I have never been more frustrated than when my smartphone was charged to 100% full, but then came down to 30% in less than a few hours. It’s unlikely that smartphone batteries would have kept pace with the technology used today, given the intense dependence on mobile devices in our daily lives, such as banking, business, and social interactions. But here we are. Despite all the hype surrounding improved performance, battery life remains a significant issue for most Nigerian smartphone users.
This is even more frustrating because we often attribute the issue to our phones when, in reality, the way we use our devices plays a huge role in how long the battery lasts. Despite the difficulty I faced learning this, I’ve seen some significant progress with just changing my habits and understanding basic tech concepts. If you’re like me and tired of walking around with a power bank as your second wallet, these insights might help.
Let’s start with fast charging. It’s tempting, I know. Given the current commoditization, it seems like a positive outcome to go from 0 to 100 in 20 minutes. Using fast chargers, especially those that are not properly regulated to ensure long-term battery life, is one of the fastest ways to reduce your battery’s lifespan. The more frequently lithium-ion cells are subjected to rapid charge cycles, as acknowledged by battery experts and manufacturers, the more wear and tear occurs. Use a standard charger or charge through your laptop if you are not in hurry. In six months, your battery’s health will be well-maintained.
Another concern is the background apps. Most smartphones by 2025 are powered by AI and machine learning processes that are designed to manage apps in the background. It’s worth noting that they don’t always get it right. Social media apps, GPS, and messaging platforms often stay active long after you’ve exited them, sipping their battery like a straw in ice cream. Recent studies from around the world have shown that limiting background activity on Android and iOS can extend battery life by as much as 20%.
Another silent killer? Brightness. The current trend of AMOLED and Super Retina displays is so popular that it’s easy to feel attracted to your screen. Walking with full brightness for an entire day can be a major drain on the battery. I always advise enabling adaptive brightness or keeping it low when inside. Despite its apparent inconsistency, this minor modification brings about significant battery savings.
Now let’s talk about temperature. Nigeria’s heat has the potential to cause a phone crash. The health of batteries is compromised by excessive heat, which poses a major issue. The absence of proper ventilation when charging, leaving your device in a hot car or under the sun can lead to permanent thermal stress that shortens battery life. While it may not be widely known, we should take note of its significance.
I am still skeptical about the safety of phones being advertised as overnight charging by manufacturers. Although there have been significant advancements in charging intelligence, such as phones stopping at 80% charge overnight and topping up before morning, I still unplug them when they reach full capacity. Lithium-ion batteries aren’t designed to stay at 100% for extended periods. Over time, that wears them out.
It’s important to keep your battery in good condition and protect your investment, not just for convenience. Phones are not getting cheaper. Today, a decent device can be purchased for more than ₦200,000, but the cost of replacing its battery (assuming it is possible) can set you back quite a bit. Care for batteries is essentially the same as practicing smart.
Your smartphone’s battery ultimately reflects your treatment of it. Even with technological advancements, user behavior remains the primary concern. Use caution when charging your device, monitor for unwanted apps, adjust screen brightness, and prevent overheating. These aren’t just random tips, they’re proven methods, backed by battery scientists and real-world usage data.
So, before you blame your phone for dying too fast, ask yourself whether you are charging it right, or just charging ahead without thinking?
