True or False: Debunking 6 Myths About Smartphone Charging

Have you noticed your phone’s battery isn’t lasting as long as it used to? Maybe you’re blaming it on those long gaming sessions at https://bizzocasino.com or constant chatting with friends… But the truth is, there might be other reasons behind the decline. Let’s break down what really harms your phone’s battery, and what’s just another internet myth.

Myth 1: You Shouldn’t Use Your Smartphone While It’s Charging

Some people believe using a phone during charging causes overheating and faster wear. In reality, things work differently. Most modern smartphones are equipped with thermal sensors that shut down charging when the device overheats, smart power controllers (like Qualcomm Quick Charge), and surge protection to prevent fire and hardware degradation.

Basic activities like browsing social media or playing music won’t harm the device. In these modes, the processor runs at low frequencies, using only part of its power. For example, when scrolling through social media, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor reduces its workload by activating low-power cores and operating at speeds 2-6 times below maximum.

However, playing heavy games while using a low-quality charger can cause power surges. These micro-overloads can overwhelm the power controller, and if the processor consistently heats above 45°C (113°F), battery capacity may drop 20-30% after just 100 charge cycles. At 60°C (140°F), it could lose up to 50% of capacity within a year, even with minimal use.

Signs of a low-quality charger:

• Lightweight (under 40 g for a 20W adapter)
• Thin cable (less than 3 mm diameter)
• Feels warm even when idle

Myth 2: Chargers Emit Dangerous Electromagnetic Fields

Many people worry that chargers emit harmful electromagnetic fields. While every electronic device creates such a field, their intensity varies. For instance, radiation from a certified charger is 100-1000 times weaker than that from a microwave.

According to ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection), the safe limit for humans is 100 µT. A phone charger emits only 0.5-2 µT, even at a close distance of under five centimeters. At 30 cm, the charger’s field is indistinguishable from natural background levels.

Myth 3: You Should Unplug the Charger When Not in Use

Many people unplug chargers out of habit, fearing fires or overheating. But it depends on the charger’s quality. For instance, Apple’s original 20W charger can safely stay plugged in 24/7. In standby mode, it consumes just 0.1 W (like an LED night light), and its safety circuits prevent overheating. Even if left in the outlet for a year, it won’t melt or cause a fire.

Exception:

Cheap, no-name chargers often use low-grade capacitors, thin wires, or even cardboard to add weight. These can overheat even when idle, and during power surges, may spark, melt, or cause a fire.

Myth 4: High-Wattage Adapters Are Dangerous for Smartphones

Modern smartphones can’t be overcharged by powerful adapters thanks to smart protocols like USB PD or Quick Charge. If you plug a phone into a 65W charger, it only draws the amount of power it needs. It’s like plugging in different appliances at home — each draws its required wattage without overloading.

The key is to use original or certified chargers to prevent voltage spikes.

Myth 5: Charging Overnight Ruins the Battery

Some believe charging a phone overnight can harm the battery. It’s true that keeping a battery at 100% all the time can reduce its capacity by 20% after 250 charge cycles. But most smartphone manufacturers now include a smart charging feature.

This feature stops charging when the battery reaches 80-95%, then tops it up shortly before you wake. Optimized charging reduces battery wear to just 10-12% over 250 cycles and extends battery life.

To work properly, this feature requires original chargers with PD chips (for Android) or MFi certification (for iPhones). Cheaper devices often lack this functionality.

Myth 6: Charging in Extreme Temperatures Quickly Breaks Your Phone

Modern smartphones are protected from overheating and freezing, but they only operate safely between 0°C and 35°C (32-95°F). Outside this range, irreversible damage may occur. At high temperatures (45°C and above), the battery electrolyte evaporates, causing it to swell. At low temperatures (−10°C), lithium crystallizes, drastically reducing battery capacity.

Just two hours inside a hot car can reduce battery life by 5-7%, and in winter, a phone left in the cold may lose 30% charge in just 10 minutes.

To protect your battery:

Avoid leaving your phone in the sun or a parked car. In cold weather, keep it in an inner pocket so your body heat keeps it at a safe 20°C (68°F).

Quick Guide: How to Charge Your Phone Properly

• You can safely use your phone while charging for light tasks like social media or music. But avoid intense gaming, especially with cheap chargers; this can cause overheating up to 45-60°C.
• It’s fine to leave a charger plugged in, as long as it’s high-quality. Original adapters in standby mode use less energy than a nightlight.
• High-wattage chargers are safe; your phone will only draw the power it needs.
• Overnight charging is safe if your phone has battery optimization features. For budget models without such features, avoid leaving them plugged in too long.
• Don’t leave your phone in the sun or a hot car. In winter, keep it in an inner pocket to protect it from freezing.