On the basis of chemistry used for ions carrying electrolyte material, Lithium battery can be classified into Lithium Ion and Lithium Polymer.
Lithium ion battery uses liquid lithium ion as electrolyte while lithium polymer use solid or gelatin like polymers as electrolyte.
Lithium ion batteries have high energy density and cost less than lithium polymer. Lithium polymer batteries are light weight and have improved safety . However their cost is high (30% average) as compared to lithium ion. Also the the energy density of Li-Polymer battery compared to Li-Ion Batteries is quite less. Lithium ion batteries tend to lose charge with ageing even when not used, while Li- Polymer batteries retain charge for a longer period even while ageing.
This flow chart will clear the doubts:
Lithium polymer is more advanced but still have its own pros and cons and Lithium ion may be old but upgrading everyday with technology . so, we cannot say that lithium ion or lithium polymer is best for smartphone battery.
Considering the requirements of the smart phone in terms of weight, shape, size, energy density, usage etc , we have to decide, which is best in the case.
So which Power Bank to choose?
Both Lithium ion and Lithium – Polymer are good in certain areas. We all know that power banks are packed with batteries. So, to have a clear picture about which power bank is better, let us first understand what Lithium ion batteries and Lithium-Polymer batteries mean.
Lithium ion batteries – Better know as Li-ion batteries. These batteries are well known for their high energy densities (more power can be stored), they are cheap e when compared to Lithium Polymer battery. Lithium ion batteries lack the memory effect (when batteries become harder to change over time), suffers ageing when not in use. Li-ion batteries also have a history of explosions.
Li-Polymers batteries- Commonly knows as Li Po batteries. These batteries are generally robust and flexible, especially when it comes to the size and shape of their build. They are also lightweight, have an extremely low profile, and have a lower chance of suffering from leaking. On the other hand, when compared to Li-ion batteries, Li-Po batteries are more costly to the manufacturer and they have lower energy densities( lesser amount of power can be stored).
Now in terms of power banks, both Lithium ion and Lithium-polymer power banks have their Pros and Cons. Lithium-Polymer power banks can be considered safe and lightweight, but at they same time they are expensive and have a lower capacity. However, Li- ion power banks are of low cost and they a higher capacity but, they are prone to explosions and they start as the time passes.
If your budget is less than Rs.700 then go for Lithium ion power banks as they provide great value for money else go for Li-Polymer Power banks as they are more reliable.
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