In this article, we’ll explore whether lithium batteries in mobile devices actually use more power at lower temperatures and share some tips for using your phone in the cold.
To find out, let’s look at an experiment with three phones from different brands. Each phone was fully charged to 100%, unplugged, and kept with the screen on for two hours straight. All three ran the same apps to ensure similar power use, and the indoor temperature was kept steady at 21°C (70°F). After 20 minutes, you’d likely see all phones still showing 100% battery.
Experiment 2: Battery Test Outdoors
Now, in a separate test, the same three phones were fully charged, unplugged, and kept on for two hours running the same app. This time, they were placed outside near snow where the temperature was about 3°C (37°F). After 20 minutes, you’d likely notice the battery levels dropping faster.
These two simple tests show that mobile batteries drain at different rates depending on the surrounding temperature. After 20 minutes outdoors, battery levels dropped to around 95-97%.
How Batteries Behave in Cold Weather
Most modern phones use Lithium-ion Polymer (LiPo) batteries. When temperatures drop in winter, the chemical reactions inside the battery slow down, resulting in less current flow and reduced battery power.
In more extreme cold, phones may shut off automatically. This power drop or shutdown is a safety feature. Different brands handle this differently: some phones turn off when the battery hits 0%, while others shut down if the temperature gets too low.
Tips for Using Your Phone in Cold Weather
When you’re outside, there are simple ways to extend your battery life without needing to recharge.
First, try to avoid exposing your phone to the cold. Keep it in your pocket or bag to protect it from the chill. If you get a call, use headphones to answer instead of pulling your phone out.
If your phone does shut off outside, wait until you’re somewhere warmer before turning it back on. Another easy trick is to use a protective case to help insulate your device.
