How to handle batteries?

**ShelaghDB** · 02-24-2013, 10:39 PM

New to the Note 2 and curious how to handle the batteries for a longer life?

I have 3 electric bikes with Lead acid batteries. Not knowing the first thing about how to handle batteries, I quickly learned that you had to charge the bikes every night and even if you go out for a quick 15 minutes, you MUST charge them right away.
This has enabled me to keep each battery for about 2.5 years.
Others, new to e-bikes that don't know this, tend to ride the bike until the battery is dead, even if it takes them 4 days to get to this point, and then and only then do they charge them fully. They wonder why their batteries on these e-bikes are pooched within 2 months,

Hence, I want to know the best way to charge the phone/battery upon usage?
Do i let them get very l ow and then charge or just keep charging them all the time when i am at home with a charger, even if i have, lets say, 48% left?

Thanks..

**imarek3** · 02-24-2013, 11:37 PM

The battery in the Note 2 and any other modern phone is lithium, so you don't have to worry about memory effect you would get with a partial discharge on Ni-Cad batteries.

Lithium batteries can handle x number of charges, if you let your phone get to 50% and charge it all the way up, that would be a half of one of the charges. Like the lead acid batteries, Lithium batteries should not be run all the way down. That being said, I think most phones have circuitry built to keep your battery from getting too low.

Some suggest that at least monthly you let your battery get down to 10-15% or all the way discharged before you charge it up. I don't think that is necessary, just charge your phone as you normally would. I personally slip mine on the charger at night (it is usually between 40-50% remaining) and it is good to go. You shouldn't have too much to worry about unless you are constantly letting it run down to 0% and then charging it up.

**wickedfd** · 02-25-2013, 12:11 AM

So is it ok to charge it even on 50, 60 or 70 % still left ? Will it not ruin the battey life? Just askin' thanks!

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**Eclipse2K** · 02-25-2013, 01:12 AM

Originally Posted by wickedfd

So is it ok to charge it even on 50, 60 or 70 % still left ? Will it not ruin the battey life? Just askin' thanks!

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Yes, charge the battery. Just be aware that if you charge from 60% that's 40% of a charge cycle. If you charge from 70% you now used 30% of a full charge cycle. No need to hesitate on charging when needed. I plug my phone in while I'm at work since I use Netflix and want to make sure I have battery when I leave. I pull it fr the charger multiple times and drain it 20 to 30% by using the web, phone, and streaming music and video.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note II

**fade2black101** · 02-25-2013, 06:11 AM

Originally Posted by wickedfd

So is it ok to charge it even on 50, 60 or 70 % still left ? Will it not ruin the battey life? Just askin' thanks!

sent using tapatalk via android device

Apparently doing it this way is better than doing the full charge/discharge cycle.

**wickedfd** · 02-25-2013, 06:56 AM

Originally Posted by Eclipse2K

Yes, charge the battery. Just be aware that if you charge from 60% that's 40% of a charge cycle. If you charge from 70% you now used 30% of a full charge cycle. No need to hesitate on charging when needed. I plug my phone in while I'm at work since I use Netflix and want to make sure I have battery when I leave. I pull it fr the charger multiple times and drain it 20 to 30% by using the web, phone, and streaming music and video.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note II

Originally Posted by fade2black101

Apparently doing it this way is better than doing the full charge/discharge cycle.

Thanks guys! Sometimes i cant do the "full charge to lowbat" charging practice. I often bump into charging it for about 50-70% battery remaining. I guess charging that way is safe (like youve said

) for li-ion batteries.

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**dpham00** · 02-25-2013, 07:51 AM

For optimum life, don't keep the phone on the charger after fully charged if you can avoid it. Really, you can stop at 90-95% no problem. Also, I try not to go to empty

Sent from my Verizon Galaxy Note II

**Eclipse2K** · 02-25-2013, 08:24 AM

Originally Posted by dpham00

For optimum life, don't keep the phone on the charger after fully charged if you can avoid it. Really, you can stop at 90-95% no problem. Also, I try not to go to empty

Sent from my Verizon Galaxy Note II

This is true although doing so won't destroy the battery. Its better to follow this general rule but if you can't do so you'll be okay. The reason is batteries now a days charge to 100% and than stop charging. The phone will drop down to 95% or so than begin to charge again. This will jeep happening until you remove the phone from the charger.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note II

**dpham00** · 02-25-2013, 08:45 AM

Originally Posted by Eclipse2K

This is true although doing so won't destroy the battery. Its better to follow this general rule but if you can't do so you'll be okay. The reason is batteries now a days charge to 100% and than stop charging. The phone will drop down to 95% or so than begin to charge again. This will jeep happening until you remove the phone from the charger.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note II

My tips were just for ideal situations. Use it normally and you will be fine, but if you want the longest lasting battery, then my tips above are good. Also, the note 2 maintains full charge, and doesn't cycle down to 95% like some other phones.

Sent from my Verizon Galaxy Note II

**Eclipse2K** · 02-25-2013, 09:02 AM

Originally Posted by dpham00

My tips were just for ideal situations. Use it normally and you will be fine, but if you want the longest lasting battery, then my tips above are good. Also, the note 2 maintains full charge, and doesn't cycle down to 95% like some other phones.

Sent from my Verizon Galaxy Note II

I always thought the Note II followed other phones but just drain through its first 5% quicker. No big deal, I can see why removing it would be ideal but still you'll be fine either way. But if you want the battery to last a long time do as dpham said. Otherwise you may need a new battery sooner but probably not for over a year and the battery is around d $40 or so. No big deal either way.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note II

**dpham00** · 02-25-2013, 09:25 AM

Originally Posted by Eclipse2K

I always thought the Note II followed other phones but just drain through its first 5% quicker. No big deal, I can see why removing it would be ideal but still you'll be fine either way. But if you want the battery to last a long time do as dpham said. Otherwise you may need a new battery sooner but probably not for over a year and the battery is around d $40 or so. No big deal either way.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note II

Absolutely, you can use your phone in any manner, and you will be fine. My wife insists on draining to empty, and do a full charge on her 4s. She got it 17 months ago at release and it still runs fine for her. Now her old 3g drops batteries like a fly, but she has had that phone much longer. I think for most people on a 1-2 year upgrade cycle, it won't matter much. The battery would slowly decrease anyway, it isn't going to one day stop working. The advantage of Samsung phones are that they have a removable battery, so easy to replace. Something that is a rarity these days among the likes of apple, lg, htc, and Motorola.

Sent from my Verizon Galaxy Note II

**ShelaghDB** · 02-25-2013, 10:08 AM

thanks for everyones post and you just made a good point, the battery is only $40...

Dealing with ebikes, I am dealing with $400 - $1,000 batteries and have to be vigilant...........but when dealing with a $40 version its not as important

**Jude526** · 02-25-2013, 11:32 AM

It is good for the battery to drain once a month. There us always going to be disagreement on this. I sold wireless previously for close to 5 years. Even reps today that I know still in the business suggest this. I do this and no problems

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note2

**fade2black101** · 02-25-2013, 12:52 PM

Originally Posted by Jude526

It is good for the battery to drain once a month. There us always going to be disagreement on this. I sold wireless previously for close to 5 years. Even reps today that I know still in the business suggest this. I do this and no problems

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note2

I don't actually know, but I do tend to do a full drain cycle every now and then. If only in my head it seems to make me think it helps.

As pointed out earlier though, try not to keep it on charger for hours after fully charged.

**Jude526** · 02-25-2013, 06:29 PM

The battery has a memory. It stops charging when it has reached full charge. I am sleeping when mine is charging. I have never had a problem if still on charger when fully charged. Doesn't hurt it.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note2

**Eclipse2K** · 02-25-2013, 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by Jude526

It is good for the battery to drain once a month. There us always going to be disagreement on this. I sold wireless previously for close to 5 years. Even reps today that I know still in the business suggest this. I do this and no problems

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note2

Not saying you're wrong but I have heard draining a Lithium Ion is bad but I may be wrong. A lot of those I've spoken with in wireless still follow the Ni-Ion rules so I tend to avoid their advice.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note II

**Jude526** · 02-25-2013, 09:38 PM

Originally Posted by Eclipse2K

Not saying you're wrong but I have heard draining a Lithium Ion is bad but I may be wrong. A lot of those I've spoken with in wireless still follow the Ni-Ion rules so I tend to avoid their advice.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note II

Have always done this and like I said before....no problems. Its always been a yes / no discussion. It doesn't cause issues.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note2

**fade2black101** · 02-25-2013, 10:38 PM

Originally Posted by Jude526

Have always done this and like I said before....no problems. Its always been a yes / no discussion. It doesn't cause issues.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note2

Im sure once a month won't make a difference. Obviously draining it every day will decrease lifespan though.

**Droid_Evo_8** · 02-25-2013, 11:44 PM

I have an extra 3100mah with external charger, both from Samsung. I just let it drain to about 15-10% then pop it out to the charger then pop in the charged one.

**TheOtherBill** · 02-26-2013, 12:15 AM

The Note 2 turns itself off before the battery is totally drained and stops charging once it's fully charged. YAY for new tech!

**fade2black101** · 02-26-2013, 04:50 AM

Originally Posted by Droid_Evo_8

I have an extra 3100mah with external charger, both from Samsung. I just let it drain to about 15-10% then pop it out to the charger then pop in the charged one.

I used to do this on my old htc but eventually the back cover feels more loose it you take it off and on every single day.

Not a massive issue though. But I've avoided it this time for that reason.

**Jude526** · 02-26-2013, 11:27 AM

Yes. That's right. The battery has a memory in it....it knows when its fully charged and stops when it is. A good analogy I can think of is the crockpot. Its a slow cooker. Once the meal is cooked it just keeps it warm till served....it doesn't overcook. The battery doesn't over charge . It's a no brainier! These batteries last a very long time. I have never had to replace a battery. I do let it drain once a month as I previously stated. It is good for the battery. Everyone will do what is best for them. This can be discussed forever. Its not bad for the battery.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note2

**Droid_Evo_8** · 02-26-2013, 02:09 PM

Originally Posted by fade2black101

I used to do this on my old htc but eventually the back cover feels more loose it you take it off and on every single day.

Not a massive issue though. But I've avoided it this time for that reason.

Not a massive issue at all since I have a ballistic case covering the phone anyways so I'm good.

**dpham00** · 02-26-2013, 02:29 PM

Originally Posted by Jude526

Yes. That's right. The battery has a memory in it....it knows when its fully charged and stops when it is. A good analogy I can think of is the crockpot. Its a slow cooker. Once the meal is cooked it just keeps it warm till served....it doesn't overcook. The battery doesn't over charge . It's a no brainier! These batteries last a very long time. I have never had to replace a battery. I do let it drain once a month as I previously stated. It is good for the battery. Everyone will do what is best for them. This can be discussed forever. Its not bad for the battery.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note2

It does stop charging when the battery is full, but maintaining a full charge is not optimal. Does not mean that the phone battery will die within a year, probably not, just that it just isn't the best thing for the battery.

Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II

**Synycalwon** · 02-26-2013, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by Droid_Evo_8

I have an extra 3100mah with external charger, both from Samsung. I just let it drain to about 15-10% then pop it out to the charger then pop in the charged one.

Same setup here. It's sweet to always have a fully charged spare ready to go at a moments notice.

The spare battery charger also makes a great stand (portrait or landscape!).

Prior to that with my Thunderbolt, I used a Seidio Multifunction battery charger to keep numerous batteries charged (rarely ever use the phone itself to charge them). In either case, I typically let the phone get to approx. 15-20%, then swap out the battery and leave the discharged one in the charger until needed. With the Thunderbolt, after over a year and a half of doing this, the only battery that had any type of noticeable performance drop was the larger extended battery that took some pretty heavy use during its life and experienced frequent heat build up (major battery killer) when streaming NFL football games. In comparison, my Note 2 doesn't get anywhere near as warm, probably due to the larger size (spreads heat out) and overall more efficient hardware.

Anyway, I don't stress too much about trying to extend the battery life beyond limiting a deep discharge and trying to minimize heat build up because worse case; I can always get a new one!

This is a major reason I refuse to consider a phone with a sealed/embedded battery.

Battery University has some good info about prolonging lithium based batteries here: