Re calibration after swapping batteries

[uraniumhexoflorite]

I just got 2 new 3000 mah batteries for my lg g4 on amazon to replace the original battery, which can now only hold 37% of its original capacity. I put in the new batteries, but there wasn't much of an improvement. I decided to try re calibrating the battery sensor and to my relief, the battery doesn't appear to be bad but the phone needs re calibration since I've been at less than 5% for half an hour at max brightness trying to run down the battery. I was wondering if I can use the 2 new batteries interchangeably (they came together and are both new) without needing to re calibrate after each swap. Thanks in advance for advice. I'm a bit of a newbie at this since the g4 is my first phone with a replacement battery (previously had an iphone 4 and a moto g2).

 

[Itsa_Me_Mario]

Battery calibration should NOT be done with modern batteries. Best case scenario, it does nothing and worst case scenario it is potentially harmful to the battery. The goal with any new li-ion battery (basically everything since 2012-ish) is to try to avoid any regular deep discharges and instead to regularly execute shallow discharges and charges. The ideal state is to keep it between 40% and 80% as much as possible, and if there is ever a choice between going below 40% and going above 80%, going above 80% is the better choice. The battery stats in the OS don't know that it is a different battery than the one which you're saying can only hold 37% of its max capacity. Going through a few days of normal usage should correct that piece of it. If you're regularly letting the battery go below 20%, that's going to be the biggest driver behind it not being able to hold a charge.

 

[uraniumhexoflorite]

So the new batteries, which are identical, shouldn't need any special setup? If so, that's great. Thanks.

 

[Itsa_Me_Mario]

So the new batteries, which are identical, shouldn't need any special setup? If so, that's great. Thanks.

Correct, after a few days the stats self adjust to your new usage and you're good to go.

 

[uraniumhexoflorite]

Thanks a ton.

 

[uraniumhexoflorite]

Just had an idea while eating lunch. If I am going to run a very power hungry game or app, such as World Of Tanks Blitz, would it be more beneficial to charge from 40 to 80, unplug, and then plug in again at 40 or to top the battery off since the battery doesn't charge after it reached 100% and the phone runs off the USB's power instead. I think it could be better to top it off if you plan to be using the device for a certain amount of time or longer. What do you think about this? This is kinda important too because I do a ton of gaming on my phone and I think that going on and off the charger very frequently is one of the reasons why my old battery was at 37% health.

 

[uraniumhexoflorite]

Also is the 40 to 80 true for all Lithium ion chemistries? I want to be extra sure because I have an extensive history of killing batteries like no one's business.

 

[Mooncatt]

Also is the 40 to 80 true for all Lithium ion chemistries? I want to be extra sure because I have an extensive history of killing batteries like no one's business.

Yes, this is more or less universally true (I actually learned about it initially from the RC hobby forums and how they treat their Lipos).

As for your other post asking about leaving it plugged in during heavy use, it gets a little technical. High voltage, above 75-80% generates additional stress on the cell. This is regardless of if it's plugged in or removed and sat on a shelf disconnected. The added heat of gaming can also create more stress. Combine the two, and it's a double whammy on the battery.

On the other hand, I'm not so hard up about charging to 100% if you intend to unplug and use it right away or need that extra time before the next charge. It could still put extra wear on the battery, but not as much as leaving it plugged in. It's about finding a balance between convenience and longevity.

 

[uraniumhexoflorite]

So it could be better to do the 40 to 80 cycle? I will try to work out the math later today or tomorrow.

 

[Mooncatt]

It's always better to keep within 40-80%. Going outside of that range, especially during heavy use like gaming, is going to cause extra wear. As I said earlier, it's a balance and largely dependent on what you're willing to risk. The good news is that it's easy to replace the G4 battery, assuming you can find a good replacement. So I would be less concerned about keeping in that ideal range than someone with a sealed battery.

 

[uraniumhexoflorite]

And the batteries don't cost much. I've seen OEMs on ebay for about 6 or 7 bucks.