Rechargeable batteries come in 4 types: Nickel Cadium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion) and Lithium Polymer (Li-Poly).

Ni-Cd batteries are the least expensive and are commonly used for cell phones, video cameras, radios and other portable appliances. The problem with Ni-Cd batteries is that they are very prone to voltage depression, otherwise known as "memory effect". This occurs when recharging a battery before it is fully discharged causes the battery to "remember" its previous partial charge level and not charge to full capacity. Sometimes conditioning (repetitive fully charging and discharging) can help erase built-up memory, but not always. Our company doesn’t sell any Ni-Cd batteries. We think cellular phones should bring freedom and convenience, and that doesn’t mean being a slave to the "bio-rhythms" of a battery!

Ni-MH batteries are a superior replacement for Ni-Cd batteries because they are available in higher capacities and are virtually memory-free. That means you can charge the battery when it is convenient for you, not when the battery is "ready". Ni-MH can be damaged by excessive heat from overcharging, but this can be avoided by using only your original charger or a replacement charger.

Li-ion batteries are the best rechargeable batteries available. They offer long life and high capacity in slim, lightweight batteries that are also memory-free. Li-ion batteries are batteries available for many premium cellular phones and computers.

Battery capacities are measured in Milliamp hours (mAh) which determines the length of standby and talk time that the battery will provide. Increased capacity requires greater battery size and weight, but Ni-MH and Li-ion batteries are able to provide high capacities while minimizing size and weight.

Lithium Polymer batteries are the newest and most advanced technology for cellular phone batteries. Li-Poly is ultra-lightweight & does not explode, even when a nail is driven through it! Since the chemistry is enclosed in plastic pouches instead of a metal can, significant weight & form possibilities exist! Manufacturers will soon be molding this type of battery to fit the dead air spaces in some cell phone designs. Lithium Polymer shows all the same advantages of Lithium Ion without the weight or rigid form factors! Li-Poly does not suffer from memory effect, and will deliver up to 40% more battery capacity than the same size of NiMH battery.

How long should I charge my new battery?

When your Ni-Cd battery is new, completely charge and discharge it for three times. Completely charging would be charging the battery for the full-recommended time. Completely discharging would be using the phone until "Recharge Battery" is displayed on your phone. The battery will only reach it's full capacity after the third discharge has been completed.

Note: This process is not necessary with Li-ion and Ni-MH batteries.

How to Maximize the life of your cellular phone battery?

There are several things you can do to maximize the useful life of your battery. Batteries typically have 300 to 400 charge cycles in their life span.

Dirty battery contacts are the number one source of charging problems. Clean the battery contacts with either an eraser or use alcohol and a cotton swab from time to time. Make sure no eraser or cotton is left on the contact points.
Don’t leave your rechargeable batteries dormant for extended periods. Cycle them for a full charge & full discharge every so often, preferably monthly. Whether you use AC or DC power most of the time, try to drain the battery periodically to keep it fresh and healthy.
Unplug your battery charger if you are not using your cell phone. Batteries that sit idle for extended periods of time without charging, begin to lose their ability to hold a charge, and will self-discharge, so remember to charge them again before use.
Always store batteries in a cool, dry place away from heat and metal objects.
Always allow a battery to warm to room temperature PRIOR to charging. The temperature shock can kill a battery chemically as well as potentially causing a short circuit.

Last updated: 9/27/07

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