Smartphone batteries degrade over time. After about 500 charge cycles, most lithium-ion batteries retain only 80% of their original capacity. Here are the warning signs:
1. Rapid Drain
If your phone drops from 100% to 50% in just a couple of hours with normal use, the battery cells are likely degraded.
2. Unexpected Shutdowns
A phone that powers off at 20% or 30% has a battery that can no longer accurately report its charge level.
3. Swelling
If your screen is lifting away from the frame or the back panel bulges, stop using the device immediately. A swollen battery is a safety hazard.
4. Overheating
Some warmth during charging is normal, but if your phone gets uncomfortably hot during regular use, the battery may be failing.
5. Slow Charging
If it takes significantly longer to charge than it used to, the battery chemistry has degraded.
What To Do
A battery replacement is one of the most affordable repairs. Most replacements take under an hour and can make your phone feel brand new again.