Liquid cooling in electronic devices efficiently removes heat generated by the processor, surpassing standard air-cooling methods. Moreover, fitting the liquid cooling system and components into such a compact device may seem challenging without sacrificing other essential features. Let’s understand whether liquid cooling in phones works and what could be the disadvantages of this system in smartphones.
You may be interested in liquid cooling because it can reduce heat and prevent thermal throttling in electronic devices. It also absorbs and dissipates heat using a coolant, making devices more efficient and quieter, also prolonging their lifespan. Let’s learn if this system works on smartphones to enhance your mobile gaming experience.
What is Liquid Cooling in Smartphones?
Liquid cooling in smartphones refers to a system that uses liquid to cool down the device’s processor. The processor generates significant heat, especially during demanding gaming or video editing tasks. This heat can cause the device to slow down or shut down altogether to protect its internal components from damage.
To address this problem, liquid cooling systems use a small amount of liquid, typically a mixture of water and coolant, to absorb the processor’s heat. This liquid then travels through a network of pipes or channels to a heat sink, which releases the heat into the surrounding air. Many high-end smartphones, especially those designed for gaming or resource-intensive activities, come equipped with liquid cooling systems, like Xiaomi POCO F4 GT. Liquid cooling helps maintain device performance and prevents overheating by keeping the processor cool.
Also Read: 12 Best Liquid Cooling Phone List
Does Liquid Cooling in Phones Work?
Yes. Liquid cooling in phones helps keep the device’s processor cool and prevents overheating. This cooling method is increasingly used in high-end smartphones designed for gaming and other demanding tasks. Liquids are more efficient at absorbing and transferring heat compared to air, making them a better choice for cooling. The system quickly absorbs heat from the processor and transfers it to a heat sink, which then dissipates the heat into the surrounding air using a liquid coolant.
However, the systems in cell phones are usually small and have limited liquid capacity. As a result, they may not be as effective as larger liquid cooling systems found on desktop PCs. While liquid cooling in phones can help maintain device performance and reduce overheating, it’s not guaranteed to work flawlessly in every situation. Factors such as ambient temperature, task intensity, and the cooling system’s design can all affect its effectiveness. Therefore, it’s essential to consider these variables when evaluating whether liquid cooling in phones is effective or not.
Is Liquid Cooling a Good Idea?
Yes. Liquid cooling in phones works and can be beneficial depending on the use case. It is more efficient than air cooling, transferring heat away from the source for better system performance and component longevity. It is commonly used in high-performance computing for gaming, overclocking, rendering, and in systems with poor ventilation or small builds. However, liquid cooling is costlier and more complex than air cooling, requiring additional components and maintenance. Leaks are a risk. Consider the pros and cons when choosing between liquid and air cooling.
Is Liquid Cooling Still Worth It?
Yes. Liquid cooling, the flashier choice for temperature control, provides outstanding performance paired with an aesthetic appeal that no other cooling system can equal. In these systems, liquid (usually water) transports heat away from components and is far superior to air alone at heat control.
Liquid cooling systems come in various configurations, but the most popular is an All-in-One (AIO) system. AIO systems contain all of the necessary components as a pre-bundled component that easily screws onto your machine. It provides a low-cost option that most people can install themselves. But even the most basic AIO liquid cooling system is more expensive than its air-cooling cousin due to its complicated design.
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Which Cooling System is Best for Mobile?
When the phone gets heated and reaches a specific temperature, the operating system (OS) reduces its performance by 10-20%. This affects both the device’s performance and the user experience. To solve this issue, liquid cooling is the best choice. Liquid cooling in smartphones operates on the principle of heat dissipation. These smartphones have a heat pipe installed, containing a cooling liquid. When needed, the pipe absorbs excessive heat generated by the processor and converts the liquid into vapor. This leads to a notable decrease in the device’s temperature and helps prolong the life of its SoC (System on a Chip).
What are the Disadvantages of Liquid Cooling?
While liquid cooling provides more efficient cooling than air cooling, there are several drawbacks to consider. Because liquid cooling is far more complicated than air cooling, a liquid cooling device may fail in more areas. Leaks can be disastrous, and failing to maintain your gadget properly may result in component damage. Some of the disadvantages are:
- Difficulty and installation: Liquid cooling systems are more complex and require additional components, such as a pump, radiator, tubing, and coolant. It can make installation more challenging, especially for beginners.
- Cost: Due to the additional components and complexity involved, liquid cooling systems are often more expensive than air cooling systems.
- Maintenance: Liquid cooling systems necessitate greater upkeep than air cooling systems. The coolant must be changed on a regular basis, and there is a possibility of leaks or other problems that could damage your components.
- Room Requirements: Because liquid cooling systems often involve a larger radiator and tubing that must be accommodated within the case, they demand more space than air cooling systems.
- Noise: Some liquid cooling systems are noisier than air cooling systems, particularly if the pump is poorly constructed or the system is improperly mounted.
While liquid cooling can provide more effective cooling for high-performance systems, there are various drawbacks to consider, including complexity, expense, maintenance, leak risk, space requirements, and potential noise issues.
Also Read: 11 Best Phone Cooling Apps for Android and iOS
Is It OK to Cool Phone in Fridge?
No. It’s not advised to cool your phone in a refrigerator or freezer as it can lead to condensation and damage internal components. Instead, avoid using your phone for extended periods or in high-temperature areas, and ensure proper ventilation. Rapidly cooling your phone in a humid environment can cause moisture and short-circuiting. Moving from hot to extremely cold environments quickly is risky. Condensation occurs when a surface is colder than the dew point temperature, causing moisture to condense. Storing your phone in a fridge or freezer can result in a rapid temperature drop, leading to condensation inside or outside the phone.
We hope you learned whether does liquid cooling in phones work and ultimately improves its performance and lifespan. Leave your remarks about this article in the comments section below, and keep exploring our website for more such interesting guides!
