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:
✅ Reduced autonomy.
✅ A phone that suddenly turns off.
✅ 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
🔹 Removable batteries : Easy to replace, available on some older models.
🔹 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:
❌ Swollen battery.
❌ Deformation of the back of the phone.
❌ Excessive overheating during use.
➡️ 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 :
1️⃣ Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Health .
2️⃣ Check the maximum capacity (below 80%, the battery is worn out).
On Android :
1️⃣ Go to Settings → Battery → Battery usage .
2️⃣ Check for any alerts indicating a degraded battery.
4. Use apps to test the battery
Recommended applications:
✔️ AccuBattery (Android)
✔️ CoconutBattery (Mac/iPhone)
✔️ 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 :
❌ Battery drains very quickly.
❌ Phone turns off before 0%.
6. Check the number of battery charge cycles
📌 One charge cycle = one full charge from 0% to 100%.
🔹 On iPhone : Use CoconutBattery or Battery Life .
🔹 On Android : Use AccuBattery to estimate cycles.
➡️ Beyond 500 cycles, the battery begins to lose performance.
What to do if the battery is in bad condition?
✔️ Replace the battery (if possible).
✔️ Use a power bank to extend battery life.
✔️ Call a professional repairer .
Tips for extending the life of a used battery
✅ Avoid full charges to 100% all the time.
✅ Use a suitable and certified charger.
✅ Do not leave the phone plugged in overnight.
✅ 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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