Unlike older battery types, modern smartphones use lithium-ion batteries, which are designed to handle frequent, short charges.
Isidor Buchmann, CEO and founder of Cadex Electronics, told lifestyle publication Gear Patrol that fully cycling a phone battery, draining it to zero and then charging it back to 100%, should only be done in rare cases, such as when the battery malfunctions by unexpectedly dying despite showing charge.
"But other than that, it’s not advised to fully cycle lithium-ion," Buchmann said.
A typical lithium-ion battery lasts between 2 to 3 years, or about 300 to 500 charge cycles. After this period, the battery’s capacity usually drops by roughly 20%, experts at U.S. mobile accessories store Charby Charge say.
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A phone is fully charged. Photo from X |
Contrary to outdated beliefs, lithium-ion batteries do not need to be fully discharged to maintain their capacity. In fact, most modern smartphones use lithium-ion batteries that perform better when kept above 50% charge, according to Samsung. Letting the battery drain completely on a regular basis can reduce its overall lifespan.
Although regular charging is beneficial for battery health, it should not interfere with the core purpose of using a smartphone: convenience. Charby Charge recommended charging your phone whenever convenient, avoiding letting the battery drop below 20%, and only fully discharging it when recalibration is necessary.
It is also advised to unplug your phone when the battery is between 80% and 100%, and avoid leaving it plugged in after it reaches full charge.