When buying a used cell phone, it's essential to check its battery condition . A degraded battery can lead to reduced battery life and poor performance. In this article, we'll explain how to assess the battery condition of a used phone to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Why is it important to check the battery condition?
Over time, batteries lose their original capacity, which can cause:
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Reduced autonomy.
β
A phone that suddenly turns off.
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Slower or irregular charging.
Before buying a used phone, it is therefore crucial to examine the condition of its battery.
1. Identify whether the battery is removable or integrated
πΉ Removable batteries : Easy to replace, available on some older models.
πΉ Built-in batteries : Present on the majority of modern smartphones, require technical intervention to be replaced.
2. Check the physical wear of the battery
Signs of a bad battery:
β Swollen battery.
β Deformation of the back of the phone.
β Excessive overheating during use.
β‘οΈ Solution : If the battery is in poor condition, it is best to replace it before use.
3. Check battery status via phone settings
On iPhone :
1οΈβ£ Go to Settings β Battery β Battery Health .
2οΈβ£ Check the maximum capacity (below 80%, the battery is worn out).
On Android :
1οΈβ£ Go to Settings β Battery β Battery usage .
2οΈβ£ Check for any alerts indicating a degraded battery.
4. Use apps to test the battery
Recommended applications:
βοΈ AccuBattery (Android)
βοΈ CoconutBattery (Mac/iPhone)
βοΈ Battery Life (iPhone)
5. Test the phone's real battery life
Quick test : Charge the phone to 100% and note how long it lasts under normal use.
Low battery indicators :
β Battery drains very quickly.
β Phone turns off before 0%.
6. Check the number of battery charge cycles
π One charge cycle = one full charge from 0% to 100%.
πΉ On iPhone : Use CoconutBattery or Battery Life .
πΉ On Android : Use AccuBattery to estimate cycles.
β‘οΈ Beyond 500 cycles, the battery begins to lose performance.
What to do if the battery is in bad condition?
βοΈ Replace the battery (if possible).
βοΈ Use a power bank to extend battery life.
βοΈ Call a professional repairer .
Tips for extending the life of a used battery
β
Avoid full charges to 100% all the time.
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Use a suitable and certified charger.
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Do not leave the phone plugged in overnight.
β
Avoid excessive heat, which accelerates battery degradation.
Checking the battery condition before buying a used cell phone is essential to avoid unpleasant surprises. By following these steps, you can be sure of getting a phone with decent battery life and optimal performance.
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