The load optimization is a key feature in Android 15 that promises to extend the life of smartphone batteries by controlling how and when devices are charged.
As in other systems, such as iOS, this option seeks to minimize battery degradation by preventing it from remaining at 100% for long periods. With growing concerns about the performance and durability of batteries in smartphones, this feature has become a central element of discussion.
Android 15 offers two main charging optimization options: Adaptive load and Limit at 80%. Both approaches aim to reduce the rate at which the battery degrades, but they do so in different ways and with their respective pros and cons.
1. Adaptive loading
Adaptive charging is a feature that’s been around since December 2020, and on Android 15, it’s still a solid option for maintaining battery health. This mode It works by charging the device normally up to 80% and then stops charging until about an hour before the user usually unplugs the phone, thus completing the charge to 100%.
This approach It is ideal for users who charge their phones primarily at night. Adaptive charging uses data from the user’s charging behavior and usage habits to determine when to resume charging. Although it may take a few days or weeks to adapt, once configured correctly, it allows you to take advantage of the full capacity of the battery while protecting your long-term health.
2. Limit to 80%
The “Limit to 80%” mode is new in Android 15. As its name suggests, this feature stops charging when the battery level reaches 80%. The idea behind this is simple: by keeping the battery away from its maximum capacity, you reduce the battery’s exposure to high voltages, which is a major cause of lithium-ion battery degradation.
Once the 80% limit is active, a shield-shaped icon appears next to the battery in the status barindicating that the charging process has finished. Although this feature limits the time the battery spends in the highest charge range, it also means that the user will give up 20% of the battery’s capacity, which can result in shorter usage times between charges.
Benefits of load optimization
The main advantage of loading optimization in Android 15 is the battery health preservation. Although you can’t completely prevent your battery from degrading over time, you can significantly slow down this process. Keeping the battery at levels below 100% reduces the pressure on the lithium-ion cells, prolonging their life.
In addition to long-term benefits, these features can also reduce maintenance costs. While replacing a dead battery is relatively inexpensive (on a Google Pixel, it can cost about $60 in replacement parts), the labor costs and associated inconvenience can be considerable. It should also be kept in mind that severe battery degradation can negatively affect the resale value of a device, especially if it presents problems such as unexpected shutdowns.
Which option is better: Adaptive charging or 80% limit?
Both modes have their positive aspectsbut the choice will depend on the user’s usage pattern. Adaptive charging is a great option if you usually charge your phone overnight. It allows you to fully charge the device without drastically affecting the health of the battery, since the phone does not remain at 100% for hours.
On the other hand, the 80% limit is more effective at preserving battery health, but comes with a loss of capacity that can be a drawback for users who require maximum daily performance from their battery. If your usage is heavy or you prefer to have access to the maximum battery capacity, you may prefer to alternate between this option and full charging depending on your needs.
Keep reading:
– Smart fast charging: what it is and how it helps extend the life of your phone
– It is convenient to use fast charging on a cell phone
– How to speed up the charging process of your cell phone