Batteries are the heart of any mobile device, providing the power to run various features and functions. However, not all batteries are the same. Depending on the size, shape, and design of the device, different types of batteries may be used to achieve the best performance and efficiency. In this blog, we will explore some of the common battery configurations that come with smartphones and how they differ in terms of voltage, current, and capacity.
A battery is a device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. It consists of one or more electrochemical cells, which are the basic units of a battery. Each cell has two electrodes, called the anode and the cathode, and an electrolyte, which is a substance that allows the flow of electric charge between the electrodes. When a battery is connected to a circuit, a chemical reaction occurs at the electrodes, which generates a flow of electrons from the anode to the cathode. This flow of electrons is called the current, and it is measured in amperes (A). The difference in electric potential between the electrodes is called the voltage, and it is measured in volts (V). The amount of electric charge that a battery can deliver at a given voltage is called the capacity, and it is measured in ampere-hours (Ah) or milliampere-hours (mAh).
The voltage, current, and capacity of a battery depend on the type and size of the cell, as well as the number and arrangement of the cells in a battery pack. A battery pack is a collection of cells connected together to form a single unit. There are different ways to connect the cells in a battery pack, such as in series, in parallel, or in a combination of both. These connections affect the overall voltage, current, and capacity of the battery pack, and thus the performance and efficiency of the device that uses the battery pack. In this blog, we will look at some of the common battery configurations that come with smartphones and how they work.
Single Battery Configuration
A single battery configuration is the simplest and most common type of battery pack. It consists of a single cell or a group of identical cells connected in parallel. A single battery configuration has a fixed voltage and current capacity, which depend on the type and size of the cell. For instance, the ubiquitous AA battery boasts 1.5 volts and around 2,000 mAh.
If your device aligns with or requires lower voltage and current, a single battery configuration has got you covered. However, a single battery configuration may not be enough to power a smartphone, which typically requires more voltage and current to support its advanced features and functions. That’s why most smartphones use more than one battery in different configurations.
Advantages of Single Battery Configuration:
The voltage, current, and capacity of a battery depend on the type and size of the cell, as well as the number and arrangement of the cells in a battery pack. A battery pack is a collection of cells connected together to form a single unit. There are different ways to connect the cells in a battery pack, such as in series, in parallel, or in a combination of both. These connections affect the overall voltage, current, and capacity of the battery pack, and thus the performance and efficiency of the device that uses the battery pack. In this blog, we will look at some of the common battery configurations that come with smartphones and how they work.
Single Battery Configuration
A single battery configuration is the simplest and most common type of battery pack. It consists of a single cell or a group of identical cells connected in parallel. A single battery configuration has a fixed voltage and current capacity, which depend on the type and size of the cell. For instance, the ubiquitous AA battery boasts 1.5 volts and around 2,000 mAh.
If your device aligns with or requires lower voltage and current, a single battery configuration has got you covered. However, a single battery configuration may not be enough to power a smartphone, which typically requires more voltage and current to support its advanced features and functions. That’s why most smartphones use more than one battery in different configurations.
Advantages of Single Battery Configuration:
- It is easy to manufacture and widely available.
- It is safe and reliable, with low self-discharge and no memory effect.
- It is suitable for low-power devices that do not need high voltage or current.
- It has a low energy density and capacity, which limits the performance and battery life of the device.
- It cannot provide high voltage or current, which may be required for some features and functions of the device.
- It may not fit the shape or size of the device, which may affect the design and aesthetics of the device.
This image shows the single battery configuration of the iPhone 12, which uses a 3.85 V Li-ion battery with a capacity of 2815 mAh1.
SOURCE: AppleInsider
SOURCE: AppleInsider
Note: A single battery configuration is used in low-power devices such as wall clocks, memory backups, and wristwatches. It is also used in mobile phones and tablets that use lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, which have a nominal voltage of 3.6 V. Li-ion batteries are the most popular type of rechargeable batteries for smartphones, as they offer high energy density, low self-discharge, and no memory effect.
Fact: Li-ion batteries experience very little memory effect, which means you can recharge them before they are completely drained without affecting their capacity. Memory effect is a phenomenon where repeated partial discharging and recharging of a battery reduces its capacity over time.
Fact: Li-ion batteries experience very little memory effect, which means you can recharge them before they are completely drained without affecting their capacity. Memory effect is a phenomenon where repeated partial discharging and recharging of a battery reduces its capacity over time.
Dual Series Battery Configuration
Double the voltage, same current capacity. In a series connection, two batteries team up, with their voltages adding up. Consider two AA batteries in series, delivering 3 volts but maintaining a capacity of about 2,000 mAh. Perfect for devices demanding higher voltage without an increased current appetite. For example, some smartphones use dual series batteries to power high-resolution displays or high-performance processors, which require higher voltage than a single battery can provide.
However, a dual series battery configuration may not be ideal for devices that need longer battery life, as the current capacity remains the same as a single battery.
Advantages of Dual Series Battery Configuration:
Disadvantages of Dual Series Battery Configuration:
Double the voltage, same current capacity. In a series connection, two batteries team up, with their voltages adding up. Consider two AA batteries in series, delivering 3 volts but maintaining a capacity of about 2,000 mAh. Perfect for devices demanding higher voltage without an increased current appetite. For example, some smartphones use dual series batteries to power high-resolution displays or high-performance processors, which require higher voltage than a single battery can provide.
However, a dual series battery configuration may not be ideal for devices that need longer battery life, as the current capacity remains the same as a single battery.
Advantages of Dual Series Battery Configuration:
- It has a high voltage, which enables high-resolution displays and high-performance processors of the device.
- It has a simple connection, which does not require a smart circuitry to balance the cells.
- It can fit the shape or size of the device, which may improve the design and aesthetics of the device.
Disadvantages of Dual Series Battery Configuration:
- It has the same current capacity as a single battery, which may not be enough for some features and functions of the device.
- It has a high internal resistance, which means more heat generation and less power delivery to the device.
- It requires the same voltage and capacity of the cells, which may cause an imbalance and damage the cells if they are not matched.
This image shows the dual battery configuration of the OnePlus 8T, which uses two Li-ion batteries with a combined capacity of 4500 mAh.
SOURCE: JerryRigEveryThing
SOURCE: JerryRigEveryThing
Note: A single battery configuration is used in low-power devices such as wall clocks, memory backups, and wristwatches. It is also used in mobile phones and tablets that use lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, which have a nominal voltage of 3.6 V. Li-ion batteries are the most popular type of rechargeable batteries for smartphones, as they offer high energy density, low self-discharge, and no memory effect.
Fact: Li-ion batteries experience very little memory effect, which means you can recharge them before they are completely drained without affecting their capacity. Memory effect is a phenomenon where repeated partial discharging and recharging of a battery reduces its capacity over time.
Fact: Li-ion batteries experience very little memory effect, which means you can recharge them before they are completely drained without affecting their capacity. Memory effect is a phenomenon where repeated partial discharging and recharging of a battery reduces its capacity over time.
Dual Parallel Battery Configuration
Double trouble, but in a good way! Two batteries in parallel maintain the same voltage as one but offer twice the current capacity. Picture two AA batteries side by side, still at 1.5 volts but now with a joint capacity of about 4,000 mAh. This configuration prolongs your device’s battery life or powers those hungry current-guzzling features. For example, some smartphones use dual parallel batteries to support fast charging or wireless charging, which require higher current than a single battery can provide.
However, a dual parallel battery configuration may not be suitable for devices that need higher voltage, such as cameras or speakers.
Advantages of Dual Parallel Battery Configuration:
Double trouble, but in a good way! Two batteries in parallel maintain the same voltage as one but offer twice the current capacity. Picture two AA batteries side by side, still at 1.5 volts but now with a joint capacity of about 4,000 mAh. This configuration prolongs your device’s battery life or powers those hungry current-guzzling features. For example, some smartphones use dual parallel batteries to support fast charging or wireless charging, which require higher current than a single battery can provide.
However, a dual parallel battery configuration may not be suitable for devices that need higher voltage, such as cameras or speakers.
Advantages of Dual Parallel Battery Configuration:
- It has a high current capacity, which enables fast charging and wireless charging of the device.
- It has a long battery life, which reduces the frequency of charging and extends the lifespan of the battery.
- It has a low internal resistance, which means less heat generation and more power delivery to the device.
- It has the same voltage as a single battery, which may not be enough for some features and functions of the device.
- It requires a smart circuitry to balance the charge and discharge currents of the parallel cells and prevent overcharging or over-discharging.
- It may not fit the shape or size of the device, which may affect the design and aesthetics of the device.
This image shows the dual battery configuration of the Legion Duel 2, which uses two Li-ion batteries with a combined capacity of 5500 mAh.
SOURCE: JerryRigEveryThing
SOURCE: JerryRigEveryThing
Note: A parallel connection is made by connecting the positive terminals of both batteries together and the negative terminals of both batteries together. This increases the current capacity by adding the ampere-hour (Ah) ratings of the batteries. A parallel connection also reduces the internal resistance of the battery pack, which means less heat is generated and more power is delivered to the device.
Fact: Modern day Li-ion batteries normally incorporate smart circuitry within the battery pack, which balances the charge and discharge currents of the parallel cells and prevents overcharging or over-discharging. Overcharging or over-discharging can damage the cells and reduce their lifespan.
Fact: Modern day Li-ion batteries normally incorporate smart circuitry within the battery pack, which balances the charge and discharge currents of the parallel cells and prevents overcharging or over-discharging. Overcharging or over-discharging can damage the cells and reduce their lifespan.
L-Shaped Battery Configuration
The L-Shaped configuration combines the best of both worlds – series and parallel connections. Two groups of batteries connect in parallel, and then these groups link in series. This results in an increased voltage and current capacity. Visualize an L-shaped arrangement of four AA batteries, boasting 3 volts and around 4,000 mAh. This configuration offers both high voltage and high current, making it suitable for devices that need both.
For example, some smartphones use L-shaped batteries to achieve a balance between performance and battery life, as well as to fit the curved or edge-to-edge design of the device.
Advantages of L-Shaped Battery Configuration:
The L-Shaped configuration combines the best of both worlds – series and parallel connections. Two groups of batteries connect in parallel, and then these groups link in series. This results in an increased voltage and current capacity. Visualize an L-shaped arrangement of four AA batteries, boasting 3 volts and around 4,000 mAh. This configuration offers both high voltage and high current, making it suitable for devices that need both.
For example, some smartphones use L-shaped batteries to achieve a balance between performance and battery life, as well as to fit the curved or edge-to-edge design of the device.
Advantages of L-Shaped Battery Configuration:
- It has both high voltage and high current, which enables a balance between performance and battery life of the device.
- It has a low internal resistance, which means less heat generation and more power delivery to the device.
- It can fit the shape or size of the device, which may enhance the design and aesthetics of the device.
- It requires a smart circuitry to balance the charge and discharge currents of the cells and prevent overcharging or over-discharging.
- It requires more space and materials than a single or dual battery configuration, which may increase the weight and cost of the device.
- It may expand due to temperature changes or aging, which may affect the performance and safety of the device.
This image shows the L-shaped battery configuration of the iPhone X, which uses four 3.81 V Li-ion batteries with a combined voltage of 7.62 V and a capacity of 2716 mAh.
SOURCE:IFIXIT
SOURCE:IFIXIT
Note: An L-shaped battery configuration is a combination of series and parallel connections. It consists of two groups of batteries connected in parallel, and then those groups are connected in series. This increases both the voltage and the current capacity by adding the voltages and the ampere-hour (Ah) ratings of the batteries. An L-shaped connection also balances the internal resistance of the battery pack, which means less heat is generated and more power is delivered to the device.
Fact: L-shaped batteries are often used in smartphones that have a curved or edge-to-edge design, such as the iPhone X and the Samsung Galaxy S8. These batteries can fit the shape of the device better and provide more space for other components. L-shaped batteries also allow for faster charging and wireless charging, as they can handle higher current than a single or dual battery configuration.
Fact: L-shaped batteries are often used in smartphones that have a curved or edge-to-edge design, such as the iPhone X and the Samsung Galaxy S8. These batteries can fit the shape of the device better and provide more space for other components. L-shaped batteries also allow for faster charging and wireless charging, as they can handle higher current than a single or dual battery configuration.
Conclusion
Smartphone battery configurations are a subtle art, each offering a unique balance of voltage and current to meet the diverse needs of users. From the simplicity of a single cell to the sophistication of L-shaped designs, manufacturers tailor these configurations to optimize performance and efficiency. Next time you pick up your smartphone, remember the intricate dance happening within its battery, delivering power in the most efficient way possible.
Smartphone battery configurations are a subtle art, each offering a unique balance of voltage and current to meet the diverse needs of users. From the simplicity of a single cell to the sophistication of L-shaped designs, manufacturers tailor these configurations to optimize performance and efficiency. Next time you pick up your smartphone, remember the intricate dance happening within its battery, delivering power in the most efficient way possible.
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-Anurag
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