You likely felt a sense of pride when you first charged your phone by simply placing it on a pad. No cables, no fumbling in the dark—just drop it down and go. It’s clean, convenient, and cool. However, there’s an uncomfortable truth that often goes unmentioned: this “convenience” is gradually harming your phone’s battery.
And it’s not just a slow, vague decline; we’re talking about a real, measurable decrease in your battery’s health—happening faster than if you were to stick with the traditional charging cable. Let’s break this down based on what’s really happening behind the scenes, without any hype.
Heat Is the Silent Killer
Lithium-ion batteries, which are found in every smartphone, do not fare well in heat; in fact, they dislike it greatly. The issue with wireless charging is that it generates more heat compared to wired charging.
When you place your phone on a wireless charging pad, energy transfers between two coils through electromagnetic induction. This process is known for being inefficient, and the energy lost during the transfer turns into heat. As a result, both your phone and the charging pad become warm, leading to a faster ageing of your battery, cell by cell and charge by charge.
A report by Battery University found that for every 10°C (18°F) increase in temperature, the lifespan of a battery can be reduced by as much as 50%. Keep this in mind the next time you casually set your phone on a Qi pad and forget it there overnight.
Wireless Charging Wastes Power—And the Planet Pays Too
This issue goes beyond just the convenience of wireless charging. Wireless charging is significantly less energy-efficient compared to cable charging, wasting on average about 30–50% more electricity to accomplish the same task. When you consider millions of people charging their devices every night, this becomes a considerable environmental concern.
We understand that this topic may not be as exciting as features like 200MP cameras or foldable screens. However, if we genuinely want to reduce our energy footprints, it’s important to pay attention to the small choices we make, especially those we encounter every single day.
But Wait, I Paid for This Feature…
Exactly—that’s the brilliance of modern tech marketing. They sell you features that sound premium and feel futuristic, but they can be detrimental. Take reverse wireless charging, for example. It sounds amazing until you realise that it’s heating up two batteries instead of just one. And the net charge gained? Usually not worth it.
Fast wireless charging is even worse; it generates more heat, drains the battery faster, and causes more damage. You’re not showing off; you’re gradually harming your battery in real time.
So, What Should You Be Doing Instead?
- Stick to Wired Charging: This method is simple, efficient, and effective. It transfers power faster, reduces energy loss, and generates much less heat. Whenever possible, use the original charger that came with your phone, as it is specifically designed for your battery.
- Charge in Cool Environments: Avoid charging your phone under your pillow, in a hot car, or on sunlit surfaces. Remember, heat combined with charging creates problems for your battery.
- Avoid Overnight Charging (Especially Wirelessly): When you charge wirelessly overnight, your phone may remain warm for hours, even after reaching 100%. Instead, try to charge your phone during the day, unplugging it when it reaches 80–90%.
- Use Smart Charging Features: Many smartphones now come with optimised charging settings that pause charging at 80% and only complete it just before you wake up. Make sure to enable this feature.
- Monitor Your Battery Health: iPhones allow you to check your battery health, while Android devices might have built-in diagnostics or third-party apps. Keep an eye on your battery’s condition and your charging habits.
Final Thought: Is Convenience Worth Compromise?
While wireless charging is convenient and modern, remember that so was the use of plastic straws. Once we recognised their harmful effects, we began to change our habits. Perhaps it’s time to reconsider how we charge our phones.
The health of your phone’s battery is crucial, especially now that smartphones can cost as much as a used car and are built with tight seals. Replacing a battery can be both difficult and expensive. However, developing better charging habits can start right now.
So, the next time you reach for that wireless charging pad, take a moment to think. Plugging in your phone instead is better for its battery life, better for your wallet, and better for the planet. Most importantly, it’s better for you.
If you found this helpful, you’ll want to check out our straightforward comparison of two trending budget phones: the Redmi A5 and the Itel CT100. It’s not just about the brand name—it’s about what really performs in everyday use. Read: Best Budget Phone 2025? Why Itel CT100 Beats Redmi A5 in Real Life.
