Do cell phone batteries still have a memory effect?

Currently, the lithium batteries used in cell phones do not suffer from the “memory effect.”

Until a few years ago, it was common to hear that the cell phone battery had its life shortened. However, these problems are in the past. Today, smartphones have Li-Ion batteries that can store more energy and do not need to be recharged as much. Another advantage is that this cell phone battery is lighter, which makes it possible to have more modern models and increasingly thinner devices.

The first cell phones had nickel-cadmium batteries (NiCd), the first battery model or rechargeable battery developed. The component represented much evolution for the time, but soon dissatisfaction took over, and it was discontinued, giving way to the nickel battery (NiMH). This second was a little better, but both suffered from a problem known as the “memory effect,” in which the battery had its life shortened: it lost its charge after several incomplete recharges. This happened when, due to lack of time and patience, the person put the device in the socket without the cell phone battery being completely discharged.

With no time to lose, the demanding consumer gained a cell phone battery that meets the needs of a busy life. That’s when lithium (Li-Ion) batteries hit the market.

This component does not suffer from the “memory effect” and can be recharged anytime without waiting for the full charge. Finding new models with NiCd batteries is rare, but it can still happen. However, the most popular smartphones on the market have lithium batteries.

Lithium batteries were a significant evolution for the smartphone market, but it doesn’t stop there. Manufacturers are constantly innovating and bringing improvements to the devices. Concerning batteries, it is the same since users are always looking for durable components.

Credits: https://www.buscape.com.br/celular/conteudo/as-baterias-dos-celulares-ainda-viciam

Revision:  André Carletti (Technical Manager – NCC Certificações do Brasil)