Battery Tips

Mobile Phone Battery Tips:

Lithium-ion Batteries

It is important to learn battery care information for Lithium-ion batteries to enhance the performance and extend the useful life of the battery. Because they are the newest technology batteries, they offer several advantages over NiMH and NiCd batteries.   Lithium-ion batteries are preferred for their lighter weight and higher performance.  Lithium-ion batteries are typically 20-35% lighter and will provide 10-20% better performance than a NiMH battery of equivalent mAh rating.  Lithium-ion batteries are also unique in that they are not susceptible to the "memory effect".  

A new Lithium-ion battery will benefit from an initial "conditioning" of the battery.  For the first 3 charge cycles, fully charge the battery overnight and allow it to fully discharge before recharging.   Once conditioned, Lithium-ion batteries will perform best when charged at a rate somewhere between a conventional slow charge and a rapid charge.  When rapid charging, Lithium-ion batteries require a charger designed to charge Lithium batteries.  To achieve a true full charge when rapid charging, the battery needs to be slow charged the last 10-15% of its charge cycle.  Most "intelligent" desktop and Lithium-battery rapid chargers provide this capability.  A Lithium-ion battery may be damaged by extensive overcharging (continuously on a charger for more than 24 hours).     Back to Top

Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH)  Batteries

NiMH batteries typically provide at least 30% more talk time than NiCd batteries.   While still susceptible to the "memory effect," NiMH batteries are much less prone to this condition than the older technology NiCd batteries.  Proper conditioning of a NiMH battery over it's lifetime will greatly reduce the potential negative impacts of "memory effect."  This can be done by ensuring the battery is fully discharged before recharging at least once in every 3-5 charge cycles.

It is very important to properly "condition" a new NiMH battery.  For the first 3 charge cycles, fully charge the battery overnight (preferably on a conventional slow charger) and allow it to fully discharge before recharging.    Over its lifetime, a NiMH battery will perform best if it is regularly charged on a charger/conditioner type charger.  A NiMH battery may be damaged by extensive overcharging (continuously on a charger for more than 24 hours).     Back to Top

Nickel Cadmium (NiCd)  Batteries

NiCd batteries are the oldest technology batteries.  While they offer good performance, NiCd batteries are highly susceptible to the "memory effect."  Due to the overall superior performance of Lithium-ion and NiMH batteries and the additional negative environmental impact of NiCd battery disposal, .     Back to Top

The "Memory Effect"

"Memory Effect" is a condition of reduced battery performance (and eventual failure) due to a battery only using those cells that are fully discharged and charged on a regular basis.  In other words, if on a regular basis a NiCd or NiMH battery is only partially discharged before being recharged, it " forgets" that it has usable capacity to further discharge all the way down.  The result is degraded battery performance and shorter battery life because the battery is using less than it's true full capacity.  Lithium-ion batteries do not develop the "memory effect".  NiMH batteries, while considerably better than their NiCd counterparts, are prone to developing "memory effect."  However, proper care and conditioning over the life of a NiMH battery will significantly reduce the potential negative impacts.     Back to Top

Battery Do's & Don'ts (to maximize performance)

Do's:

• Properly "condition" (fully charge/discharge for first 3 cycles) the battery when it is new.

• Keep the battery and the contact terminals clean.
• Avoid exposing the battery to extreme heat and cold.
• Use the battery.  If possible, avoid letting your battery sit dormant for long periods of time.
• Use only the phone options and accessories that you really need.
• Charge and re-condition a battery after an extended idle period.

Don'ts:

• Toss, drop, or otherwise abuse the battery.

• Short-circuit the battery.
• Open and expose the cell contents.
• Modify the battery casing and/or housing.
• Allow the battery to be exposed to rain or excessive moisture.
• Incinerate a battery.  Properly dispose of a used battery.

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