A Performance-based Comparison of Li-Ion and Flexible Battery Technologies in Smartphones

Smartphones are now ubiquitous devices, with their functionality and user contentment directly related to developments in energy storage technologies. Although lithium-ion (Li-ion) cells have been the prevalent technology by virtue of their high energy storage capability and well-developed manufacturing routes, their rigid form and temperature sensitivity are limiting factors for next-generation electronic formats. Flexible power sources, however, have appeared as a potential alternative in recent times with promising mechanical flexibility and potential performance advantages. We systematically analyze Li-ion and flexible batteries for smartphone integration, comparing chemistries, performance metrics, and design trade-offs.