Khaberni - Over time, most smartphone users notice that the device's battery is not what it used to be at the beginning. A phone that once lasted a full day may now need to be charged more than once a day, and this change is natural, but it raises an important question: Why does a phone's battery weaken with use?
We explain the scientific reasons behind battery deterioration, and how you can slow this process and maintain your phone's performance for the longest possible time.
How does a phone battery work?
Most modern phones rely on lithium-ion batteries. This type is light in weight and charges quickly, but it also wears out gradually over time.
Each time you charge and drain your phone is called a “charging cycle,” and with repeated cycles, battery efficiency begins to decline.
Limited number of charging cycles
Lithium-ion batteries are designed to withstand a certain number of charging cycles (usually between 300 to 500 cycles). After that, their ability to retain power gradually declines.
In other words, even with normal use, you will notice the battery weakening after a year or two of use.
Heat... the battery's number one enemy
The increase in the phone's temperature is one of the main reasons that lead to rapid battery damage. Heat affects the chemical reactions inside the battery, leading to:
Faster loss of capacity
Reduced battery life
Weakened overall performance
Using the phone while charging, or leaving it in a hot place, significantly exacerbates this problem.
Improper charging
The way you charge your phone plays a large role in the battery's lifespan. Practices that accelerate its deterioration include:
Charging the phone to 100% constantly
Allowing it to drain to 0% frequently
Using unreliable chargers
It's best to maintain charging levels between 20% and 80% whenever possible.
Intensive application use
Some applications consume a large amount of power, especially:
Heavy games
Video applications
Apps running in the background
Intensive use of these applications leads to increased battery use, and thereby, more charging cycles, which speeds up its deterioration.
System updates and their impact
Sometimes, you might notice that the battery has weakened after an operating system update. This does not always mean that the battery is damaged, but the reason could be:
Increased system power consumption
Activation of new features
Incompatibility of some apps
However, over time, performance is often improved through later updates.
Normal battery life
Even if you use your phone in an ideal manner, the battery has a specific lifespan. Over time, its ability to retain charge decreases due to internal chemical changes.
And this is a normal occurrence in all electronic devices, and not a defect in the phone itself.
How to preserve your phone's battery?
You can extend the battery's life by following some simple tips:
Avoid exposing the phone to high heat
Do not leave the phone charging all night continuously
Use an original or certified charger
Reduce screen brightness when necessary
Close unused applications
When do you need to change the battery?
If you notice these signs, it might be time to change the battery:
Rapid unusual battery drain
Phone shutting off suddenly
Consistently high device temperature
Battery swelling (in some cases)
