacity and the duration it can last before needing a recharge. A higher battery health score translates to more efficient power storage and a longer overall lifespan. Despite this, all batteries will eventually degrade over time due to the natural wear and tear of chemical compounds.
Preserving Battery Health: The 80 Percent Rule
One widely shared advice is to refrain from charging the phone beyond 80 percent, based on the two charging phases: 0 to 80 percent and 80 to 100 percent. During the 80-100 percent phase, the voltage experiences a significant surge, putting added strain on the battery. Charging the phone between 30 to 80 percent is deemed optimal for extending battery life.
As a result, users are encouraged to initiate charging when the battery level reaches 30 percent and unplug it once it reaches 80 percent. Some experts even suggest maintaining charging levels between 20 to 80 percent, with a consensus on stopping at 80 percent.
The Safety of to 100 Percent
Contrary to the prevalent 80 percent advice, major smartphone manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, and Google (Pixel) do not explicitly impose restrictions on charging the phone up to 100 percent. Their official websites refrain from specifying an ideal charging percentage, providing users with the freedom to charge their devices fully.
Instead of emphasizing the upper charging limit, these manufacturers prioritize alerting users to the negative impact of excessive heat on battery health. They caution against charging the phone while playing games, using phone cases, or exposing it to direct sunlight, as elevated temperatures can lead to accelerated battery degradation.
To address this concern, some smartphones, such as iPhones, are equipped with mechanisms that halt the charging process when temperatures exceed certain limits. For instance, under specific conditions, the charging process may automatically stop at 80 percent if the phone detects rising temperatures.
Battery Health in Conclusion
Charging your phone beyond 80 percent is generally considered safe, especially in situations where extended phone usage is necessary without access to a power source. The key to preserving battery health lies in avoiding prolonged exposure to excessive heat, rather than strictly adhering to the 80 percent charging rule. By being mindful of heat exposure and adopting smart charging practices, users can maintain their phone batteries in good health and prolong their overall lifespan.