Realistic Charging/Use Question

[Ringfinger]

So, realistically I stream music at work all day through the phone or listen to i-pod music. I plug into some small speakers that are loud enough for work settings. With this in mind, my battery will wear through the day. I have done some complete drains to 0 and recharges. However, am I better off leaving it plugged in while I do this? Let it run off of battery and recharge daily at say 30% or whatever is left?

What is best scenario for battery life?

 

[cevmkv]

Apple - Batteries

here you go

 

[liquidzoo]

I keep my 3GS plugged in all day at work, and in the car (my stereo has a USB iPod port) and have no ill effects.

It's been a LONG time since cell phone batteries needed to be charged and completely discharged to retain optimum performance. Most, if not all, modern phones/smartphones have built in circuitry to prevent overcharging and damage to the batteries. It's a common misconception of a lot of smartphone users, though.

 

[Ringfinger]

Umm, I am a little confused on the "charge cycle".

Example #1: I charge to 100% and deplete over a day or 2 to 0%. I recharge to 100%. That is one charge cycle.

Example #2: I listen and use, it depletes to say 25%. I recharge to 100%. Next day it goes down to 80%, I recharge to 100%. Next day I run it to 40%, recharge to 100%. Fourth day I let it run all day and it depletes to 0%, I recharge to 100%. In my mind, that is only 1 charge cycle as I only let it go to 0% once. Am I right?

Do cycles really matter? Or am I stressing too much over it? So long as you go to 0% once a month, you should be fine?

What about if I get down to 40%, recharge to 60%, later in the day goes down to 50%, I recharge to 100%. Am I hurting anything by only doing a partial charge or charging too many times?

 

[liquidzoo]

What about if I get down to 40%, recharge to 60%, later in the day goes down to 50%, I recharge to 100%. Am I hurting anything by only doing a partial charge or charging too many times?

Not hurting a thing by doing that.

 

[Ringfinger]

Anyone with clarification on my charge cycles questiojn?

 

[Darth-gamer]

Example #2: I listen and use, it depletes to say 25%. I recharge to 100%. Next day it goes down to 80%, I recharge to 100%. Next day I run it to 40%, recharge to 100%. Fourth day I let it run all day and it depletes to 0%, I recharge to 100%. In my mind, that is only 1 charge cycle as I only let it go to 0% once. Am I right?

Incorrect.

1 charge cycle = 100%.

If you charge it twice in 2 days, each at 50%, that is 1 cycle. 50% + 50% = 100% = 1 cycle.

If a 5 day work week goes by and you charge at 80% each day (20% depleted) that is 1 cycle. 20% + 20% + 20% + 20% + 20% = 100% = 1 cycle.

 

[wcarlson40#IM]

In answer to the question, though, I would think leaving it plugged in all day would be the best because you don't use up any cycles then.

 

[Ringfinger]

I undserstand 100% now. A total of 100% in charges equals one cycle. One should deplete to 0% monthly from what I read to keep things in good working order, regardless, I get it now.

 

[ghostface147]

Ask Ars: What is the best way to use a Li-ion battery?

 

[Ringfinger]

Good article, thanks!

 

[glitzymama]

I just hope, and am expecting, it to be a much better battery performance than my Droid Incredible. It's been a great phone to me but the battery stinks big time and I hardly ever make calls.

 

[anon(5335877)]

I just hope, and am expecting, it to be a much better battery performance than my Droid Incredible. It's been a great phone to me but the battery stinks big time and I hardly ever make calls.

I don't think HTC phones ever had good battery life.