Phone batteries: how to care for them to last longer?
Phone batteries are one of the most important components of a smart device. They determine how long we can use our phone, surf the Internet, communicate, or work. However, sooner or later everyone faces a problem: the battery starts to drain faster, the phone has to be charged several times a day, and the operating time is significantly shortened.
Why does this happen and what can we do to make our phone batteries last longer?
How do modern phone batteries work?
Most modern smartphones (iPhone, Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.) use lithium-ion batteries. They have the following characteristics:
- limited number of charging cycles (about 500-800 cycles, depending on the model),
- sensitivity to heat and overload,
- gradual decrease in capacity (about 10-20% per year, depending on use).
Battery capacity varies over time, but with proper care, it can last for years. This means that a refurbished phone with a tested or replaced battery provides the same everyday experience as a new device, but at a much more affordable price.
What does "Battery Health" mean?
On iPhones, you'll find the Battery Health feature in Settings, which provides:
- Maximum Capacity - remaining battery capacity in percent compared to a new battery,
- Peak Performance Capability - whether the device is still operating at full capacity.
Samsung devices do not have such a section, but you can check the battery status of Samsung phones through the Samsung Members app.
If you are considering purchasing a refurbished phone, a battery condition above 85% capacity is considered very good.
How to check the battery status?
- iPhone users can check via Settings → Battery → Battery Health . Here you will see a percentage indicating how much battery health is left. If it is less than 80%, it is recommended to replace the battery.
- Android (Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.) - some models have built-in battery diagnostics, but apps such as AccuBattery are often used.
Professional testing - inspection at the service center allows you to accurately determine the condition of the battery.
How long do phone batteries last?
iPhone
Apple states that iPhone models (11-14) retain about 80% of their original battery capacity after 500 full charge cycles. Newer iPhone 15 models achieve this result after even 1,000 cycles.
Apple emphasizes that the "chemical age" of a battery depends not only on cycles, but also on usage conditions and temperature. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid overheating and charge according to the manufacturer's recommendations. If the capacity drops below 80%, Apple offers to replace the battery at an official service center.
Samsung
Samsung says its lithium-ion batteries are reliable, but they are sensitive to temperature. Overheating or charging in cold weather can significantly shorten their lifespan.
The devices offer a Protect Battery feature, which limits charging to 85% and helps extend battery life.
Is it worth choosing a refurbished phone with a tested battery?
Buyers often fear that used phones will have weak batteries. However, refurbished devices are a reliable solution because their batteries:
- checked or replaced with new ones,
- passes manufacturer-level functionality tests,
- sold with warranty.
This means that a refurbished iPhone or refurbished Samsung can provide the same everyday use as a new model, but will cost significantly less.
Summary
The life of your phone's battery depends not only on the model, but also on your habits.
By following manufacturers' recommendations - from limiting charging to using official chargers - you can extend battery life by several years.
And if you're planning to buy a new device, it's worth knowing that refurbished phones with a tested battery are an economical, sustainable, and reliable solution.