How to determine which battery is new one?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods to determine which of two mobile phone batteries is newer based on voltage measurements and other techniques. Participants explore various approaches, including voltage testing, internal resistance measurement, and examining serial numbers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests measuring the voltage of both batteries, noting that Battery A has 3.86V and Battery B has 3.77V, and asks if this can indicate which battery is newer.
  • Another participant proposes charging both batteries to 100% and using a resistor to measure voltage under load, indicating that a better battery will show a smaller voltage drop.
  • A participant questions the suitability of a specific multimeter for measuring battery performance and seeks suggestions.
  • One participant asserts that checking the serial numbers on the batteries may help identify the newer one, suggesting that the battery with the larger serial number is likely the newer battery.
  • Another participant agrees with the serial number approach but cautions that voltage alone may not be a reliable indicator, as older batteries can still charge to their maximum voltage.
  • One participant recommends testing which battery lasts longer in use as a practical method for determining the newer battery and mentions measuring internal resistance as another option.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the reliability of voltage measurements for determining battery age. Some propose alternative methods, such as checking serial numbers or measuring internal resistance, indicating that there is no consensus on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of fully charging the batteries before testing and the potential for variations in voltage readings among new batteries, which may affect the reliability of conclusions drawn from voltage measurements.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in battery maintenance, mobile technology users, and those seeking practical methods for evaluating battery performance may find this discussion relevant.

space0
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I have 2 batteries for my mobile, and forget which one is new and old.
The standard volt is 3.6 V, and I measure the voltage using any standard electric meter.
Battery A has 3.86V
Battery B has 3.77V

Does anyone have any suggestions on whether it is possible determine the new battery based on measured volt or not?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions :>
 
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Can you charge both to 100%? Otherwise, I would expect the charge state to be more significant than the age.
Do you have a small resistor? Something like ~50 Ohm. Connect it to the two terminals, and measure the voltage while the load is applied. A better battery will have a smaller voltage drop compared to the setup without load.
 
I get following meter, will it be possible to measure it using this device?

Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks you very much for any suggestions :>

Meter
http://www.uni-trend.com/UT10a.html

Manual
http://www.uni-trend.com/manual2/UT10A%20Eng%20Manual.pdf
 
Last edited by a moderator:
That is a simple voltage measurement, every multimeter can do that.
 
space0 said:
I have 2 batteries for my mobile, and forget which one is new and old.
The standard volt is 3.6 V, and I measure the voltage using any standard electric meter.
Battery A has 3.86V
Battery B has 3.77V

Does anyone have any suggestions on whether it is possible determine the new battery based on measured volt or not?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions :>


Yeah... look at the serial numbers on each battery. I'd bet the larger serial number is the newer battery.
 
pullmanwa said:
Yeah... look at the serial numbers on each battery. I'd bet the larger serial number is the newer battery.

there we go ! what a brilliant answer :smile:

you really cannot go by voltage as the older battery may still be capable of charging to its new condition maximum. And apart from that, there's likely to be minor variations in full charge voltage of new batteries anyway!

Dave
 
The best way is to see which lasts longer in the cell phone.

The only other way I know of is to measure the internal resistance by applying a load and measuring the change in voltage.
Both batteries should be fully charged and then partially discharged to around 3.7V. Then measure the voltage drop when you apply a 33 ohm resistor. The lower voltage drop is the better battery.
 

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