Ever since fast charging came to be, there have been questions about it being detrimental to the battery life of smartphones. More so, there have been questions lingering over the effects of wireless chargers on battery life as well.
Wired/Cable charging has been around since time immemorial and it doesn’t pose any harm to your battery life, except of course you use a fake or faulty charger. The same cannot be said for its wireless counterpart. That said, let’s weigh in on what will actually influence the longevity of your phone battery.
What Accelerates the Aging of Phone Batteries?
Phone batteries over time naturally wane even with the best usage practices just like every other battery cell in existence. It doesn’t matter if you use a fast phone charger or not. However, there are factors that would make your battery age faster and they are listed below.
A. Frequency of Charging
Contrary to the common ideology, leaving your smartphone plugged in for a long time or overnight doesn’t cause the battery to overcharge or over-discharge. This is because there is an upper and lower limit that is put in place by most phone manufacturers. This causes your phone to stop charging when the battery is full, no matter how long it is plugged in and it goes off if your battery is down to a certain point.
However, the downside here has to do with “charge cycles” which vary for different batteries. A charge cycle is completed when you charge and discharge your battery by 100% cumulatively or at once. For example, using your phone battery from 100% to 0% and charging it back to 100% is a charge cycle the same as using it from 100% – 50% twice.
There is a certain number of charge cycles that your battery will undergo before it starts to decline in capacity. For example, the iPhone 11 battery life is 500 charge cycles after which it retains 80% of its original capacity according to Apple.
The more discharge and charge cycle your smartphone battery goes through, the closer it gets to the max charge cycle count or the faster your battery ages. Overcharging and over-discharge, in this case, works in tandem and has to do with the frequency of charging and discharge.
B. Overheating
Besides not being good for your battery, overheating is bad for all other parts of your phone because of the destructive effect it has on them. Anything above 30 degrees celsius will cause the degradation of the Lithium ions in the battery leading to it age faster. It might even cause your battery to explode or swell up because of the sensitivity of Lithium batteries to heat.
C. High Current
This can be a problem if it gets to your smartphone as it can cause your battery to swell, heat up or explode. However, most chargers detect the smartphone’s max current intake and will only supply the amount the phone can take. More so, there is a fail-safe on most smartphones to regulate high current coming into the smartphone.
What’s Fast Wireless Charging
The whole concept behind the functionality of wireless charging is induction. Wireless chargers are able to charge devices using electromagnetic field (EMF) created by an induction coil in the charger. Fast wireless charging is able to create a stronger electromagnetic field which creates more power that charges the battery faster.
Wireless charging has the reputation of not being the fastest way to charge your phone . However, there is something called “Wireless Fast Chargers” that can top up your battery faster. To use them, your smartphone has to support fast wireless charging —a quicker version of wireless charging by supplying more power.
The specified power delivery varies for different Fast Wireless charging as well as the technology behind it. For instance, the fast wireless charging power for Huawei P30 Pro is 15W , Samsung Galaxy Note10 is 12W, and for iPhone 11 is 7.5W.
Why fast wireless charging kills phone battery life faster
Wireless charging ordinarily has always had its own downsides alongside its numerous perks. In that regard, wireless charging (fast or regular) poses a threat to the battery life of your phone. Nonetheless, there are still advantages like ease of use, wide compatibility and not having to deal with wires anymore at least not directly. That being said, using the latest Apple phone as a case study, let’s see why your iPhone battery life can be affected by fast wireless charging.
Fast wireless charging means you use up the charge cycles (from 0%-100%) more quickly
As earlier mentioned, charge cycle is the total number of accumulated charges and discharges that account for 100 percent of the battery capacity. Every battery has the number of charge cycles it will go through before it starts to reduce in capacity. Charging with a micro USB or USB-C cable powers the smartphone (at least its major functions) while filling up the battery, thereby giving the battery a period of rest during charge.
On the other hand, wireless charging only charges the battery while it still powering the smartphone. In other words, it undergoes charging and discharging which ends up reducing the number of charge cycles left for the battery.
Fast wireless charging generates more heat which is bad for the battery
Wireless charging operates on the science of induction, a process that demands that the charger creates an electromagnetic field using the induction coils present. On getting to the receiving coil at the back of your smartphone, it is converted to an electrical current that charges the battery.
In comparison to wired charging, this process generates more heat and even more so when more power is involved as in the case of fast wireless charging, invariably posing greater harm to your battery.
Tips to slow down the aging of phone battery
1.Avoid full cycle/depletion
Using up your smartphone battery all the way down to the 0 percent mark is not a healthy habit if you want a long battery life for your phone. According to BatteryUniversity , lithium-ion batteries work best above 50% and full depletion will get the battery closer and closer to its max charge cycle count.
2. Avoid overnight charging
Leaving your smartphone plugged in even after it is fully charged is one of those habits many people engage in . While this might be a good idea because you want to start your day with a full battery but doing so creates unnecessary tension in your battery.
Also, it results in the plating of metallic lithium that gets in the way of the proper functioning of your battery as well as causing it to heat up due to residue power dissipation.
3. Avoid hot places and don’t cover your phone when charging
Lithium batteries are sensitive to heat and when your battery gets hot it begins to degrade/lose capacity. Furthermore, charging your battery generates a little heat and even more so when fast charge is involved, leaving your smartphone in hot places or covered will most definitely lead to overheating.
4. Don’t charge up to 100%. Stop at 80-90%
Studies have shown that not fully charging your smartphone is actually good for your battery as it increases the number of charge cycles before battery capacity starts to go down. For lithium-based batteries, keeping your battery between 50 – 80 percent will prevent increased battery capacity decay with progressive charge cycles.
5. Use certified fast charger and cable
It is very important that you verify the authenticity of your phone accessories especially your charger. Besides the obvious safety reasons and phone damage that might happen, an uncertified ‘fast charger’ might just end up taking more time to charge your devices. In the case of USB cables, the charger must be USB-IF certified and for lightning cables, it has to be Apple MFI certified.
Qi wireless standard is what most smartphones use and for wireless chargers either fast or not, it has to be WPC (Wireless Power Consortium) certified.
Conclusion
Does fast wireless charging have its downsides? Yes, but your battery has a half-life already and its capacity will eventually reduce with time. However, the comfort and ease coupled with fast charging is enough reason to jump on the wireless bandwagon. Plus, having the right charger designed to offer the best possible wireless charging experience together with the tips above should help you keep your battery afloat.
Odunayo Ezekiel is a consumer tech writer based in Nigeria with deep experience in the country’s fast-evolving tech ecosystem. From smartphones and apps to fintech and local startups, he brings sharp insight and a user-first perspective to every story. At Dignited.com, Odunayo covers the trends, tools, and innovations shaping how Nigerians—and Africans at large—experience technology.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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