Cell phone batteries demystified

Original vs third-party power packs

Mobile phone users are often advised to purchase original batteries. But judging from the streetside stalls sprouting all over the island, third-party batteries appear to enjoy a thriving trade. With some original batteries selling at twice the price of third-party ones, it's not hard to see why.

But before you figure on getting a third-party battery, take a closer look at the product package.

Third-party batteries may claim higher capacities (measured in mAh), but the actual talk and standby times may be shorter compared to original batteries. An industry professional suggested that this was because of the poorer heat management in third-party batteries. Energy loss would be higher when the battery is overheated.

If you do intend to buy a third-party battery, check out the various brands on the market. Acson is a popular brand, and is carried in some big electronics stores such as Harvey Norman. Some of the streetsellers also carry less-established brands like SunPower and MegaPower. Some of the inferior third-party batteries may not have gone through sufficient laboratory testing.

Most shops carry only the most popular type of replacement batteries, Lithium-ion, for the more popular phones like the Nokia 8210 and Ericsson T28. So if you are looking for nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) or Lithium-polymer (Li-Po) batteries, you may have to go for the original.

Battery types explained