How to Care For Your Battery to Get the Most From It
Are you tired of constantly rushing to find a charging point for your smartphone? We’ve all been there, frantically searching for an outlet as our battery level slips into the dreaded red zone. But fear not, because today we’re bringing expert tips on caring for your battery and squeezing every last drop of power out of it.
At Mazuma Mobile, our mission is to provide a fast, easy, and reliable way for you to trade in your phone, but that doesn’t mean we stop caring about your current devices. We understand the value of a long-lasting battery, so we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you keep your battery in top-notch condition.
So, if you’re tired of your battery giving up on you when you need it most or simply want to make sure your battery lasts as long as possible, you’ve come to the right place.
What is battery health?
Smartphone battery health refers to the overall condition and performance of your device’s battery over time. Many myths surround phone batteries and how to get the most out of your device, but essentially it incorporates maximum capacity, charging capabilities, and age-related degradation.
As batteries age and undergo regular usage, they naturally experience a decrease in their capacity to hold a charge and deliver power efficiently. This gradual decline in battery health can result in shorter battery life, unexpected shutdowns, and slower charging speeds.
Monitoring and evaluating battery health ensures optimal device performance and longevity. Many smartphones provide built-in tools or third-party apps that allow users to check their battery health status. These tools often offer insights into key information such as maximum capacity, battery wear level, and charging cycles.
Users can then implement the best charging, usage, and maintenance practices, such as avoiding extreme temperatures and overcharging. This knowledge empowers users to make informed decisions and take necessary steps to preserve their battery’s health, increasing their devices’ lifespan and reliable performance.
Tips for maximising your battery life
There are several things you can do to ensure your phone battery lasts throughout the day and to help improve its health for the long term. Let’s take a look at some practices to implement to keep your phone alive and ticking all day long:
- Adjust screen brightness
- Use Wi-Fi instead of mobile data
- Limit background app refresh
- Reduce push notifications
- Disable unnecessary connectivity features
- Enable battery-saving mode
- Close unused apps
As well as these tips, you must consider some other factors to help your phone battery last for years to come, such as:
- Avoid full charge cycles and overnight charging. Frequent full charge cycles and leaving your phone plugged in overnight can cause stress on the battery, which can degrade its long-term health.
- Avoid extreme temperatures. High heat or cold temperatures can accelerate battery degradation, so keep your phone in an optimal temperature range between 20°C and 25°C.
- Charge your phone using the manufacturer-approved charger. Using third-party chargers that may not be compatible or provide the correct voltage can damage the battery and affect its long-term health.
- Update your phone’s operating system and apps regularly. Software updates often include battery optimisation improvements that can help extend battery life.
What is reverse charging?
Reverse charging, also known as battery sharing, is available in many newer smartphones or other electronic devices. It allows them to function as a power source to charge other compatible devices wirelessly. Simply place the device you want to charge on the back of your smartphone, and the power flows from your phone’s battery to the other device, providing it with a replenishing charge.
This feature is particularly useful when you have a device with a low battery and no power outlet or charging cable access. You can share the battery power of your smartphone with another device wirelessly, acting as an emergency power bank for your or your friend’s compatible tech.
However, only some smartphones support reverse charging; let’s take a look:
- Huawei Mate 30 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy S10, S20, S21, S21 Ultra, Note 10, Note 20, and Z Fold
- OnePlus 8 Pro and 9 Pro
- Xiaomi Mi 10, Mi 10 Pro, and Mi 11
- Oppo Find X2 Pro
- Vivo X50 Pro
- Apple iPhone 11 and all models released after
So, if you think this feature would be useful but it’s unavailable on your current device, why not sell your old phone with Mazuma and upgrade to one of the smartphones on the list above?
All about wireless charging
Wireless smartphone charging is a feature that allows you to charge your phone without using cables. Instead, you place the device on a charging pad, and a magnetic induction between the phone and the pad powers up the battery. This technology has gained popularity due to its convenience and ease of use, as you no longer need to deal with tangled wires or find an available power outlet.
Wireless charging also helps reduce the wear and tear on charging ports and cables, increasing the longevity of your device. It is a life-saver should your charging port break or detect moisture preventing you from charging it. While wireless charging may not be as fast as traditional plug-in charging, it has become popular in many smartphone models and is great for increasing battery life.
What happens if your smartphone is charging slowly?
There are several reasons for slow charging, such as faulty or unbranded accessories. As mentioned, we always recommend using genuine and compatible chargers and cables to ensure optimal charging speeds.
Another factor to consider is the power source. For example, using a weak or low-power USB port on your computer or an underpowered wall adapter can result in slower charging speeds.
Alternatively, background apps can drain the battery and limit charging speed. To address this, closing unnecessary apps can help accelerate the charging process.
If you’ve tried these troubleshooting steps and you’re still dealing with slow charging, it may be time to get a new phone, and we want to hear from you.
At Mazuma, we offer phone trade in for quick cash, no matter the condition of the device’s battery! So, whether you want to upgrade to unlock battery-sharing functionality or exchange your old device for cash, we can almost always accept your phone. Contact us today to find out what we can do for you.