There are a lot of myths about phones and battery life that need clearing up. Some of these might even save you a trip to see us for a phone repair—or at least delay it a bit.
Myth #1: You Shouldn’t Charge Your Phone Until It’s Almost Dead
You might have heard that charging your phone too soon will shorten its lifespan because the battery has limited cycles. We’re not sure where this idea came from, but it’s simply not true. Modern smartphones use lithium batteries, which don’t have memory. This means you can charge your phone whenever you want without worrying about damaging the battery.
However, leaving your phone plugged in all night can be a different story. Prolonged charging can cause the battery to heat up, which can eventually reduce its ability to hold a charge. This doesn’t mean you can’t charge your phone overnight—just unplug it once it’s fully charged.
Myth #2: Cheap Knockoff Chargers and Batteries Work Just as Well as the Real Deal
It’s tempting to save money by buying a cheap charger or battery online, but those knockoffs are often more trouble than they’re worth. They might not work at all, or worse, they could damage your phone, leading to costly repairs or replacements. It’s better to spend a little more upfront for the charger or battery that’s made specifically for your phone.
Myth #3: Your Phone Is Safe in a Case
This one depends on the case. Some phone cases are more about style than protection, and a single drop could still ruin your phone. On the other hand, heavy-duty cases like those from Otterbox or CaseMate’s Tough Xtreme line offer excellent protection. Pairing a solid case with a screen protector is a great way to prevent screen damage, and these can be easily found in stores or online.
Myth #4: It’s Fine to Keep Your Phone in Your Front Pocket
Sure, some people avoid this because of radiation concerns, but there’s another issue—your phone might bend or warp in your pocket. This has been reported with models like the iPhone 6 and 7. Plus, your body heat can drain your phone’s battery. To be safe, keep your phone in a bag, purse, or a dedicated pocket in your wallet instead.
Myth #5: Using Your Phone in the Rain or Extreme Weather Is No Big Deal
Think again. Using your phone in the rain or in extreme temperatures can cause serious damage. Moisture can get inside your phone, potentially frying its circuit board. And using your phone in very hot or cold weather can drain the battery quickly. Check your phone’s user manual for the recommended operating temperatures to avoid these issues.
Myth #6: Closing All Your iPhone Apps Saves Battery Life
Contrary to popular belief, closing all your apps actually does more harm than good. According to developer John Gruber and Apple’s senior VP of software engineering, Craig Federighi, iOS is designed to freeze apps that aren’t in use. Relaunching a closed app uses more energy than unfreezing one that’s been suspended. So, leaving your apps open won’t hurt your battery—in fact, it’s better for it.
Myth #7: iPhones Are Less Likely to Need Repairs Compared to Androids
We hate to break it to you, but iPhones aren’t immune to problems. In fact, a 2017 report by Blancoo showed that iPhones actually have a slightly higher failure rate than Androids in North America. And the older the iPhone, the higher the chances of failure. So, whether you’re team iPhone or team Android, repairs might be in your future.
Want to keep your phone in top shape? Follow the advice above. But remember, accidents happen, and you might still need that repair or replacement someday.
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