We've all experienced the panic when our phone's battery drops to a dangerously low level, or when we have to scramble for a charger. But have we ever wondered if there's a way to prolong our phone's battery life?

After all, we rely on our phones for almost everything—communication, work, entertainment, and more. Keeping it in good condition is essential.

Many people believe that maintaining a battery charge between 20% and 80% is the key to a longer-lasting, healthier battery. Is this true? Let's take a closer look at why this range is often recommended and how it impacts our phones.

Understanding lithium-ion batteries

Before we dive into the details, let's talk about the kind of batteries that most modern smartphones use: lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are favored because they're lightweight, have a high energy density, and can be recharged many times without significant wear and tear.

However, like all batteries, lithium-ion batteries experience wear as they go through charge cycles. A charge cycle is counted every time the battery goes from 0% to 100%, regardless of how many times the phone is charged in between. Over time, each cycle slightly degrades the battery's capacity.

Why the 20%-80% range matters

The recommendation to keep your battery charge between 20% and 80% comes from the fact that lithium-ion batteries don't perform well at extremes. When a battery is discharged too low, it can lead to deep discharge cycles, which cause more wear on the battery's internal components. Similarly, when a battery is charged to 100%, it can cause higher voltage levels that put stress on the battery, leading to faster degradation.

By keeping your phone's battery between 20% and 80%, you avoid these extremes. This range helps reduce the risk of deep discharge and high voltage levels, both of which can contribute to faster battery wear. Additionally, this range allows the battery to operate in a sweet spot, where it can recharge efficiently without putting unnecessary strain on its components.

The importance of avoiding full charges and deep discharges

Let's dive a bit deeper into the science behind why avoiding a full charge and deep discharge is so important. When a lithium-ion battery is fully charged, it reaches a voltage of around 4.2 volts. While this is within the battery's safe range, keeping it at this level for extended periods of time can cause the battery to experience “voltage stress,” which accelerates its aging process.

On the other hand, when the battery is drained to a very low percentage, the voltage drops, and the battery enters what's called a “deep discharge” state. This too stresses the internal components and can lead to a loss of capacity over time.

By charging within the 20%-80% range, we prevent both of these issues, allowing our batteries to last longer and maintain better performance.

Does it really make a difference?

So, now that we know why the 20%-80% range is ideal, does it actually make a noticeable difference? The answer is yes, but with a caveat.

If you're someone who charges your phone all the way to 100% regularly or lets it drain to near zero, you'll likely notice a slight decrease in battery capacity after a few years. However, most users don't see extreme degradation until after a significant number of charge cycles (typically around 500-1,000). For most people, keeping the battery within the optimal range might not drastically impact their day-to-day use, but it can help ensure that the battery stays healthier for longer.

How to make it a habit

We get it—keeping your phone between 20% and 80% might sound like a bit of a hassle, especially when we're constantly on the go. But there are some simple ways we can incorporate this habit into our routine without much effort.

1. Charge in increments: Instead of charging your phone overnight or waiting until it's at 1%, plug it in when it's around 30% or 40%. Unplug it once it hits 80%.

2. Use battery-saving features: Many phones now come with battery optimization modes that can help prevent overcharging and prolong battery life. Take advantage of these settings to manage your charging better.

3. Avoid charging to 100% every day: If you don't need a full charge, avoid pushing it all the way to 100%. Try to leave some room for your battery to breathe.

Other ways to extend your phone's battery life

While keeping your phone's battery between 20% and 80% is a great start, there are other tips that can help extend its overall lifespan.

1. Turn off unnecessary features: Features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and location services can drain your battery when they're not in use. Turning them off when they're not needed will help preserve battery life.

2. Adjust screen brightness: A bright screen can quickly drain your battery. Reduce your brightness or enable auto-brightness to conserve power.

3. Close unused apps: Apps running in the background consume power. Make a habit of closing apps you're not actively using.

In conclusion: The power of 20%-80%

Maintaining your phone's battery health is crucial for its longevity and performance. By keeping the charge between 20% and 80%, we avoid the extremes that can lead to faster wear and tear. Though it may not make a huge difference for everyone in the short term, it's a simple and effective way to ensure our phone's battery stays healthier for a longer period.

What do you think, Lykkers? Do you usually charge your phone all the way to 100%, or are you willing to try the 20%-80% range? Let us know your thoughts and any tips you have for keeping your phone in great condition!