Types of Cell Phone Batteries:

Nickel Cadmium (NiCad): The capacity, run time, and life span of all NiCad batteries are reduced by the “memory effect”, also known as voltage depression, in which the battery has to be discharged before recharging it, in order to avoid damage. NiCad batteries also use chemicals that are not environmentally friendly so they have to be disposed off carefully. Almost all cell phone manufacturers have now stopped using NiCad batteries and are replacing them with newer products such as Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries.

Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH): These batteries are of the same size with NiCad batteries but will run for 30%-40% longer, and twice as much energy can be packed into a given unit. They are also less prone to the “memory effect” problem that older generation batteries are, and they are also more environmentally friendly since they do not contain toxic materials like cadmium. NiMH are now one of the most popular battery types for cell phones but after a few hundred charge cycles, the crystals inside become coarser which can result in voltage drops (only) when in use.

Lithium Ion (Li-Ion): The technology used to make Li-Ion batteries is more advanced in comparison to the above two, and gives exceptional capacity for its size and weight. It does not have memory effect, and a Li-Ion battery can deliver up to 40% more battery capacity than NiMH battery of the same size. Li-Ion batteries, however, are quite expensive and will not be compatible with older cell phones.

Lithium Polymer (Li-Poly): Enclosed in plastic pouches instead of a metal can, this battery is the latest, most advanced, safest and lightest cell phone battery ever manufactured. Li-Poly does not suffer from memory effect, and will deliver up to 40% more battery capacity than NiMH battery of the same size.

Performance Advantages of Cell Phone Battery Models:

“Slim” is a thin, light battery that still retains its capacity. “Extended” has increased capacity, longer talk and stand-by time. “Main” allows for simultaneous use of a primary battery and a second, “auxiliary” battery. “Super” can apply to “Super-slim”, “super-performance” etc, and “vibrational” allows for vibration mode in phones that have the feature.

What is Initial Charge Cycle?

A new cell phone battery is never fully charged. The user will have to charge it for a full 14 to 20 hours for the first time before it can be used effectively. This can be necessary for the first 2 – 3 cycles. Cell phone batteries require a “break-in” period, and may not hold a full charge immediately. The battery may not power up right away, may show false full charge (voltage), or “Not charging”. This is not unusual. The best thing to do is to charge the battery and leave it undisturbed for a full 24 hours or so.

The Life of the Cell Phone Battery:

Decline in the life of the cell phone battery will be demonstrated by shorter talk and stand-by times. If regularly used, a typical cell phone battery lasts up to 300 and 500 cycles. This also depends on the battery type. For example, a Li-Ion will die quite abruptly while you’ll notice a gradual decline in performance when a NiMH battery nears the end of its lifetime.

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