Smartphones have become part of our daily lives, but many of us are still unsure how they actually work – stories are circulating on the Internet about batteries that overflow and explode at night time, While many self-proclaimed technology experts share tips that may not be true.
One of the most common misconceptions about a smartphone is leaving it on the charger overnight. If the smartphone is charged at some point, how much damage can it cause to the battery and can you stop it?
For starters – here’s how the battery works
Smartphones use lithium-ion batteries. The battery consists of two electrodes – one made of graphite and the other made of lithium cobalt oxide. Between them is a liquid electrolyte that allows lithium ions to travel between electrodes. When you charge the phone, they travel in the opposite direction.
Batteries, or their lifetimes, are counted in cycles. For example, the iPhone 500 can retain 80 percent of its original capacity after full cycles. The charging cycle is described as consuming one hundred percent of the battery’s capacity, but not at once – in one day you can spend 60 percent and charge the battery, and in another 40, And only then you will do a cycle. . Having said that, the battery loses capacity over time, and you can take steps to keep it healthy.
What affects battery life?
Battery life depends on increasing resistance or impedance within the battery. Keeping the battery full increases the percentage of parasitic reactions, resulting in a gradual increase in impedance over time. We have a similar situation with empty batteries. Reducing the battery to “zero” accelerates a series of chemical reactions that result in rapid degradation.
The health of the battery is also affected by the load caused by on demand applications (gaming while charging the smartphone) and consequently the increased temperature which, if sufficient, causes electrolyte breakdown and accelerated degradation. Another factor that is rarely talked about is charging speed. If you have a fast charger, your battery will run faster. Fortunately, the problem of fast charging is more pronounced in motor vehicles than smartphones, at least to some extent it also affects the power supply of your mobile device.
Also, be sure to use official equipment or certified replacement. Cheap chargers without a certificate not only endanger battery life – they can damage your smartphone.
How dangerous is it to connect a smartphone to a charger overnight?
All smartphones, especially new ones, can detect when they are fully charged and stop charging immediately – in the same way they are automatically switched off when the battery reaches zero. Manufacturers incorporate the so-called cut-off point in each battery – they identify whether the battery is full or empty and carefully monitor how much you can discharge or charge it.
Leaving the phone on the charger overnight will not damage the battery, but it will slowly deteriorate. At some point, it will be reduced by one percent and then it will be replenished by one hundred percent. Manufacturers such as Apple have tracked the time the user usually wakes up and starts charging an hour before waking up to avoid the aforementioned downfall. We remind you that it is less harmful than overheating and mechanical damage, and, as “DigitalTrends” points out, it depends on the quality of the material.
What is the best way to charge your phone?
Charging smartphones in ‘small’ instances is best for long-term battery health.
As you have probably heard, maximum battery life has been suggested for maximum battery life between 20 and 80 percent.
In summary:
If you want to improve the battery capacity of your smartphone, then follow these small tips:
- Always use official chargers with a clear certificate or use them
- Do not allow the device to overheat. If necessary, remove it from the mask overnight
- Hold the battery so that it charges between 20 and 80 percent
- Do not let the battery discharge completely
- If you do not turn off the phone while charging, do not use the on-demand application
- Use fast charging only when necessary.
