Myths have been around for quite some time and (un)fortunately, they also extend to mobile phones. Today we take at look at common phone myths and conspiracy that may either be true or just mere misconceptions that people use or say out of ignorance.
For as long as mobile phones have been in existence, people have been divided about a certain feature or functionality of a certain phone. Whether they are true or not, they drive people into their decisions for phone choice when purchasing or just how they take care of their phones in general.
Here are some common misconceptions about our mobile devices and their actual reality:
Phone Myths
Phone Myths 101: “It’s a new phone. Let me charge it first before using”
Most people often think that once you unbox a phone, you must charge your phone to 100% before using to ensure that it works fine.
Verdict: False
Reality: You can if you want to, but it honestly is not a must. Modern smartphones use lithium-ion batteries, which don’t require an initial full charge. Most phone, fresh out the box, come with a partial charge of about 40-60% to ensure that you can use it right away. So you don’t necessarily need a full charge first.
Phone Myths 102: “It is water resistant so I can swim with it”
I know, I know. You’ve seen the underwater pictures of people in Ibiza or Mykonos, I’ve seen it as well. You also want to recreate, well, I do as well. But can you actually dip your “water resistant” phone in a swimming phone?
Verdict: It depends but in truth, it is actually false…
Reality: Now I am begging you with the kneeling down of an abiamo, water resistant does not equal water proof. The resistance usually only applies to a few splashes and in some high end phones, dipping it in for a few minutes or even seconds and it’s only restricted to a certain depth. Do not take your phone for a swim. Learn a sound lesson from this experience (opens YouTube video)
Get a waterproof bag if you need to or you can just take anyways, just ensure you stay tuned with Mobility Nigeria to get more info about your next phone.
Phone Myths 103: “Put it inside rice”
So, look at you. Just take a good look at yourself. Even after the warning, you still took your phone for a swim and now you can see some white lines that definitely is not part of your wallpaper. However, you read online that you can just put it inside rice and you’re good to go after a few days.
Verdict: False
Reality: While the rice can absorb some moisture, it is not a reliable or effective method for drying out a phone, and it can even cause more harm in some cases. The absorption is definitely limited as the rice cannot get to some certain ports and corners.
So what is best to do is to first put it off to prevent short-circuiting, take out the SIM card, memory card, and, if possible, the battery (though this is not possible with most modern smartphones) and it’s best to seek professional help.
Phone Myths 104: “The better the megapixels, the better the photos”
You might be of the opinion the more numbers the megapixels have, the better the picture.
Verdict: False
Reality: While megapixels do play a role in determining the resolution of an image, they are not the sole factor influencing the overall quality of a photo. The sensor size, for instance, is crucial as larger sensors can capture more light and detail, which contributes to better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Similarly, the aperture of the lens, which controls the amount of light entering the camera, plays a significant role. A larger aperture allows more light to reach the sensor, improving performance in dim environments and enabling better depth of field effects.
Here are some common phone myths that are actually true:
- Charging Your Phone Overnight Can Affect Battery Health: Modern phones are designed to stop charging once they reach 100%, but keeping them plugged in for extended periods can still degrade battery health over time.
- Extreme Temperatures Can Damage Your Phone: Both excessive heat and cold can negatively impact your phone’s performance and battery life. For example, leaving your phone in a hot car can cause it to overheat, while extreme cold can affect its battery life.
- Apps Running in the Background Consume Battery: Apps that continue running in the background can indeed drain your battery. This is especially true for apps that frequently update or use location services.
- Using Your Phone While Charging Can Slow Down Charging Speed: If you’re using your phone for intensive tasks while it’s charging, it can indeed slow down the charging process because the phone has to manage power between charging and processing tasks.
- Water Can Damage Your Phone: Even if a phone is labeled as water-resistant, submerging it in water or exposing it to heavy rain can still lead to damage over time, especially if the seals or protective layers degrade.
It is essential to distinguish between what is true and what is not when it comes to understanding phone technology. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions and prevents you from being misled or “bobo-ed” by so-called phone experts who may exploit common myths for their own benefit. By arming yourself with accurate information, you can navigate the often confusing world of tech advice, avoid unnecessary expenses, and ensure that you’re getting the best performance and value out of your devices.