Tablet Battery Application
With the accelerated trend of mobile office, education, and entertainment, tablets have become an indispensable portable device for users. So, what kind of battery can meet the strict requirements of modern tablets for high performance, lightweight portability, and fast response?
Tablet Battery Guide | How to Choose the Battery for Your Tablet Device?
1、What is a Tablet Battery?
A tablet battery is typically a lithium-ion (Li-ion) or lithium-polymer (Li-Polymer) battery specifically designed for slim and lightweight consumer electronic devices. These batteries feature high energy density, a thin and lightweight form factor, long cycle life, and enhanced safety. They are commonly manufactured using customized PACK assembly processes to seamlessly integrate with the mainboard, battery compartment, and thermal management modules.Main features are as follows:
- Voltage range: Common nominal voltages are 3.7V / 3.8V / 3.85V (single-cell), while some high-performance models use 7.4V (two-cell series).
Capacity range: Typically between 3000mAh and 10000mAh, usually customized based on device model.
Packaging type: Primarily soft pack cells (aluminum-plastic laminated pouch).
2、What are the core requirements for tablet batteries?
Compared to other common consumer electronics, tablets impose more comprehensive and stringent performance requirements on batteries.
2.1 High Energy Density
2.2 Thin, Lightweight, and Customizable Dimensions
2.3 Long Cycle Life
Tablets are used frequently in daily life. Batteries are generally required to support ≥500 charge cycles, while higher-end products demand cells that can handle 800–1000+ cycles, ensuring stable use for more than two years.
2.4 Safety and Quality Consistency
The battery must pass relevant national safety tests and any required specialized certifications. At the same time, there must be strict control over consistency in key parameters such as dimensions, capacity, voltage, and internal resistance.
2.5 Fast-Charging Capability
New-generation tablets support 18W, 30W, or even 45W fast charging. The battery must support corresponding charge rates, commonly in the 3C–5C range.
2.6 Adaptability to Harsh Environments
Tablet batteries must offer good temperature adaptability, supporting operation from –20°C to +60°C to meet the needs of global climate conditions. In high-humidity or corrosive environments, the battery packaging must be moisture-proof and corrosion-resistant. For industrial use, the battery should also have shock and pressure resistance.
3、Common Tablet Battery Types and Comparison
Tablets mainly use two types of batteries: lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries and lithium-polymer (Li-Polymer) pouch batteries. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages and is suitable for different categories of tablet products.
| Battery Type | Advantages | Disadvantages | Suitable Device Types |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lithium-Polymer Battery (Li-Po) |
Ultra-thin, lightweight, customizable in size and shape, high energy density, excellent safety performance |
Relatively higher cost, strict requirements on packaging and consistency |
High-end entertainment tablets, industrial tablets, educational terminals |
|
Lithium-Ion Battery (Li-ion) |
Relatively low cost, good consistency, standardized structure, long lifespan |
Relatively lower energy density |
Industrial control tablets, specialized handheld devices |
Some tablets also adopt a two-cell series (2S) lithium battery configuration to provide higher operating voltage, thereby enhancing overall system processing performance and charging efficiency.
4、Why Are Lithium-Polymer Batteries Preferred for Tablets?
Lithium-polymer (Li-Po) batteries dominate the tablet industry due to their soft-pack structure and customizable dimensions. Their advantages include:
4.1 High Safety
Leak-proof: Lithium-polymer batteries typically use a polymer electrolyte, which is either solid or gel-like, unlike liquid lithium-ion batteries that contain liquid electrolytes. This eliminates the risk of electrolyte leakage. Even under external pressure or impact, the battery remains relatively stable.
Excellent thermal stability: Polymer electrolytes offer better thermal stability and are less likely to undergo violent chemical reactions at high temperatures compared to liquid electrolytes. This significantly reduces the risk of thermal runaway, fire, or explosion. Even in extreme cases such as internal short circuits, Li-Po batteries usually only exhibit swelling rather than catching fire or exploding like liquid lithium-ion batteries.
4.2 High Energy Density
Volumetric energy density: Lithium-polymer batteries offer high volumetric energy density, allowing them to store more energy in the same volume. This translates to longer battery life for tablets, meeting users’ needs for extended usage and reducing charging frequency.
Gravimetric energy density: They also have high gravimetric energy density, making them lighter than traditional liquid lithium-ion batteries. This helps reduce the overall weight of the tablet, improving portability and enhancing user experience.
4.3 Customizable Dimensions
Adaptable to tablet designs: Tablets often have limited and uniquely shaped internal spaces. Lithium-polymer batteries can be customized into various shapes and sizes—such as ultra-thin or irregular forms—to fit the tablet’s internal layout and maximize space utilization.
Improved product aesthetics: Custom battery designs allow better alignment with the tablet’s external design, enhancing the overall look and perceived quality of the product.
4.4 Long Cycle Life
Stable performance over multiple charge/discharge cycles: Lithium-polymer batteries have relatively long cycle life. Under normal conditions, after 500 full charge/discharge cycles, they can still retain over 80% of their original capacity, providing users with a durable and reliable power source.
Lower usage cost: Thanks to their long lifespan, users don’t need to replace the battery frequently, which lowers overall ownership costs and reduces environmental impact.
4.5 Low Self-Discharge Rate
Lithium-polymer batteries have a relatively low self-discharge rate. When the tablet is not used for an extended period, the battery can retain a high charge level without rapid energy loss, ensuring that the device is still usable when turned on again.
5、How to Choose a High-Quality Tablet Battery Supplier?
When selecting a tablet battery supplier, in addition to focusing on the battery’s performance, it is also important to consider the supplier’s R&D capabilities, production capacity, service quality, and whether they can provide stable and continuous supply. The following are key factors to consider when choosing a reliable battery supplier:
5.1 Supplier’s Customization Capability and R&D Strength
It is crucial to choose a supplier that can provide customized battery solutions. Different tablets have varying requirements in terms of size, voltage, capacity, and interface. Evaluate whether the supplier can deliver tailor-made battery solutions based on your design specifications. Additionally, assess whether their R&D team has strong engineering collaboration experience, as this directly affects product performance and development progress.
5.2 Cell Quality and Consistency
The quality of the battery cells directly determines the battery’s lifespan, stability, and safety. When selecting a supplier, ensure that their cell production process follows a strict quality control system. If needed, conduct an on-site audit of the factory to verify production standards.
5.3 Certifications and Safety Standards
Make sure the supplier’s products comply with international safety and environmental certifications such as UN38.3, MSDS, IEC62133, CE, and RoHS. The cells should also be able to pass various safety tests, including crush, impact, thermal shock, short circuit at room and high temperatures, high-temperature storage, low pressure, and drop tests from high altitudes.
5.4 Production Capacity and Lead Time
A reliable supplier should have adequate production capacity. Timely delivery is another critical factor. Before cooperation, confirm whether the supplier can deliver samples on time and offer a reasonable lead time for mass production. Evaluate whether they have large-scale production lines and can support flexible low-volume orders.
5.5 Responsiveness and Support Services
The chosen battery supplier should provide end-to-end services, including prototyping, structural matching, technical support, and mass delivery. Ensure they offer continuous technical assistance throughout the product’s lifecycle. If battery issues arise, the supplier’s ability to respond quickly and provide effective solutions is an essential criterion for evaluation.
5.6 Market Reputation and Project Experience
A battery supplier with a solid market reputation usually has extensive industry experience and delivers high-quality products. By reviewing their past project cases, client feedback, and industry recognition, you can identify suppliers with a stable customer base and long-term partnerships, thereby reducing supply chain risks.
6、Tablet Battery Usage Considerations
For Tablet OEM/ODM Manufacturers:
For tablet manufacturers, clearly communicating the design details and battery requirements with the supplier is essential. This helps prevent many issues and customer complaints during product assembly and end-user operation. Below are the key points that tablet OEM/ODM manufacturers should pay attention to:
1) Coordinate Product Parameters with the Battery Supplier to Help Select Suitable Raw Materials
Dimensions: Clearly specify the required battery dimensions and the available battery compartment space within the tablet. Reserve space for potential battery expansion after usage to prevent product deformation caused by swelling.
Capacity: Determine the required battery capacity based on the device’s usage needs, such as expected battery life and power consumption.
Operating Voltage: Choose the appropriate battery voltage according to the tablet’s power requirements to ensure compatibility between the battery and the device.
Packaging Requirements: If the device requires special battery packaging or protection features (e.g., waterproofing, dust resistance), these requirements must be communicated to the battery supplier during the design phase.
Operating Environment: Inform the battery supplier of the tablet’s potential usage environments, such as high/low temperatures and humidity levels.
2) Precautions During the Battery Assembly Process
Protection Design: Batteries are flammable and potentially explosive hazardous materials. During the tablet assembly process, sharp tools should be kept away from the assembly line to avoid puncturing or damaging the battery.
Battery Storage: If batteries are not to be assembled for an extended period, they should be stored in a temperature- and humidity-controlled explosion-proof room to prevent safety incidents.
Pre-assembly Testing: Since batteries can experience voltage drops over time, it is recommended to recheck key parameters such as voltage and internal resistance before assembly. Defective units should be screened out before entering the production line and reported to the battery supplier.
Post-assembly Testing: After the battery is installed, the finished tablet should undergo relevant safety tests to ensure the battery system functions correctly and safely.
For Tablet OEM/ODM Manufacturers:
1) Avoid Overcharging and Over-discharging
Although most modern tablet batteries are equipped with intelligent charging management systems, overcharging and over-discharging can still shorten battery lifespan. It is recommended to start charging when the battery level drops to 20%–30% and avoid frequently charging to 100% or letting the battery fully drain. Keeping the charge level between 30% and 80% over the long term helps extend battery life.
2) Avoid Charging in High Temperatures for Extended Periods
High temperatures can damage the chemical components of lithium batteries. When charging, avoid placing the tablet in direct sunlight or near heat sources (such as air conditioners or heaters). The ideal charging environment temperature is between 10°C and 35°C. Excessive heat will accelerate battery aging.
3) Use the Original Charger
To ensure charging safety and maintain battery health, it is recommended to use the tablet’s original charger or a certified charging device. Third-party chargers may not provide stable current and voltage, which can lead to overheating or even safety hazards.
4) Avoid Exposure to Extreme Environments
Tablets should not be left in extreme temperatures or high-humidity environments for extended periods. Using the battery in high heat, high humidity, or freezing conditions may cause performance degradation, swelling, or leakage. In cold weather, battery performance may drop, and power consumption may increase.
5) Avoid Frequent Deep Discharging
Although modern lithium batteries are less prone to “memory effect,” frequent deep discharging (below 10%) may accelerate battery wear. Maintaining the battery level between 30% and 80% is the best practice.
6) Close Unnecessary Apps When Not in Use
If the tablet will not be used for an extended period, it is advisable to close unnecessary apps to reduce background power consumption. This can effectively extend battery life and prevent excessive discharge.
7、Which Manufacturers Specialize in Tablet Battery Development and Production?
There are currently many manufacturers specializing in tablet battery production, such as ATL, Cosmx, Greatpower, and iRay Energy. However, manufacturers that can deliver high-quality, stable, and competitively priced tablet batteries are relatively few.iRay Energy is a professional custom battery manufacturer capable of providing one-on-one engineering support for tablet battery development. The company offers fully customized services tailored to different tablet applications and customer needs.
iRay Energy operates a modern production facility covering over 10,000 square meters, equipped with multiple fully automated PACK assembly lines and a workforce of more than 300 employees, including 32 R&D engineers. The company has full development capabilities—from cell selection and structural design to system integration.
For tablet projects, iRay Energy provides battery selection advice, structural compatibility evaluation, sample verification, and dedicated engineer support for joint development with fast response. The company also maintains a comprehensive certification system and delivery capability. All products can be certified with UN38.3, MSDS, IEC62133, CE, and RoHS.iRay Energy offers fast mold customization, short lead times for sample delivery, and supports flexible small batch orders starting from 1,000 pieces—making it highly suitable for small to mid-sized tablet brands and ODM projects.
FAQs About Tablet Battery
How can I extend the battery life of my tablet?
Keep the battery charge between 30% and 80%, and avoid frequent full charges or complete discharges. Use the original charger whenever possible. Avoid using the device in high-temperature or extremely cold environments. If the tablet is not in use for a long time, it’s recommended to charge and discharge it every 2–3 months to help prolong battery life.
Is it harmful to use a tablet while charging?
Yes, you can use a tablet while charging, but it increases the battery temperature and accelerates cell aging—especially when running high-power apps such as games or long video playback. It’s best to avoid heavy usage during charging, or use the tablet after the battery is fully charged.
Can the battery in a tablet be replaced?
Most tablets use a built-in battery design, which is not easily user-replaceable. If the battery shows signs of degradation, swelling, or other issues, it is recommended to visit an authorized service center or a qualified repair facility for battery replacement.
How long can a tablet run on a full charge?
Battery life depends on factors like capacity, screen brightness, and background apps. Typically, a tablet can run for 8–12 hours on a full charge. For light tasks like office work or music playback, the battery may last longer. High-power use will shorten the runtime significantly.
How do I know if my tablet battery needs to be replaced?
Consider replacing the battery if you notice significantly reduced battery life, frequent automatic shutdowns, unusually long charging times, battery swelling, or abnormal heat. It’s recommended to use manufacturer-provided battery health tools or get a professional diagnostic.
Why do tablet batteries swell?
Battery swelling is usually caused by internal gas generation, which can result from overcharging, over-discharging, storage in high temperatures, cell aging, or structural damage. If swelling occurs, stop using the device immediately and avoid puncturing or compressing the battery to prevent explosions.
Where can I replace my tablet battery?
It is recommended to go to the brand’s official service center or a certified third-party repair provider. A proper replacement ensures safety and guarantees that the battery used is original or of equivalent high quality.
What are the latest developments and technologies in tablet batteries?
With continuous advancements in lithium-ion battery materials, performance has greatly improved—mainly in three areas: energy density, fast charging, and safety.
Energy density: Some high-end tablet batteries now achieve volumetric energy densities up to 650wh/L.
Fast charging: Many tablets now support PD fast charging protocols, including 45W or higher, allowing users to fully charge the device in a shorter time.
Safety: Thanks to breakthroughs in gel polymer and solid-state battery technology, batteries can now pass extreme safety tests such as high-temperature short circuits and nail penetration without combustion or explosion—and with very low heat generation.
📌 Tip:
For professional tablet battery customization or replacement solutions, feel free to contact the IrayEnergy engineering team. We’re here to provide efficient, reliable, and high-performance power solutions!
