In an era where smartphones have become indispensable extensions of our daily lives, a persistent question lingers in the minds of users worldwide: Does using your phone while it’s charging actually harm the battery?

Some swear by rules like “only charge between 20% and 80%,” others fear swollen batteries or rapid degradation, and a few even insist on turning their phones off while charging. But are these concerns grounded in science—or just long-standing myths?

Recently, the well-known tech channel HTX Studio published a meticulously designed battery aging experiment that ran for 193 days, accumulating over 2,000 hours of real-world usage data. The study was transparent, methodical, and rich in empirical evidence—offering invaluable insights into how modern lithium-ion batteries truly behave under everyday conditions.

As a team with over a decade of experience in lithium battery R&D and manufacturing, Longhehui has thoroughly reviewed HTX Studio’s findings and combined them with industry consensus to deliver a clear, science-based answer to this common concern.

HTX Studio purchased multiple brand-new, officially sourced smartphones and divided them into four test groups:

• Standard Charging Group: Devices discharged to 5%, then charged to 100%, repeating this cycle continuously.

• Use-While-Charging Group: Same 5%–100% cycle, but with high-load applications (e.g., gaming, video streaming) running throughout the charging process.

• High-Temperature Group: Phones charged inside a temperature-controlled chamber simulating hot environments.

• Wireless Charging Group: Devices charged exclusively via wireless fast chargers over the entire period.

All units operated continuously for 193 days (~2,000+ charging hours), with regular measurements of actual battery capacity, health metrics, and temperature profiles.

A widespread myth claims that “using your phone while charging forces the battery to charge and discharge simultaneously, wearing it out faster.” But the data tells a different story:

• The Standard Charging Group completed ~750 full charge cycles and retained 91% of its original capacity (9% degradation).

• The Use-While-Charging Group, due to slower charging under load, completed only ~380 cycles—and retained 96.5% capacity (just 3.5% degradation).

This counterintuitive result is explained by modern smartphone power management systems: when plugged in, the device prioritizes drawing power directly from the charger, not from the battery. In other words, during normal use while charging, your phone runs primarily on external power, and the battery either rests or charges slowly in the background—it does not undergo repeated charge-discharge stress.

Thus, ordinary “use-while-charging” behavior does not significantly accelerate battery aging.

While simultaneous use and charging isn’t inherently harmful, the experiment revealed a critical factor: temperature.

• Average battery temperature during standard charging: 33°C (91°F)

• Average temperature while gaming/streaming during charging: 37°C (99°F)

That 4°C difference matters more than you might think. Lithium-ion batteries are highly sensitive to heat. Prolonged operation above 35°C dramatically accelerates chemical side reactions, including:

• Electrolyte decomposition

• Thickening of the SEI (Solid Electrolyte Interphase) layer

• Loss of active lithium ions

These processes are the true drivers of capacity fade. This also explains why the high-temperature and wireless fast-charging groups showed slightly faster degradation—not because of the charging method itself, but due to heat accumulation.

HTX Studio compared system-reported health with actual lab-measured capacity every 200 hours. Results show that platforms like iOS provide reasonably accurate trends, with a typical margin of error around ±3%. The estimate is based on voltage, internal resistance, and temperature models—not direct measurement—so treat it as a useful guide, not an exact figure.

No. Modern smartphones include robust protection circuits:

• At “1%”, the battery still holds 3–5% reserve to prevent deep discharge.

• At “100%”, the system switches to trickle charging or direct power supply mode, eliminating any risk of overcharging.

Wireless charging is less efficient and generates more heat, but under normal room-temperature conditions, the impact is minimal. However, combining wireless fast charging with poor ventilation or high ambient temperatures can accelerate aging—so moderation is wise in such scenarios.

Based on HTX Studio’s findings and industry best practices, we offer these science-backed tips:

1. Avoid charging in hot environments—never leave your phone charging in direct sunlight, under blankets, or inside a hot car.

2. For extended high-performance use (e.g., gaming), charge fully first, then unplug to minimize heat buildup.

3. Don’t obsess over “20–80%” charging—modern lithium-ion batteries thrive on convenience. Charge whenever it’s practical.

4. Recycle old batteries responsibly—lithium-ion cells contain heavy metals and should never be discarded in household waste.

Note: Viral videos showing “growing strawberries with old batteries” are purely symbolic. This is neither feasible nor environmentally safe—please dispose of batteries through certified e-waste channels.

HTX Studio’s 2,000-hour experiment delivers a powerful message: today’s smartphones and battery management systems are remarkably intelligent, capable of handling complex real-world usage without compromising longevity.

Rather than restricting yourself with outdated “battery care rituals,” embrace the freedom that modern engineering provides. The biggest threat isn’t how you charge—it’s how hot your phone gets while doing it.

At Longhehui, we don’t just build high-performance batteries—we’re committed to empowering users with accurate knowledge. Because when you understand your battery, you can use your device with confidence, comfort, and peace of mind.

Your phone deserves a battery that understands it.
And you deserve to use it—freely.

— Longhehui, dedicated to lithium innovation, one charge at a time.