Marques Brownlee, known by the username @mkbhd, along with several of his contemporaries, observed that the batteries in their older Samsung devices were swelling at a significantly quicker pace compared to those from other manufacturers. The crucial term here is “quicker pace,” as it suggests that while batteries from other brands can also swell, their swelling occurs at a more gradual speed.
A swollen battery is one of the most evident indicators that a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery might be on the verge of exploding. Even when a device is turned off, the battery keeps draining, though at a lesser rate. Eventually, it will completely discharge, reaching a point of deep discharge. At this stage, the situation can become perilous. Marques explains that during this inactive phase, the battery’s electrolytes progressively evaporate. This process generates gases, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen, which can accumulate over time, leading to a visible bulge on the device due to the resulting internal pressure.
Therefore, it’s time to retrieve your old smartphone from the drawer, closet, or cabinet where it’s been stored for years, and inspect it to make sure it’s not a fire hazard. Naturally, the most prudent choice would be to sell or recycle any devices you no longer foresee using.