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<< Vistua Desktop Setup Tool (Mini-FAQ) | FAQ Index | Digital Television (DTV) >>

Most modern mobile devices have Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) rechargeable batteries. Typically these batteries are charged from mains power though an A/C adapter, however some devices also offer adapters for other power sources, for instance: some devices can recharge when connected to a computer or through an adapter that plugs into your car's cigarette lighter.

Other types of rechargeable batteries may exist such as NiMH and Lead-Acid but they are not commonly used in consumer mobile devices, most rechargeable AA/AAA batteries are rechargeable Alkaline.

1.  Extending the life of batteries

1.1  Is it safe to recharge a partially discharged Li-Ion battery?

It is always safe to recharge Lithium-Ion batteries, even if the batteries only have a partial charge. Recharging the batteries when they are not fully discharged does not reduce the life or capacity of the battery nor does it cause the electronic circuitry in the battery to report a false battery capacity level.

This misconception likely arose due to the postulatum that Nickel-cadmium batteries (which contain different chemicals), if recharged hundreds of times at roughly the same discharge level will eventually "mis-remember" the floor of the discharge window as their maximum charge capacity.

(This so-called "memory effect" is controversial and some have accused the makers of rival NiMH batteries of making it up in order to promote their more expensive technology. However, regardless of its actual existence Li-Ion batteries are not affected by it.)

1.2  Extending battery life in mobile phones

There are some simple techniques that can extend the life your battery in mobile phones.

• Try reducing the brightness of your LCD screen, usually the function for this is in the settings menu.
• Reducing the backlight time to as little as you can abide, again this is usually in the setting menu.
• Avoid vibrate mode when possible, the vibrator widget uses more power than the speaker driver.
• Turn the phone off if you know there will be no signal for an extended time. The GSM/CDMA radio will try to amplify a weak signal and will waste quite a lot of power amplifying something that doesn't exist.
• Turn of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or other auxiliary radios that are not in use.
• Don't use your phone's media player.
• Don't use your phone's GPRS/EDGE/EVDO (data) service.

1.3  Is it safe to recharge a partially discharged rechargeable Alkaline battery?

Yes, however these batteries rapidly self-discharge and may loose their charge in as little as 90 days, therefore: it is best to avoid charging them until soon before they are needed.

1.4  Is it safe to completely discharge a rechargeable battery?

It is not a good idea. It is very possible to harm most rechargeable batteries and reduce their life and charge capacity by repeatedly allowing them to drain completely. It is also possible to harm the circuitry of the device if lower than needed power is delivered from a nearly-drained battery.

Some battery manufacturers recommended periodically allowing a rechargeable battery to fully discharge, such as every 30 charge cycles, as this may allow the monitoring software/hardware of your device to more accurately project the remaining battery time. Non-scientific tests conducted by The Vistua Organization failed to show any improvement in battery capacity reporting, however it is up to you if you want to do this.

Many executives ruin their PDA's battery by completely using it up every day. If you find that you consistently use up your device's battery it might be worth buying a car-adapter, second battery or expanded battery, such things can typically be ordered from your device's manufacturer.

1.5  Do Li-Ion batteries "age"?

Yes, Li-Ion batteries slowly reduce in capacity over time, regardless of charge cycles. The process of aging begins as soon as the battery is manufactured, therefore you should not buy new Li-Ion batteries until you really, really need them. You may find that your mobile device outlives its battery. Replacement batteries can usually be ordered from the manufacturer at a reasonable price, however for disposable mobile phones it may be worth going ahead and buying a new device. By the time your battery ages into uselessness your phone has likely been obsoleted and new and better phones may be available at low cost.

2.  Aftermarket battery products.

Generally, you should only charge your phone with the charger that came with it, or another charger certified by the manufacturer to be compatible with your device. Simply because the charger's connector is compatible does not guarantee that your device is compatible with that charger.

If, however, the charger's connector is compatible and the charger's specifications are identical it is normally safe to use. However please note that most manufacturer's warranties will not cover damage caused by using third-party equipment.

3.  Safety

3.1  How to store batteries that will go unused for a long time?

All batteries slowly self-discharge and it is usually recommended to discharge or re-charge a battery to about 50% capacity before long-term storage. All batteries will last longer if refrigerated. Batteries should not be stored in a device or allowed to touch each other or contact metal surfaces. It is a good idea to individually wrap the batteries in paper or put them individually in plastic bags. If the original packaging still exists it is better, though.

3.2  How are batteries sensitive to heat?

All batteries are harmed by heat and efforts should be taken to keep them out of heat as much as possible, in particular they should never be allowed to sit in the sun or in a hot car or outdoors storage area. Batteries can explode or catch fire at surprisingly low temperatures. Batteries can be safely refrigerated, in fact, so-doing will prolong their life. Batteries must not be put in the freezer or otherwise exposed to freezing temperatures, though.

Categories:Faq, Mobile, Hardware