Frequently Asked
Questions Which is the best type of battery for my cellular phone?
There are basically 4 types of batteries used for cellular phones: Ni-Cd. These are old technology and have been phased out. Ni-Cd batteries contain Cadmium a highly toxic heavy metal, that can damage the environment if not disposed of properly. Ni-MH. These have replaced Ni-Cd batteries and are commonly available. Ni-MH batteries hold a higher charge and are lighter. Li-Ion. These in turn are replacing NI-MH batteries and are commonly available for newer phone models. They are popular because they hold a higher charge yet are much smaller/lighter, have absolutely no memory effect and have a much lower self discharge rate than the others. Li-Polymer. These are the latest and greatest. They share the same qualities as Li-Ion batteries but have twice the capacity/size. However, they are still rare because of the price. What is memory effect? Ni-Cd. Ni-Cd batteries suffer from a voltage depletion phenomenon that is commonly known as memory effect. This can be reversed by conditioning. Ni-Mh. Ni-MH batteries also suffer from memory effect but to a much lesser extent than Ni-Cd, Similarly, occasional deep discharge followed by full recharge will condition the battery. Li-Ion. Li-Ion batteries do not suffer from memory effect. Top of Page What is conditioning a battery? Conditioning your battery means letting cellular phone or other equipment drain the battery completely and then fully charging it again. How many times can a battery be recharged? The number of times a battery can be recharged depends on how the battery is used. Typically, a Ni-MH battery can be charged and discharged 400 - 800 times and Li-Ion approximately 25-30% more. The loss of capacity then becomes noticeable and it is time to replace it. How long can a battery hold its charge? The rate of self discharge for any battery depends on the storage temperature. At higher temperatures, batteries discharge at a higher rate and the reverse for lower temperatures. Ni-MH batteries self discharge at about 1 percent per day at normal room temperature and conditions – or 30% of their charge. Li-Ion batteries have a lower self discharge rate. What does mAh mean? mAh stands for milli Amp hour and it is how a battery's energy storage capacity is measured. The higher the mAh rating the higher the energy capacity of your battery. Top of Page Can a higher mAh battery replace a lower one? Yes, it means that you will have a longer standby/talk time for your phone. Do I need to charge my new batteries before using them for the first time? Yes, before you use your new batteries for the first time you must charge them fully. New batteries should also be cycled – fully charged and fully discharged – 3 or 4 times before the batteries reach their peak performance and capacity. Is it normal for batteries to feel hot when charging? Yes, this is normal. Will dropping the battery damage it? Yes , dropping the battery on to a hard surface will probably cause some internal damage. It may be prudent to replace your battery as there could be some internal damage could later develop a short or a leak while in the equipment and then cause even more damage. Top of Page
How can I maximize the life of my battery?
1. Keep your battery contact points clean and dry. 2. Do not leave your cellular/cordless phone attached to the AC power adaptor/charger when not is use over long periods of time. 3. Always keep your battery/phone away from heat: direct sun, fireplace, etc. Are manufacturers' original batteries better? Not necessarily. Many generic cellular phone or cordless phone batteries including those from Rechargeable Phone Batteries are manufactured to very high standards, equalling the quality of manufacturers original and often to a higher capacity. And for a lot cheaper. Should I recycle my old battery? Absolutely. All batteries should be recycled or disposed of responsibly – please see our section on recycling. Ni-MH batteries are 100% recyclable, and contain no toxic materials (unlike lead, N-Cd or Lithium batteries) that can be hazardous to the environment. Read more about recycling batteries | 
