Smartphones continue to get faster, and every update comes with a host of new features that promise to make your life easier. But this technology can also sap your battery life, causing you frustration.
Battery life is going to massively differ between people due to what apps are being used - something as simple as browsing the internet can hit the battery more than video consumption, and any kind of gaming will kill the battery even quicker.
If your Android is draining faster than normal, don't panic.This post is here giving a detailed list of what can be changed to improve battery life.
Keeping up-to-date is always a good idea for features, security fixes and bug fixes, and if you're having battery problems, it could be because you're on an older firmware. To see if you have the latest version:
All of these settings can be found in the Settings app (from app draw or from notifications panel). Disabling these settings helps battery life unless stated otherwise.
Your device periodically checks if Wi-Fi can be found, and if it can't, mobile data is turned on. With this disabled, mobile data will need to be manually turned on when your Wi-Fi slows/drops.
Looks for patterns in Wi-Fi usage to learn when it's best to turn on Wi-Fi power saving. I'd suggest trying this yourself and seeing if it affects your everday usage (as it can in some cases).
Bluetooth can use a large amount of energy, especially when it's constantly syncing to devices like watches, earphones and speakers that trade large amounts of data. Disable this if you don't use Bluetooth devices, and if you do, it isn't a large enough battery sink to worry about.
This will check for NFC/contactless payment points whenever the screen is on. Leaving this turned off, and simply turning it on when needed is simple and can save a tiny amount of energy.
5G can be very power-hungry - under the right circumstances it can drain 20% more than other bands. Below is a detailed explanation of 5G and why it can be a battery drain under certain conditions. If you do not use 5G at all, disable it - set your network mode to LTE/3G/2G if possible - this will not change your data speeds and may help with battery life. If you do use 5G, please read below!
These are sent out about severe weather warnings and amber alerts, as well as also being used to send location information to emergency services. This is an important service that should be left on if supported in your area. If it isn't used in your country, or your country uses SMS instead, you can disable this feature for an imperceptible battery save.
Dark mode changes all Android menus and supporting apps to a dark version - meaning mostly white backgrounds change to black/grey backgrounds. OLED screens turn off pixels completely when black - meaning little to no power draw from these pixels - whereas pixels showing white is a large battery draw over the same period of time.
Additionally: Most browsers support a dark mode independently of OS settings and therefore need changing in their respective settings to be turned on/off. Browser dark modes can save massive amounts of battery at the cost of making most webpages look... strange.
Motion smoothness: Most Smartphones supports 120Hz displays which can be a large battery drainer. Although it's adaptive (meaning it can change based on what is needed - from 120Hz all the way down to 10Hz), it still drains more power than in standard mode (60Hz). I spoke earlier about striking a good balance between battery and features - and in my opinion, 120Hz is well worth the extra battery usage.
Eye comfort shield:Eye Comfort Shield isn't for everyone as it both limits blue light and uses warmer colours. Setting this can make things look yellow-tinted, but can help with eye fatigue, sleep, and most importantly for this list, battery life.
Anyone who owns an older phone or laptop will regularly find themselves cursing out the battery and its inability to stay alive. What’s just as annoying is how long they can take to charge.
Battery users often ask: “Why does an old Li-ion lake so long to charge?” Indeed, when Li-ion gets older, the battery takes its time to charge even if there is little to fill. We call this the “old-man syndrome.” Users should be aware of the performance and limitations of Ion-Lithium rechargeable batteries; the leading parameters are capacity and number of charge-discharge cycles.
As the battery gets older, the battery takes its time to charge even if there is little to fill. Figure 1 illustrates the charge time of a new Li-ion with a capacity of 100 percent against an aged pack delivering only 82 percent. Both take roughly 150 minutes to charge.
When charging Li-ion, the voltage shoots up similar to lifting a weight with a rubber band. The new pack as demonstrated in Figure 2 is “hungrier” and can take on more “food" before reaching the 4.20V/cell voltage limit compared to the aged Li-ion that hits V Limit in Stage 1 after only about 60 minutes. In terms of a rubber band analogy, the new battery has less slack than to the aged pack and can accept charge longer before going into saturation. Additionally, Full discharge cycles will impact the battery’s number of charging cycles, as well as charge/discharge rates and temperature. Avoid high and low State of Charge (SoC); 30 % to 80 % is appropriate. Maximum voltage should be limited to 4.2 V/cell.
Figure 3 demonstrates the different saturation times in Stage 2 as the current trails from the fully regulated current to about 0.05C to trigger ready mode. The trailing on a good battery is short and is prolonged on an aged pack. This explains the longer charge time of an older Li-ion with less capacity. An analogy is a young athlete running a sprint with little or no slow-down towards the end, while the old man gets out of breath and begins walking, prolonging the time to reach the goal.
A common aging effect of Li-ion is loss of charge transfer capability. This is caused by the formation of passive materials on the electrodes, which inhibits the flow of free electrons. This reduces the porosity on the electrodes, decreases the surface area, lowers the lower ionic conductivity and raises migration resistance. The aging phenomenon is permanent and cannot be reversed.
The health of a battery is based on these three fundamental attributes:
The charge signature reveals valuable health indicators of Li-ion. A good battery absorbs most of the charge in Stage 1 before reaching 4.20V/cell and the trailing in Stage 2 is short. “Lack of hunger” on a Li-ion can be attributed to a battery being partially charged; exceptionally long trailing times relates to a battery with low capacity, high internal resistance and/or elevated self-discharge.
Lithium-ion batteries have firmly woven themselves into the fabric of our daily lives. However, like every piece of technology, they’re not infallible. Ensuring their optimal health and troubleshooting issues like charging problems is crucial for the longevity of our devices and our peace of mind.
Lithium-ion batteries are marvels of modern technology. Comprising of an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte, these batteries derive their power from the motion of lithium ions between the anode and cathode. When discharging, the ions travel from the anode to the cathode, producing the electrical charge. The reverse takes place during charging.
The widespread adoption of lithium-ion batteries is attributed to their myriad advantages. Firstly, their high energy density is commendable. They can pack a lot of power in a relatively small space, making them ideal for devices where size and weight matter. Furthermore, they are lightweight, which is a boon for portable devices. Also, these batteries aren’t plagued by the ‘memory effect’ that older battery technologies suffered from, meaning they don’t need to be completely discharged before recharging.
Lithium-ion batteries showcase a vast spectrum in terms of rechargeability, greatly influenced by their chemical composition. To delineate, a conventional lithium-ion rechargeable battery offers a cycle life within the bracket of 300 to 500 cycles.
Contrastingly, Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are a paragon of resilience, boasting an extensive cycle life that can reach up to 2000 cycles. Their enhanced cycle life not only underscores a promising sustainability quotient but also positions them as a preferred choice for heavy-duty applications.
A ‘cycle life’ epitomizes a battery’s vitality, defined as one full charge followed by a discharge. This concept is analogous to the mileage of running shoes, governed by not only the intrinsic quality but also the usage patterns. However, cycle life isn’t a static parameter; it undergoes a gradual decline due to several influencing factors, akin to wear and tear experienced by running shoes over time.
Temperature:
Quantitative Insight: Batteries operated within the optimal temperature range of 15°C to 25°C demonstrate a slower degradation rate, potentially enhancing the cycle life by up to 20% compared to batteries consistently exposed to temperatures above 45°C.
Charging Rate:
Comparative Data: Studies indicate that batteries charged at a slower rate (0.5C) can outlast those charged at a higher rate (1C or more), extending cycle life by approximately 20-30%.
Depth of Discharge (DoD):
Quantitative Analysis: A battery undergoing a DoD of 20% before recharging can exhibit a cycle life extending up to 3750-4700 cycles, starkly superior to a battery experiencing a 100% DoD, whose cycle life might be confined to 300-500 cycles.
Therefore, embracing a meticulous approach to maintaining optimal conditions can pave the way for lithium-ion batteries to reach, or possibly exceed, their expected cycle life.
Drawing parallels between various influencing factors and utilizing quantitative insights can aid professionals in nurturing a holistic understanding of lithium-ion battery cycle life. As we navigate through the nuances, it becomes imperative to approach battery usage with a nuanced perspective, acknowledging the variables that dictate the longevity and efficacy of lithium-ion batteries.
It’s a sinking feeling when you plug in your electronic devices, eagerly waiting for that charging icon, and it’s nowhere to be seen. But what’s behind this? Let’s explore some of the culprits that might be keeping your lithium battery from charging.
Every battery has what’s known as internal resistance. It’s a natural barrier to the flow of current within the battery. As the battery ages and goes through more charge and discharge cycles, this resistance tends to increase. When it reaches a certain threshold, it can significantly hamper the battery’s ability to charge. Imagine trying to run in waist-deep water; the resistance slows you down, much like increased internal resistance slows down charging.
Batteries, much like us, have their comfort zones. When they’re exposed to extreme cold, the chemical reactions inside them slow down, making charging a challenge. On the flip side, extreme heat can cause the battery’s internal components to degrade faster, also affecting its charging capability. It’s always a good idea to keep your devices away from extreme temperature conditions for their overall health.
Over-discharging happens when a battery’s charge dwindles down to an extremely low level, sometimes almost to zero. This is especially detrimental to lithium-ion batteries. When they’re over-discharged, the battery’s voltage plunges so low that the built-in battery management system (BMS) may think the battery is defective or dead. To prevent potential safety risks, the BMS might stop the battery from charging as a precautionary step.
What’s more, over-discharge can cause the battery cells to reverse in polarity. In layman’s terms, instead of the cells operating in sync, they begin working against each other. This not only stops the battery from charging but can also make it dangerous to use. If you think your battery might be over-discharged, handling the situation carefully is critical. Sometimes, specialized chargers might bring such a dead battery back to life, but consulting a professional is always the safest route.
Just like any other component, batteries have a lifespan. As they age, their capacity to hold a charge diminishes. If you’ve been using your battery for a long time and it’s not charging, it might simply be reaching the end of its life. Regularly monitoring your battery’s health can give you a heads-up when it’s time for a replacement.
Sometimes, the battery is perfectly fine, but the charger or charging cable is the culprit. Faulty chargers or damaged cables can prevent the necessary current from reaching the battery. It’s always a good idea to test with a different charger or cable to rule out this possibility.
In conclusion, if you’re trying to fix a lithium-ion battery that won’t charge, understanding these potential issues can guide you in the right direction. Whether it’s addressing over-discharge, checking your charger, or simply acknowledging that it might be time for a new battery, being informed is half the battle.
We’ve all been there: eagerly waiting for that charging icon to appear, only to be met with disappointment. Before you consider your battery a lost cause, let’s explore some potential remedies.
When diagnosing lithium battery charging issues, it’s imperative to consider accessory functionality, specifically focusing on chargers and cables, often overlooked components. For instance, a minor misalignment in cable wiring or a flaw in the charger’s internal mechanism could lead to charging discrepancies. Verify the integrity of your charger and cable by examining their conditions and conducting compatibility tests with other devices, ensuring they meet the standard voltage requirements and aren’t inducing any voltage drops or interruptions. Reliable data indicates that around 15% of charging issues stem from faulty accessories rather than the battery unit itself. Always opt for accessories that are certified and comply with quality and safety standards, ensuring a stable power supply and mitigating risks of malfunction. These subtle yet critical checks serve as preliminary steps in pinpointing and resolving charging abnormalities, providing a foundation for more in-depth analysis if needed.
Battery contacts play a pivotal role, serving as conduits for efficient energy transfer. Yet, with time and exposure, these contacts may be compromised by dirt or corrosion, undermining their efficacy. Research indicates that approximately 10% of lithium battery charging issues can be attributed to obstructed contacts. To maintain peak performance, it’s paramount to periodically inspect these contacts. Subtle discoloration or debris buildup might indicate the onset of inefficiencies. Employ a soft cloth or a specialized eraser for gentle cleaning. Always prioritize safety: ensure the device is powered off, and where feasible, detach the battery during the cleaning process. Recognizing and addressing contact degradation not only prolongs battery lifespan but also ensures consistent charging and power output, consolidating the foundation for optimal battery health and performance.
Extended inactivity of lithium batteries can result in what is termed “deep discharge,” a state where the battery’s voltage drops to an exceedingly low level. Such conditions, over prolonged periods, can jeopardize the battery’s internal chemistry and structure. A recent study indicates that batteries kept at a near-zero charge level for over a month might see a degradation rate almost twice as fast as those maintained at a 50% charge level. To revive a deep-discharged battery, gently warm it within the safe threshold of 40°C, allowing the internal electrolyte’s mobility to improve, then proceed with charging. However, as a preventive measure, professionals advise retaining batteries within a 20%-80% charge range during storage periods. Such practices not only prevent extreme discharge states but also contribute to prolonging battery life, optimizing overall performance and safety.
Temperature significantly influences lithium battery performance and charging efficiency. A deviation from the optimal range, be it cold below 0°C or heat exceeding 40°C, hampers charging capabilities. Research has shown that batteries exposed to temperatures above 60°C can experience a drop in efficiency by up to 40%. Conversely, those subjected to sub-zero conditions might exhibit diminished charge uptake. For optimal performance, it’s crucial to store and charge batteries in controlled environments between 20°C to 25°C. Understanding and respecting these temperature bounds not only ensures consistent charging but also extends the overall battery lifespan, maximizing the return on investment.
Every lithium-ion battery possesses a finite life, quantified in terms of charge cycles. Typically, a single cycle represents one full charge and discharge. As per industry data, most lithium-ion batteries maintain optimal performance up to 300 to 500 cycles, post which there’s a noticeable decline in capacity, often dropping to 80% or less of their original capacity. For instance, a battery that initially provided 10 hours of usage might dwindle to just 8 hours after surpassing its cycle threshold. It’s essential to recognize these signs of aging. If a battery consistently underperforms despite proper maintenance, it’s likely nearing the end of its effective lifespan. In such scenarios, the most pragmatic solution is replacement. Understanding and tracking charge cycles not only aids in anticipating battery replacements but also ensures devices operate at peak efficiency.
We’ve all been there: the dread of watching our device’s battery life diminish faster than we’d like. But with a little knowledge and care, you can extend the life of your lithium-ion battery, ensuring it serves you well for years to come.
Mindful Charging:
While it’s tempting to charge your battery to 100% and drain it to the last drop, it’s not the best practice. Lithium-ion batteries prefer to be kept at a charge level between 20% and 80%. Consistently charging your battery to its full capacity or letting it discharge entirely can stress the battery, reducing its overall lifespan
Update Regularly:
It’s not just the hardware that affects your battery life; software plays a role too. Regular software updates often come with optimizations that can improve battery efficiency. So, next time you see that update notification, don’t ignore it.
Limit Fast Charging:
While fast charging is incredibly convenient, especially when you’re in a hurry, it’s not something you should use all the time. The increased current can generate more heat, which, as we’ve established, isn’t great for the battery. Use fast charging sparingly, and your battery will thank you.
Store Smartly:
If you’re not going to use a device or battery for an extended period, store it properly. Ideally, the battery should be at around 50% charge. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Regular Check-ups:
Every once in a while, it’s a good idea to check your battery’s health. Some devices have built-in diagnostics, while others might require third-party apps. Being aware of your battery’s health can help you take timely action, whether it’s changing usage habits or considering a replacement.
In the end, while lithium-ion batteries might seem like mysterious little boxes, understanding their needs can go a long way in ensuring they last longer. After all, a little care can make a world of difference.
The immediate pros of wireless charging are apparent for all to see. Smartphones and smartwatches can be easily rejuvenated when plopped onto charging pads, eliminating the need for rummaging through messy tables and drawers for cables. As long as there’s a wireless charging pad at your destination, bringing along your device is all you need.
Tightly-coupled electromagnetic induction
Wireless charging occurs when electricity is transferred from the charging pad to device via a process known as electromagnetic induction, where a magnetic field is produced between the wireless charging transmitter and receiver. Electricity is generated when the generated magnetic field interacts with copper coils in the receiving device, thereby charging the battery.
The most common form of wireless charging today is a sub-category known as tightly-coupled electromagnetic inductive charging, where the transmitting and receiving copper coils must be aligned and within close proximity for effective charging. Any misalignment will significantly slow down charging or cause the process to cease altogether.
Wireless charging is commonly misunderstood to be harmful for phone batteries due to the heat it generates. While it’s true that electromagnetic induction produces more heat than conventional wired charging, effects from the produced heat can be mitigated with careful management.
Furthermore, phone batteries are typically separated from copper charging coils by a layer of thermal insulation. The result is that smartphone battery temperatures can typically be contained within safe limits under normal circumstances.
Battery charge cycles refer to the number of times a rechargeable battery can undergo complete charging before losing their ability to hold a charge. One charging cycle is completed when a battery goes from being completely charged to completely discharged. Charging a battery from 50% to 100% will therefore only use up half of a battery cycle. Because battery charge cycles are influenced by the number of times they are charged rather than the charging method, wireless charging will not harm a device’s battery.
The only thing that consumers have to worry about is constant charging throughout the day, or charging a device even after it reaches maximum charge carrying capacity. Whenever a battery is charged, energy released will cause lithium ions to move from the graphite layer to the lithium cobalt oxide later. Overcharging can cause damage in the long run by pulling out 100% more lithium ions and messing up the internal battery structure. Most smartphone battery management systems prevent this by blocking current from entering fully charged batteries even while they are connected to a charger.
There have been reported instances of wireless chargers being recalled due to safety concerns. Reported risks include fire, electric shock, injuries, or damage to phone and surrounding property. As a result, manufacturers have also warned consumers about sleeping beside charging devices or placing them in poorly ventilated areas, such as beneath a blanket or pillow.
Safety can be compromised whenever foreign objects such as coins, credit cards, or other metal objects obstruct the space between transmitter and receiver. These foreign objects receive power from the generated magnetic field and dissipate it in the form of heat, which can create damage to both device and user.
For manufacturers and consumers, the most foolproof way to minimize risk is to ensure that their devices comply with recognized charging standards so that the necessary safeguard mechanisms are in place to shut down the charging process before things get out of hand.
A long-lasting smartphone battery life can improve your overall user experience, minimize device interruptions and prolong your device's lifespan. Here's how you can ensure your smartphone's battery life is efficiently optimized:
At all cost, try to maintain your phone's battery level between 20% and 80%. This range is considered the optimal battery lifespan zone. It's advisable not to repeatedly let your phone's battery drop below 20% as this puts a strain on it. On the contrary,charging your smartphone 100% isn't a healthy practice either.
If you're a fan of wireless charging, ensure not to always keep your phone on the charging pad. Just like wired chargers, leaving your phone on a wireless charging pad for extended periods can lead to overcharging and possible battery degradation.
hough convenient, fast charging can negatively impact your smartphone battery's health. The heat generated from fast charging might degrade your battery very quickly. Thus, it's wise to minimize the use of fast charging and resort to it only when it's absolutely crucial.
Batteries are an essential component of almost every device. However, it is widely known that it tends to be the first one to lose its power after being used extensively. Even the most reliable devices such as laptops and phones lose their capability to charge at some point because their battery’s life cycle is already used up.
But don’t fret because there are a lot of ways that you can do to prolong the life of your battery, all it takes is proper care and the knowledge on how to maintain them correctly. By doing this, your battery will surely last for a long time.
Here’s what you can do:
Most of the devices are made to be portable nowadays, making them convenient to be used wherever you are. But, you have to take note that there are certain limitations when exposing it to extreme temperatures in an extended period of time.
The Ideal temperature zones are 16° to 22° C and it’s crucial not to use it when the temperature is higher than 35° C, due to the fact that it can damage your battery permanently. Also, charging the batteries in a room that exceeded the recommended temperature will disrupt the battery’s performance even further.
This may be difficult to do especially if you often rely on your device to accomplish your day-to-day tasks. However, if it’s really your goal to prolong the lifespan of your battery, turning it off once a week can help it to perform longer by saving its life cycle.
Normally, a battery can survive up to 500 charge cycles and each cycle lessens its capacity to perform efficiently. If you can’t turn off your device for a day, some devices allow you to change the power settings that will benefit the battery’s life in the long run.
This has been one of the most asked questions by people .Is it really necessary to remove your battery when the device is not in use?
Well, every brand has a different opinion regarding this matter— with Apple telling customers not to take their batteries out and Acer which recommends that you should take it out if you don’t plan to use it for more than a week.
But generally, if you are planning not to use the device for a couple of days or more it is advised to have it charged between 40 to 80 percent and must be stored at room temperature. This way, it will be ready to use again when needed rather than discharging it completely before storing it somewhere else. Never store a fully discharged battery, they should always be charged for maximum longevity.
Fast charging is convenient, but don't use it every time you charge your phone. Fast charging puts more stress on the battery than necessary, so battery performance can suffer over time. Opt for a standard "slow" charge more often than not to preserve battery longevity.
To avoid parasitic load, don't play games or stream videos while charging your phone. Parasitic load is what happens while a battery is being drained during charging. Parasitic load adds higher voltage stress to the battery, increases heat, and can cause parts of the battery to continually cycle and deteriorate faster than the rest of the cell. While you can take calls or browse the web during a charging session, avoid heavy tasks.
Both iPhones and Androids have built-in tools for battery health tracking. You can use these tools to find out more information about your battery's performance and life span using these tools.
iPhone: Open your Settings and go to Battery > Battery Health.
Samsung Galaxy: Open the Samsung Members app and go to Get Help > Interactive checks (or View tests) > Battery status (or Battery).
Other Androids: Open the Phone app and dial *#*#4636#*#*. When the menu appears, select Battery information (it may be buried in another menu).
You can also try other Android battery health apps, such as CPU-Z, Battery by MacroPinch, and AccuBattery by Digibites.
Eventually, batteries will lose their power and will hold less charge over time. What makes proper care beneficial is it will enable you to use the battery longer and will save you time and money from replacing it earlier than expected.