The debate over whether prolonged or overnight charging is harmful to smartphone batteries continues in the world of lithium-ion batteries. The lifespan of a phone battery is influenced by various factors, including its manufacturing age and chemical age. Chemical aging refers to the gradual degradation of the battery due to temperature fluctuations, charging and discharging patterns, and overall usage.
Over time, the chemical aging of lithium-ion batteries leads to a reduction in charge capacity, battery lifespan, and performance. According to Apple, a normal iPhone battery is designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity at 500 complete charge cycles under normal conditions.
Research has shown that a 2019 smartphone battery can undergo an average of 850 full charge/discharge cycles before dropping below 80% capacity. This means that after about two to three years of use, only 80% of the initial battery capacity remains, and the battery starts depleting noticeably faster.
Charging your phone overnight is not only unnecessary but also accelerates battery aging. It is recommended to avoid full charging cycles (0%-100%) to maximize the battery’s lifespan. Samsung advises against frequently charging the battery up to 100% as it may negatively impact its overall lifespan. Similarly, keeping iPhones at full charge for extended periods may compromise their battery health. It is recommended to charge the battery up to 80% and not let it dip below 20%.
In theory, lithium-ion batteries can be overcharged, which can lead to safety risks such as overheating and fire. However, most modern phones have built-in protection mechanisms that prevent overcharging beyond 100%. Trickle charging, which occurs when the battery drops to 99% and starts charging again to maintain a fully charged state, can wear down the battery over time. Manufacturers like Apple and Samsung offer features to regulate trickle charging and extend the battery’s lifespan.
While it is highly unlikely for a smartphone to explode from charging, there have been reports of phones exploding due to manufacturing faults, poor-quality hardware, or physical damage. Overheating of lithium-ion phone batteries can occur when the heat generated during charging cannot dissipate, potentially causing burns or fires. These batteries operate effectively within a temperature range of 0? to 40? and may expand at higher ambient temperatures, leading to a fire or explosion. Using incorrect or faulty chargers or cables can also result in overheating, fire hazards, and damage to the phone.
To enhance the battery’s lifespan, it is recommended to install the latest software updates, use original or certified power chargers, avoid exposing the phone to high temperatures, limit charging to 80% of the full capacity, avoid leaving the phone charging for extended periods, keep the phone in a well-ventilated area while charging, monitor battery health and usage for unusual trends, and seek professional assistance if the phone shows signs of excessive heating or swelling.
Following the manufacturer’s guidelines is the best option for specific details about your particular phone and battery.
