Many smartphone owners strive to maintain their battery’s performance for as long as possible and often wonder what charging mode is the most optimal. The correct approach to charging affects not only the convenience of using the device but also the overall lifespan of the battery.
This is reported by Finway
Why It’s Important to Maintain a Range of 20–80%
One of the most common pieces of advice for caring for a smartphone battery is to charge it within the range of 20% to 80%. This approach is due to the characteristics of modern lithium-ion batteries. Unlike outdated nickel-cadmium batteries, which had the so-called memory effect, lithium-ion batteries do not have this drawback, so they do not need to be charged from 0% to 100%.
Increasing the charge from 80% to 100% activates additional chemical processes inside the battery. This leads to faster wear, especially if the device heats up during charging. Although manufacturers implement special controllers that reduce voltage in the final stages of the process, this does not always completely avoid negative effects.
“Charging from 80% to 100% accelerates side chemical processes inside the battery, leading to premature wear, especially when the device heats up during charging.”
Recommendations for Long Battery Life
Not only is constant charging to 100% harmful, but also fully discharging the smartphone. When the charge drops below 20%, the risk of deep discharge increases, which can damage the anode and lead to capacity loss. In such cases, instead of the guaranteed five years of battery life, the battery often fails after just 2–3 years.
Following the charging rule within 20–80% will significantly extend the battery’s lifespan. However, how strictly one should adhere to this range depends on the user’s personal needs. If a long lifespan without battery replacement is important, it is advisable to follow this recommendation. If regular battery replacement is not an issue, one can afford more flexibility.
Additionally, it is important to use quality chargers, avoid fast charging or use lower-power adapters, and not leave the phone in direct sunlight or in hot places while charging. These simple tips will help preserve the battery’s resources, although they may complicate daily device usage.
If charging within the 20–80% range seems inconvenient, it is permissible to extend the range to 10–90%, but it is essential to ensure that the phone does not overheat while connected to the power supply. Temperature regulation remains a key factor in maintaining the longevity of a smartphone battery.