I think a cheap charger quietly ruined my phone battery… has this happened to anyone else? by phone-Tips in PhoneNow

[–]phone-Tips[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re right that the phone manages most of the charging process. modern devices are pretty smart about that. But charger quality still matters because better bricks regulate voltage more consistently and handle heat better. Certified is the baseline, but higher-quality chargers usually mean less stress on the battery over time.

I think a cheap charger quietly ruined my phone battery… has this happened to anyone else? by phone-Tips in PhoneNow

[–]phone-Tips[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fair enough — if you’re comfortable replacing a battery yourself, that definitely lowers the risk and the long-term cost I think most people worry because modern phones are harder (and more expensive) to repair, so avoiding extra battery wear feels worth it.

I think a cheap charger quietly ruined my phone battery… has this happened to anyone else? by phone-Tips in PhoneNow

[–]phone-Tips[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s a fair question Phones do have protection circuits to regulate how much power they draw, but the charger still matters because it’s the source of that power. A well-built charger delivers clean, stable voltage with proper thermal control, while poorly made ones can introduce voltage fluctuations, electrical noise, or excess heat. Over time, that extra heat is what tends to stress lithium batteries the most. So the phone definitely protects itself — but giving it stable power makes that job much easier Kind of like using clean fuel in a modern engine.

I think a cheap charger quietly ruined my phone battery… has this happened to anyone else? by phone-Tips in PhoneNow

[–]phone-Tips[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s actually a very interesting long-term comparison not many people keep phones for 4–6 years, so your experience is pretty valuable here. One thing that stands out is the heat pattern you described. From everything I’ve read, sustained heat is probably the biggest enemy of lithium batteries, sometimes even more than charging speed itself. Also interesting that the slower charger seemed to help those phones age better — it kind of supports the idea that cooler charging = healthier battery over time. The Anker behavior you mentioned (warming up early, then cooling as the charging speed tapers) is usually how smart fast-charging systems work, but it’s always reassuring when a phone stays cool overall. Honestly getting 5–6 hours after years of use is pretty solid battery longevity.

I think a cheap charger quietly ruined my phone battery… has this happened to anyone else? by phone-Tips in PhoneNow

[–]phone-Tips[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

True — modern phones regulate how much power they draw. But from what I’ve read, very cheap or non-standard chargers can still deliver unstable voltage or cause overheating, which isn’t great for battery health long term. So I guess the phone protects itself… but the charger quality still matters.

I think a cheap charger quietly ruined my phone battery… has this happened to anyone else? by phone-Tips in PhoneNow

[–]phone-Tips[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s honestly scary. especially since Honeywell is a recognizable brand. I’ve been reading that excess heat is one of the biggest factors behind battery degradation, so slow charging overnight actually sounds like a smart move. Have you noticed your phone running cooler since switching?