Researchers have found that wireless charging of smartphones can damage the battery due to excessive heat. If the phone is not placed exactly on the wireless charger, it can be even more harmful. For several years, major phone manufacturers such as Apple, HTC, Huawei, and Samsung have been fighting against cables. Many phone models have already removed the headphone jack, and many devices can now be charged wirelessly using charging pads. However, experiments conducted by the University of Warwick in England have shown that this technology also has its drawbacks.
The experiments showed that wireless charging of phones can reduce the lifespan of the built-in battery. In many cases, it is not worth replacing the battery, as it is often expensive and cannot be done by the owner. As a result, a new smartphone is needed, which is usually charged by induction. The main problem, according to researchers, is the increased heat generated by the phone battery when it is charged by an induction charger. Both the phone and the wireless charger emit heat during the charging process, which is transferred from one device to the other. If the phone is not aligned exactly on the wireless charger, the heat generation increases significantly, as the wireless charger increases its energy output in this case.
High temperatures cause batteries, not only in phones, to age faster or lose real capacity, which is why researchers believe that wireless charging has a negative effect on batteries. The researchers also reported that if the phone is positioned incorrectly on the wireless charger, the energy output of the charger increases from 9.5 watts to 11 watts. To increase the lifespan of the battery, users should follow some guidelines when charging their phones.
Many manufacturers are aware that the current technology is not yet fully developed and are already developing new wireless charging stations. Thinner charging coils, higher frequencies, and the optimization of electronics are expected to solve the current problems of charging pads soon. While wireless charging is a practical and convenient option, users should be aware of its potential drawbacks and take precautions to ensure the longevity of their phone’s battery.
