The rainy season is about to end.
One thing to be aware of in summer is smartphone overheating.
Unlike laptops or desktop computers, smartphones cannot incorporate fans for air cooling (with the exception of some gaming phones).
Therefore, to dissipate heat externally, smartphones must rely on solid heat conduction or mechanisms like heat pipes.
Specifically, smartphones are designed to prevent temperature rises, using thermal interface materials, thermal conductive sheets, and vapor chambers to transfer heat from the heat-generating parts to the exterior. Additionally, since smartphones are often kept in pockets or come into contact with the skin, they are designed to avoid localized temperature increases.
When a smartphone overheats, it can cause issues such as slow video playback and increased power consumption.
If left unchecked, overheating may also affect the battery's lifespan.
Let's observe the overheating of a smartphone using an infrared camera.
Here is the state without charging and without video playback.
The red dots are hot spots. The side with the charging cable on the right is relatively high at 33.4°C.
The other parts range from 31.5°C to 33°C.
Next, here is the state with charging and video playback.
The charging cable is connected, and a YouTube video has been playing for about 5 minutes.
This time, the red dot (hot spot) has moved to the left side, rising to 34.4°C.
Other parts have also risen to 32.3°C to 34.2°C.
The temperature increases quite a bit in a short time.
Now, let's introduce some measures to counteract smartphone overheating or to prevent it from overheating.
1. **Do not charge while using the smartphone.**
The worst usage is charging while using the smartphone.
The battery heats up, and so does the CPU, leading to a compounded heating effect.
2. **Remove the case.**
Cases are usually made of plastic.
Since plastic has low thermal conductivity, it hinders heat dissipation.
Even with a metal case, if it doesn't make good thermal contact with the smartphone's body, it could still hinder heat dissipation.
3. **Organize apps that are rarely used.**
When working memory is under pressure,
It is often said, but it is best not to put your smartphone in the refrigerator or attach ice packs.
This can cause condensation and lead to malfunctions. Cooling below room temperature increases the likelihood of condensation. This is especially true in the high humidity of summer. For forced air cooling, using a cooling fan is fine.
At Bethel Corporation, we not only measure the thermal conductivity of materials used in smartphones but also offer temperature measurements using infrared cameras and thermocouples.
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
