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Modern smartphone users can be divided into two categories. The first is people who simply use all available phone functions laid down by the manufacturer, do not think about processor chips, camera modules, or screen resolution, and when the time comes, simply change the phone model, focusing primarily on the design. The other category is people who study everything thoroughly, know all the digit designations of processor chips and the number of pixels on the screen, sit on forums, and try to get out of their phones all they can. They are like students who, when applying to an essay writing service, do not just tell the writer the topic and a few clarifications but write out a huge plan with recommendations and requirements.
Both approaches to smartphone use are understandable and have their arguments, especially given that almost all models of modern gadgets have approximately the same characteristics, and the difference in performance or cameras becomes dramatically noticeable only in flagship phones. Nevertheless, the autonomy of any smartphone remains one of the most important arguments for buying. After some time, many users begin to wonder how to optimize the device and extend battery life. It is at this point that they encounter a lot of contradictory information. Next, we’ll break down the most popular myths about smartphone battery performance and ways to increase battery life and performance.
Review of the Main Myths About Battery Performance
After almost twenty years of active smartphone use, many myths about battery life, charging methods, and power-hungry applications have emerged. Let’s look back at the most popular myths.
It Is Necessary to Use the Original Cable and Charging Block
Of course, it’s favorable for the manufacturer to have you buy a charging cable from their company. Still, it’s not a big deal, even if it’s a third-party vendor, as they’re all virtually identical anyway. You should only avoid too cheap and unknown models of charging blocks and cables, as you may have problems with charging speed or even overheating the phone.
Your Phone Needs to Be Periodically Completely Discharged
This myth stretches back to the early 2000s when the first mobile phones used nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) and nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries with memory effect. When you bought the phone, you had to discharge it completely and fully charge it for the battery to work correctly.
Modern smartphones use lithium-ion (Li-ion) and lithium-polymer (Li-Pol) batteries, which do not need ‘rocking.’ Moreover, full discharge can provoke chemical processes inside the battery and lead to faster degradation of the accumulator, which will mean a decrease in volume.
Fast Charging Kills the Battery
No, it doesn’t. All modern smartphones have a charge control system. Fast charging is only really fast, up to 50%, after which the current is reduced. Charging is carried out in normal mode to prevent the battery from heating up. Overheating is what hurts the battery the most. Playing high-demanding games with the charger plugged in with the battery in the conditions of trotting and prolonged heating can harm the battery, but fast charging has nothing to do with it.
Dark Theme Saves Battery, and Background Apps Waste It
In this case, the answer isn’t simple. The dark theme saves battery life but only works for phones with OLED displays. The thing about OLED displays is that each pixel glows individually, and black pixels don’t actually consume any power. However, on LED-backlit screens (which are found in budget models), the dark mode has no significant effect on battery consumption.
As for background applications, the answer is quite unambiguous. Despite the seemingly logical decision to close applications to save charge, you do not need to do this. Android and iOS ‘freeze’ applications do not consume charge at all, but to reopen fully closed applications, the phone will consume much more charge. And, of course, everything should be in moderation. No device will thank you if you unload in the tray about 100 windows. Therefore, do not think much about myths and old stereotypes about battery life because all this can be easily checked, and thanks to numerous tests, it has long been proven what works and what does not. For example, when ordering a paper from an essay writing service, you assess the service preliminary. Before manipulating it to increase the phone’s autonomy, you should first study the theoretical part of the issue.
What Really Helps to Increase Battery Life?
Modern smartphones have a function called ‘charge optimization.’ Switching it on is recommended because it allows you to charge the phone more kindly for its components. Manufacturers rarely talk about it, but charging the phone to 100% impacts battery life and degradation. In fact, it’s recommended to keep your smartphone charged between 20 and 80%. This helps to prolong battery life and reduce the strain on the battery. Also, for a stable and long battery life, it is worth following the following rules:
- Install the latest versions of software and operating systems.
- Use chargers with the correct amperage and voltage.
- Keep an eye on the phone’s temperature, and try not to overheat it above body temperature or leave it out in the cold.
- Do not keep the phone charged for longer than necessary.
Conclusion
Modern gadgets are equipped with a huge number of sensors and fuses to make the device reliable and safe. You will unlikely be able to harm your battery in any way, not intentionally. It is only necessary to adhere to simple rules of charging the phone, not overheating and overcooling it, and avoiding mechanical damage. It is also worth knowing that even if you treat your smartphone extremely carefully, any battery due to wear and tear will begin to degrade after 3-5 years, and if you want to fully use your smartphone further, the battery after this time is recommended to replace.
