Understanding the Risks of Charging Your Mobile Redmi 4

Understanding the Risks of Charging Your Mobile Redmi 4

Using your mobile phone, such as a Redmi 4, while it is charging may lead to several issues, from minor heating to more severe problems. While the Redmi 4 is not as prone to dramatic failures like the infamous Galaxy Note 7, understanding these risks is crucial to maintaining your device's performance and longevity.

Heat Management and Battery Lifespan

When you use your phone while it's charging, it can generate additional heat, which can reduce the lifespan of your phone's battery and impact its overall durability. This is especially important to note, as the battery is a critical component that drives your device's operation.

To monitor your phone's battery health and temperature, consider using an app like Battery Lifespan Expander from the Google Play Store. This app can help you understand when your phone is running too hot and how to manage your usage to avoid overheating.

The Impact on Battery Charge and Usage

When you use your phone while it's charging, you may actually increase the rate at which the battery's charge is being consumed. This is because the phone is continuing to draw power from the battery while simultaneously receiving power from the charger. Essentially, you are using the battery as a temporary storage solution for your active usage.

Think of it like pouring fuel into a car while it's running; if your phone is using more power than the charger is providing, the battery will start to deplete. However, if the charger is providing enough power to overshoot the phone's usage, the phone will still charge at a slightly slower rate.

Charging Safety and Circuity

Modern phones have built-in safety features that help prevent overheating, but these may not always be foolproof. When the phone's battery temperature rises significantly, it may start to charge more slowly or stop charging altogether. This is done to prevent damage to the battery or, in extreme cases, to prevent the battery from catching fire or exploding, as seen in the Galaxy Note 7 issue.

For instance, on an Xperia Z3C with a 2-amp charger, I observed that the current flowing into the battery dropped significantly when the phone's temperature increased. Under normal conditions, the current was 16 A at 20°C and 40% SOC, but when the temperature rose to 40°C, the current was reduced to just 0.9 A. This reduction in current flow is the phone's built-in safety mechanism to prevent excessive heating and potential harm to the battery.

While the Redmi 4 may not have experienced such extreme failures, it's still important to be cautious about any prolonged usage while the phone is charging. Always ensure that your phone is in a well-ventilated area during charging to help dissipate any extra heat generated.

By understanding the risks associated with using your Redmi 4 while it's charging, you can take steps to prolong the life of your phone's battery and ensure safe and efficient charging.

Key Points:

Heat generation can damage your phone's battery and reduce its lifespan. Using the phone while it's charging can consume battery faster due to higher power usage. Modern phones have safety features to prevent overheating, but this can lead to slower charging or stopping of charging as a protective measure.

Stay informed and use your Redmi 4 wisely to enjoy years of reliable performance.