11/14/2023: Keep those batteries healthy

Battery health tips

Plus: A weird new wearable, Mint alternatives, and the new Apple Watch for less

Jared Newman

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November 14, 2023

Having recently purchased a new phone, I’ve become mildly obsessed about preserving its battery life.

I’m not talking about getting it to last longer on a charge—that’s something I’ve covered already—but rather maintaining its ability to hold a charge over time. Lithium ion batteries degrade much faster as their charge level approaches 100%, and that can eventually lead to both shorter battery life and a drop in performance. Instead of doing a full charge every day, I’ve been limiting my maximum battery level to around 85% until I actually need the extra juice.