How does high temperature affect smartphones?
Smartphone experts and manufacturers warn that high temperatures not only reduce performance but can also permanently shorten battery life.
Smartphones, tablets and many other personal electronic devices have become “inseparable” in modern life. However, few people notice that they are extremely sensitive to weather conditions, especially on hot days.
When the ambient temperature increases, not only the battery but also the processor, screen and internal components are under great pressure. This can lead to overheating, reduced performance, even sudden shutdown or permanently shortened battery life.
How does temperature affect smartphones?
Most electronic devices operate reliably within a certain temperature range, according to manufacturers. Apple says iPhones and iPads are designed to be used between 0 and 35 degrees Celsius. If they exceed this limit, the device may take actions to protect the hardware, such as slowing down performance, dimming the screen, or stopping charging. Apple even warns that using an iPhone in extremely hot conditions can permanently shorten battery life.
Even when not directly exposed to the environment, phones can get hot during operation. Samsung says the device may get temporarily hot when users are charging wirelessly, downloading large files, streaming high-quality videos, or running data- and power-intensive tasks. This is normal, but if the temperature gets too high, it can become dangerous.
If the phone gets so hot that it becomes difficult to hold, experts recommend stopping use immediately. On iPhones, users will receive a warning asking them to cool the device before continuing.
Similarly, Android devices will also send notifications and take protective measures such as automatically closing apps, dimming the screen, and pausing charging. These measures help limit hardware damage but also disrupt the user experience.
Common mistakes to avoid
There are many seemingly harmless habits that can damage your phone in hot weather. Apple and Google both warn users not to leave their devices in cars when it’s hot, and to avoid exposing them to direct sunlight for long periods of time. Charging your phone while using resource-intensive features like GPS, camera, or high-graphics games in hot conditions increases the risk of overheating.
Another mistake many people make is trying to cool their phones by putting them in the fridge or freezer. Experts from the UK electronics retailer Currys have stressed that this can cause condensation inside, leading to permanent damage to the components.
How to keep your device cool
The simplest and most effective solution to an overheating phone is to turn it off completely. Experts say that even background processes generate heat, so turning it off will help the device cool down faster. Removing the case can also help, as the case tends to retain heat, making it take longer for the phone to cool down.
In addition, keep the phone in a cool place, away from direct sunlight. If possible, keep it in an air-conditioned room or in front of a fan to help the device stabilize its temperature quickly. However, users should be careful not to leave the phone in an environment that is too cold to avoid thermal shock or damage due to condensation.
As climate change causes heat waves to become more severe, protecting your phone and personal electronic devices not only helps maintain a smooth user experience but also avoids the risk of long-term damage to the battery and hardware.
Instead of abusing the durability of technology, users should proactively take precautions by applying safe habits, so that their devices do not become "silent victims" of extreme weather./.