This article was published in 2012 and updated in October 2026.
Phones keep getting more powerful, with bigger screens, faster processors and better cameras — but many buyers barely look at the part that keeps everything running: the battery. Its size, chemistry and charging features determine how long your phone lasts each day and how many years it stays useful. Here’s how mobile phone batteries have developed and what to look for today.
From nickel to lithium: battery types over the years
Nickel-cadmium (NiCd)
The first rechargeable batteries in mobile phones. They were cheap and robust but heavy, suffered from the “memory effect” (losing capacity if recharged before being fully empty) and contain toxic cadmium. They disappeared from phones long ago.
Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH)
A successor without cadmium, with more capacity and a weaker memory effect. NiMH was used in phones in the 1990s and is still common in rechargeable AA batteries, but not in modern phones.
Lithium-ion (Li-ion)
Lithium-ion batteries store far more energy for their size and weight and have no memory effect. They took over the phone market in the 2000s and power practically every smartphone today.
Lithium-polymer (Li-po)
A variant of lithium-ion with a gel-like or solid polymer electrolyte in a flexible “pouch” instead of a rigid metal can. In 2012 they were still rare; today most smartphones use this flat pouch design because it fits slim phones perfectly.
What’s next: silicon-carbon and beyond
Since around 2023, several manufacturers have started using silicon-carbon anodes, which pack more capacity into the same space, so phones can have larger batteries without getting thicker. Solid-state batteries promise even higher energy density and safety, but are not yet common in phones.
What to look for when buying a phone
- Real-world battery life: capacity in mAh is only part of the story — the efficiency of the processor and screen matters just as much. Check independent battery tests in reviews.
- Charging speed: fast charging (wired and wireless) can refill a large part of the battery in under half an hour.
- Battery-care features: options to limit charging to 80% or optimised charging help the battery last more years.
- Repairability: check whether the battery can be replaced affordably. In the EU, new rules will require batteries in portable devices to be removable and replaceable by users from 2027.
How to take care of your phone’s battery
In 2012 we advised discharging the battery fully before recharging. That advice dates from the nickel era — for lithium batteries, it’s actually harmful. Instead:
- Charge whenever it suits you; partial charges are fine. Try to avoid regularly running the battery down to 0%.
- Avoid keeping it at 100% for long periods, especially when it’s warm — use your phone’s battery-protection or optimised-charging setting.
- Keep your phone out of heat: don’t leave it in the sun or a hot car, and remove thick cases while fast charging if it gets hot.
- Use good-quality, certified chargers and cables.
- Replace a battery that swells or loses capacity quickly — a swollen battery is a safety risk.
A well-treated battery can keep its capacity for several years — and keep your phone useful for longer.
Tracyann0312
Mar 28. 2012
When I was purchasing gadgets I first take a look at the batteries and I always prefer to use Lithium Ion battery because it can last long unlike the others. What can be the benefit of choosing the right battery to your own gadget? Thanks for sharing this information.
Peter
Mar 29. 2012
Haven’t seen Lithium Polymer yet, hope it is as good as described!
Honey
Apr 02. 2012
Want to see Lithium Polymer batteries, mine was Lithium ion battery i am pretty satisfied with it. Thanks for sharing.
Brain
Apr 04. 2012
Mobile phone battery is important part for mobile system which provides power supply to all parts of mobile. Here given that charge battery when it fully discharges, this is good for long battery life. Thanks for information about different types of mobile phone batteries.
Tuan
Apr 04. 2012
Could you point out some phones using Lithium Polymer? I’ve never seen them in action.
admin
Apr 05. 2012
Most of the HTC mobile phones use this …
mike
Apr 06. 2012
the Nokia batteries gives the powerful backup of your phone.
Nokia is the best among all the Batteries.
Reyna
Apr 10. 2012
Perhaps in this case above all batteries are very good, but the important thing is to care and how to charge these batteries can last for a long time. Maybe someone can provide that information here?
Kathygreen
Apr 11. 2012
Hey,
Batteries are an essential aspect to look at when purchasing a mobile device. Thanks for the share.
Cheers.
andrewmicky
Apr 17. 2012
Mobile phone battery is important part for mobile system which provides power supply to all parts of mobile. Here given that charge battery when it fully discharges
Rashmi
Apr 28. 2012
Batteries are the bottleneck of mobile devices.Draining your battery life can be as frustrating as forgetting it at home. It also ensures that the electrical circuits get the right voltage, so you can guess how important they are.
admin
Apr 28. 2012
Yep … you’re right !
chetan
May 05. 2012
How i know which type of battery i have in my Dell XCD35. But i think it is Lithium Polymer battery because my battery backup is very good.
admin
May 05. 2012
you may check the manual
Ramon
Oct 12. 2012
I like this weblog very much so much great info.
Tech Crates
Oct 12. 2012
Thanks Ramon for commenting
Gallis
Oct 12. 2012
Enjoyed reading through this battery article, very good stuff, regards.
Tech Crates
Oct 12. 2012
Thank you Gallis for commenting
ขายเสื้อผ้าเด็ก
May 30. 2014
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