Buzz
Using a phone while charging has long been a common question among users. Regarding the safety of this habit, various conflicting opinions have been voiced over the years.
Wondering if it's safe to use your smartphone while charging? How does it affect your long-term experience with your device? Let's delve into it with 24h technology in the article below!
Can you use your smartphone while charging?
My answer is yes. Most smartphones nowadays are designed to be usable even when they're charging.
However, phone manufacturers often advise using genuine charging accessories that come with the device or certified chargers from manufacturers if you frequently use your device while it's charging.
To be honest with you, I'm also someone who frequently uses my phone while it's charging. I've come to realize that using your phone while it's charging can have some effects on both you and your device!
The effects on your device
Reduces charging speed
The charger provides direct current to charge your smartphone battery. When you're not using your phone while it's charging, most of the energy goes directly into the phone's battery. Hence, the charging speed of the phone is relatively fast.
When you use your phone while it's charging, the charger has to directly supply energy to power the phone's software, leaving only a portion of the energy for the battery. As a result, it will reduce your battery charging time!
Causes phone overheating
Extended usage of your phone (especially for gaming, internet browsing, etc.) can lead to phone overheating due to increased heat dissipation. Components within your phone may get damaged due to operating at high temperatures.
High temperatures have also been proven to be one of the reasons for slowing down the phone's processor and GPU speed. Moreover, high temperatures can also lead to battery swelling or deformation.
Increases the risk of charging cable damage
Using your phone while it's charging inevitably involves using your phone while on the move. This action can twist or break the charging cable, affecting the phone charging process.
Frequently stretching the charging cable can interrupt the flow of electricity, damage the connectors, and affect the charger's connection.
The impacts on you
Electrical leakage
To prevent the risks of electric shock, phone damage, and other hazards, ensure that around your phone, charger, power socket, and even your hands are not damp.
If you feel numb or experience tingling sensations while using your phone while it's charging, check if your charging accessories and your hands are dry. If you still feel the sensation of electric shock, your phone charger may be of poor quality and you should discard it immediately.
Effects on the brain
While charging your phone, it's advisable not to place it near your head. This is because the device emits low-level radiation that can potentially harm your brain if you frequently place the phone near your head while charging or receiving calls.
Some reports also suggest that the components of the heart may be affected in the long term by your phone itself. Additionally, placing the phone against your ear to listen to calls during charging can also result in electric shocks.
Risk of explosion
From my personal perspective, it's actually unlikely for a phone to explode while charging. Most cases of phone explosions stem from phones of questionable quality or faulty phone batteries from the manufacturing stage.
Faulty phone batteries can also be the cause of issues like phone overheating, battery swelling, and slow charging.
Conclusion
While you can safely use your phone while charging, it's advisable to limit and be cautious about it. Simple tasks shouldn't affect the charging process.
However, I don't recommend indulging in gaming or extensive web browsing during charging. Another crucial aspect is to use genuine accessories and devices recommended and certified by the manufacturer.
Learn more:
- Swollen phone battery - Causes and effective remedies.
- 6 reasons behind slow smartphone charging and extremely easy fixes.
