One of the most common issues for any smartphone user involves the device’s battery. We already covered how you can keep the battery lasting longer, but let’s go into another issue: charging it.
Whether it’s based off their own experiences or through research, most smartphone users know how to properly charge their phones but the same problems still exist. From overheating batteries to phones refusing to power on, a lot of these issues come off as battery-related in the long run.
So, how can we charge our phones the right way? Well, here are some things you can do that can address your battery charging issues.
Use the charger that comes with your phone
Every phone comes with its own charger and accessories. If you’ve been a user of the same line of Android smartphones or iPhones, these things are no different to you. The natural thing to do is to simply reuse the same charger across multiple devices. But, there is a reason why that charger was bundled with that phone.
Companies provide you with a charger that best fits the electrical capacity needed to charge your phone, and you should seriously consider using them. Ideally, both the power brick and the charging cable were designed specifically for your smartphone. Using another phone charger or a generic one could pose dangers to the battery, and to the phone in the long run. Also, take note if your phone uses fast charging so you have a reason to use the charger that came in the box.
Don’t do a 100 to 0 all the time
You’ve come across people who have told you to discharge your phone completely, especially if it’s a new one. These same people have also told you that doing so is actually good for your phone’s battery. The truth, however, is that your battery will eventually discharge faster, even if they will charge faster or at the same rate. Battery University, a website run by battery company Cadex, calls this process “deep discharge.”
It’s better to keep your battery’s charge level at a workable percentage before even thinking of plugging in the charger. If you subject your phone’s battery to a deep discharge, there is a higher chance that you will gradually reduce its lifespan. It’s also recommended that the workable percentage shouldn’t be too low (experts say below 30 percent) as it has the same effect.
Don’t keep your phone charging until 100
There are people who also tell you to charge your phone until you hit the 100 percent mark. Sure, it means that you have proof that your battery is full — and who wouldn’t want that? What you probably don’t know is that doing this adds stress to the battery, which damages it in the long run.
As much as possible, charge your batteries up to a safe percentage. While it would be good to go all the way to 100, working with 80 to 90 percent would already be fine. If you want to maximize your battery life, you can always look up ways to save your battery.
It’s not advisable to charge overnight
Charging your phone overnight is a common practice. At the end of the day, you would want to treat your phone the way you treat yourself: getting enough charge for the activities that lie ahead. So, the logical thing to do is to plug in the phone charger and let it reach 100 percent overnight.
But as mentioned earlier, going all the way to 100 might not be a good idea. Even if your battery reaches its full capacity, a lot of “trickle charges” come into play while your charger is still plugged in overnight. These trickle charges keep your phone at 100 percent as it fills in for the charges that your phone naturally loses. When that happens, you’re just adding more stress to the battery.
Charge when you can, little by little
Instead of charging it overnight, charging it periodically would be the way to go. Plug the charger as often as you would want to within the day, up to a workable percentage for you. It’s also good to keep your phone charged for short bursts of time to keep your device up and running the whole day. While it seems impractical, doing this does not have any harmful effects to your phone’s battery.
Usually a stickler for grand launches, Apple has jumped the gun and unleased the iPhone 17e ahead of its scheduled event on March 4.
The iPhone 17e will build on the tradition started by the iPhone 16e, itself an evolution of the iPhone SE lineup. Like its predecessor, the newest member of the iPhone lineup will meld affordability with the classic iOS experience.
Inside, the iPhone 17e is powered by the A19 chip, the same one powering the main iPhone 17 series. It will also feature the latest-generation C1X modem, which promises to be twice as fast as the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e.
Meanwhile, outside the iPhone 17e is a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, sporting Ceramic Shield 2, which offers thrice as much scratch resistance compared to the previous generation, and up to 1200 nits of brightness. For durability, it has an IP68 rating.
You won’t find the large camera island in this iPhone, but it will still rock a capable 48-megapixel Fusion camera, paired with a 2x Telephoto lens. It’s capable of shooting 4K Dolby Vision videos, up to 60 frames per second.
You’ll also find the traditional fare of iPhone accoutrements including MagSafe, Emergency SOS, and Roadside Assistance.
Finally, the iPhone 17e’s battery features an all-day battery life, which can charge up to 50 percent in only 30 minutes using the USB-C charger.
Price, availability
The iPhone 17e will be available for preorder starting March 4 and will be available starting March 11. It will have three colorway options: black, white, and soft pink. You can grab it in 256GB and 512GB configurations. It starts at US$ 599 (or PhP 44,990).
News
Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi Pad 8 series price, availability in PH
Xiaomi’s latest flagship devices have arrived
Xiaomi has officially launched its latest flagship smartphone series, the Xiaomi 17, in the Philippines. The lineup consists of two models: the Xiaomi 17 and the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
Customers can get the Xiaomi 17 in four color options: Alpine Pink, Ice Blue, Venture Green, and Black. The base model is available via Lazada, Shopee, and Xiaomi authorized stores for the following prices:
- 12GB+256GB: PhP 49,999 (from 53,999) until March 19
- 12GB+512GB: PhP 53,999 (from 55,999) until March 19
Early purchases also come with the following perks:
- Up to PhP 4,000 off on Shopee
- Up to PhP 2,000 off on Lazada
- Free Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm worth PhP 7,799
- Chance to win a Leica Q3 worth PhP417,000 (only one entry per customer per purchase)
Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is available at PhP 84,999 for the 16GB+512GB configuration. That’s a generous reduction from its base price of PhP 99,999.
Exclusive Shopee online perks until March 19 include:
- Free Xiaomi Watch 5 worth PhP 18,999
- Free Xiaomi Photography Kit
- Raffle entry to win Leica Q3
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra features an outstanding camera system, making it one of the best camera-focused flagships available now.
It comes with a 50MP f/1.67 main Leica Optical Summilux high-speed lens, with a large 1-inch sensor size.
This camera is complemented by a 50MP f/2.2 ultra-wide camera and a 200MP f/2.39~2.96 telephoto camera with 3.2x~4.3x continuous optical zoom. The latter uses a 1/1.4-inch Samsung ISOCELL sensor.
The Ultra is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, and has a large 6.9-inch 120Hz 2k display.
For a comprehensive review, read here: Forget the Phone: Xiaomi 17 Ultra Is A CAMERA!
On the other hand, the Xiaomi 17 has a more compact 6.3-inch design, Leica triple cameras, a 6,330mAh battery with support for 100W charging, and the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.
Xiaomi Pad 8 series
In addition to Xiaomi’s latest flagships, the company has also launched its latest premium tablet locally.
The Xiaomi Pad 8 series is now available in the Pad 8 and Pad 8 Pro variants. Both come in Pine Green, Gray, and Blue color options. Exclusive pre-order bundles are available until March 26:
- Pad 8 Pro: PhP 36,999 (from 38,999) with Touch Keyboard, free Focus Pen Pro
- Pad 8: PhP 27,999 (from 29,999) with Normal Keyboard, free Focus Pen Pro
In addition, there is also a Matte Glass version available from PhP 45,999.
The Xiaomi Pad 8 has an 11.2-inch 144Hz IPS LCD display with ample 3.2K resolution, 345ppi pixel density, and 800 nits peak brightness.
It comes in a lightweight body at 485 grams, and is even thinner than its predecessor at 5.75mm. The slate is also equipped with a 9,200mAh battery for longer use.
Professional workflows are likewise supported with integrated WPS Office PC.
Meanwhile, the Pad 8 Pro is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite. It even has a 50MP rear camera, 32MP front camera, and up to 512GB of storage, as well as 67W HyperCharge.
For the full review, read here: Xiaomi Pad 8 review: Slab that slaps!
News
vivo opens pre-orders for V70 in PH; discounts, more await
Pre-order early for discounts and freebies
The vivo V70 is now available for pre-order in the Philippines, with discounts and more freebies awaiting customers until March 13.
The latest V series smartphone from the brand retails starting at PhP 31,999, available in Golden Hour and Alpine Gray colorways.
Customers who secure their unit early can enjoy a PhP 2,000 off discount, as well as limited-edition freebies.
Freebies include a vivo VIP Card with 6-month extended warranty and 6-month broken screen insurance. Customers will also take home a vivo Buds Air3.
Meanwhile, those availing through Home Credit can get an additional PhP 500 discount, available until April 30. Buyers can take home the V70 for as low as PhP 42 per day at 18 months 0% interest installment.
Bring the stage closer
The vivo V70 features helpful tools for travel, concerts, and other occasions, with its familiar 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera leading the way.
This telephoto camera has a pro-grade, 1/1.95-inch sensor and OIS for sharper shots in low-light and challenging conditions. Its advanced periscope design also allows for higher zoom levels without adding bulk.
The shooter is coupled with a 1/1.56-inch 50MP ZEISS main camera. There is also an 8MP ZEISS ultra-wide angle camera and a 50MP ZEISS Group Selfie Camera.
The vivo V70 also features AI Stage Mode, 4K 60fps video, and AI-powered editing tools for creative content and storytelling.
Particularly, the new AI Stage Mode is tuned for stage photography. Shots are enhanced by AI Image Portrait Enhancement Algorithm and AI Style Portrait Technology.
As with previous iterations of the V series, the latest handset is also equipped with ZEISS Multifocal Portrait, along with options like 85mm ZEISS Sonnar Style Bokeh or 100mm Close-Up Portrait in ZEISS Planar Style.
And for the first time in the V series, the phone introduces 4K 60fps video for cinematic and smooth captures.
Apple announces the iPad Air with the M4 chip
Apple unveils the iPhone 17e
Xiaomi launches latest ecosystem devices: Watch 5, Redmi Buds 8 Pro, more
Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi Pad 8 series price, availability in PH
TECNO showcases cool concepts at MWC 2026
Xiaomi 17 Ultra is now available outside China
TECNO will showcase the CAMON 50 and POVA 8 series at MWC 2026
PlayStation, LE SSERAFIM Chaewon team for the ‘Love of Play’ campaign
The art of being in and behind the frame
HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S 2026: The better-than-ever 4-in-1 productivity tablet
-
News2 days agoXiaomi 17 Ultra is now available outside China
-
Camera Walkthrough1 week agoOPPO Reno15 Pro: Camera Review
-
First Look2 weeks agoMatch Pulse: Infinix NOTE 60 Pro
-
Cameras2 weeks agoOsmo Pocket 4 makes a surprising appearance in public
-
Gaming2 weeks agoLG unveils UltraGear evo, redefines 5K gaming with AI Upscaling
-
News2 weeks agoiPhone 17 Pro Max is somehow the most traded-in phone today
-
News2 weeks agoHUAWEI launches Mate X7, MatePad 11.5 S 2026, FreeClip 2
-
Gaming2 weeks agoPlayStation 6 reportedly delayed to 2029 because of RAM shortage