If you're thinking about buying a new laptop, battery performance might be one of your chief concerns. It's the central aspect of laptop performance that determines how long you can use your computer and for what.
While you might be worried about how many years your battery will stay operational, short-term battery life is an even more important feature to be aware of.
Below, you'll learn about what affects battery performance, how to improve how long your battery lasts, and whether or not you need to think about replacing it.
For Asus computers, battery life is one of the main features the manufacturer advertises. Determining whether your battery is lasting as long as intended is an essential part of the regular maintenance you should be performing.
What Can Affect My Asus Laptop's Battery Life?
Several things can have an impact on your laptop's battery performance.
However, it's important to note that when speaking of battery life, we could be referring to two different but related topics: short-term and long-term battery life.
Short-Term Battery Performance
Short-term battery performance is the length of time that the battery keeps the computer running after a single, full charge. This figure is what Asus advertises as the "Battery Life" of the laptop model.
If you don't know how long your laptop's battery is supposed to last, simply check the model specifications on the Asus website.
Another way to do this is to find out how many mAH (milliamps per hour) your battery can hold. This is listed on the specifications sticker that came on the laptop's body when you bought it or on the information written on the laptop's charging adaptor.
The things that can affect battery performance are numerous, but there are two that stand out: brightness levels and cooling systems.
Your computer's brightness setting dictates how much light your screen emits. The higher the brightness setting, the more power it will drain from the battery.
If you prefer to have your computer on the maximum allowable settings at all times, your battery is going to drain much faster than average. This can reduce your laptop's runtime by hours, leading you to believe that there is a problem when there isn't one.
All modern laptops have an integrated cooling system that keeps the laptop operating at an efficient temperature. Older models will have less sophisticated systems, leading the computer to heat up more quickly when in use.
A hot computer means a hot battery, which leeches power from its stores. Keeping your fans clean and clear from obstruction is one of the best ways to improve battery performance.
Long-Term Battery Performance
Long-term battery performance refers to the number of years that your Asus laptop's battery will stay operational. While several factors can impact this figure, Asus says that their Li-ion batteries last at full capacity for about 300-500 charge cycles, or one year.
After the first year, expect the battery capacity to shrink to about 80%. In total, an Asus battery will last up to three or four years if it's taken care of properly.
Charge cycles refer to when the laptop battery drains to 0% and then is recharged to 100%. This means that the more often you charge your laptop, the faster it will go through its charge cycles.
For example, if you only use your laptop a couple of times per week, charging once or twice in that time, your battery is going to last longer than three years.
On the other hand, if you use your laptop every day and charge it twice per day, you will run through the charge cycles much faster, reducing its long-term performance.
Charging your laptop constantly also negatively affects long-term battery performance. While most li-ion batteries don't degrade as they used to when you do this, keeping it plugged in prevents the battery from completing an entire charge cycle. Run your battery out before charging again to ensure it holds power as it's meant to.
Related: Can A Laptop Run Without A Battery?
How Many Hours Of Battery Should An Asus Have Per Charge?
As per the information above, Asus says that their batteries typically have a lifespan of around three to five years, and one year at full performance potential.
However, your laptop's short-term battery life will vary depending on which model you own, which applications you run, and how well you take care of it.
Most mid-range Asus laptop models have a battery life of seven to ten hours on average. However, lower-end or older models might only last three to five hours. Further, the best models might last all day.
If you're shopping for a new laptop, check the model specifications before you buy. It will often have an estimated short-term battery life listed, which will give you a good benchmark to measure its performance once you get it.
What Is The Average Laptop Battery Life For A PC?
Older laptop models were known to have poor battery performance, requiring recharging after only two or three hours of use. New laptop models, however, boast much better battery capacities.
Nowadays, laptops have a short-term battery life of seven to eight hours on average. While this figure can change dramatically depending on how the laptop is used, seven hours is a good benchmark to measure the performance of any type of battery.
However, more expensive PCs, especially gaming laptops, can run for much longer. Some gaming laptops can run up to seventeen hours, while some other high-performance PCs go for 24 hours. It really all depends on how much you're willing to spend.
In terms of long-term laptop battery life, don't expect more than two to four years of optimal performance, no matter how much you spend on your PC.
Which Asus Model Has The Best Battery Life?
As of 2021, the Asus laptop with the best short-term battery performance is the Asus ExpertBook B9450. It's a lightweight, powerful laptop with an excellent screen with an anti-glare coating.
However, among all its features, the one that makes it stand out is its battery life. It lasts an extraordinary 17 hours, suitable for a full day of work and then some.
Why Does My Asus Laptop Battery Drain So Fast?
There are several reasons why your Asus laptop battery drains unusually fast. These can include but are not limited to the following:
Although there may be another reason why your laptop battery is draining quickly, these are the most common ones found in need of repair.
Common Issues With Asus Laptop Batteries
Since the problem with your battery could stem from any number of issues, there are a few different things you can check.
Brightness
Before examining the hardware for any malfunction, first, check to see if your brightness is set to maximum. This is the number one cause of a fast-draining battery, and you might not realize it if your laptop's screen isn't the best quality.
Cooling System
Next, check the vents and fans along the side or bottom of the computer. If you see a ton of dust, then you've probably found the culprit. Investing in computer cleaner I spray is a great way to ensure your cooling systems remain free from debris which can overheat the computer, draining the battery in the process.
System Diagnostic
If your brightness is low and your vents are clean, then it's time to run a system diagnostic. Unlike other brands such as Apple's MacBook, Asus doesn't offer a battery health checker on their website. However, if your Asus laptop runs Windows 10, you can run a battery checker on your own.
Right-click on the Windows/Start icon in the bottom left corner. Click on Powershell. Once the blue window appears, paste in powercfg /battery report /output "C:\battery-report.html".
Then, find the saved battery report file on your computer. Now you should have access to a complete battery report detailing the charge capacity and battery drain. Using this information, you should be able to find out which application is causing the power drain, if any.
In-Store Checkup
Although a last resort, you may need to bring the laptop into an authorized Asus maintenance shop for a checkup. They can usually tell you what the problem is and offer a solution.
Knowing the problem, you may be able to fix it yourself, or you can pay them to fix it for you. In the end, they might just tell you to replace the battery.
Should I Leave My Asus Laptop Plugged In All The Time?
Newer li-ion batteries don't experience short-term performance issues when they're left plugged in all the time. However, that doesn't mean you should.
Asus recommends draining your laptop's battery to at least 50% every two weeks minimum. Otherwise, the long-term performance of the battery will be reduced within one year.
Is It Worth Replacing My Asus Laptop Battery?
The answer to this question depends on how new your Asus laptop is. Replacement batteries for most Asus laptops cost around $40 to $100, so they aren't too expensive.
If your laptop is brand new and the battery damage isn't covered under warranty, then it is worth it to buy a replacement battery.
On the other hand, if your laptop is old, then replacing the battery might just prolong its life by a little while. It might be better to buy a replacement laptop, which you'll get much more use out of in the long run.
Is My Asus Laptop Battery Covered Under Warranty?
According to the Asus website, batteries are covered under their new purchase warranty. However, the warranty does not include any extra batteries that may have been bundled with your purchase.
Also, this warranty does not cover any damages that may have occurred after purchase. You're only covered for device malfunction or manufacturer defects.
While you can purchase separate insurance for accidental damage, no policy will cover the regular run-down of the battery's charge capacity that happens over time. If you want to replace an old battery, then that is going to be on you.
Are Asus Laptop Batteries Any Good?
Asus makes great laptops, and the batteries that power them are no different. They don't degrade that quickly when used correctly, and they hold a decent charge even for mid-range models.
A replacement battery pack is fairly cheap if you do damage yours, so you don't have to worry too much about losing money on a new purchase. In summary, Asus laptops and their batteries are definitely worth it.
Andrew White is the founder of TechGearoid, a leading technology review & information website that is designed to help consumers make better decisions when it comes to their IT purchases. As a specialist tech writer (nerd) with over 10 years of experience, he enjoys writing about everything there is to do with modern technology & the newest market innovations. When he isn’t providing value for his readers, he’s usually drinking coffee or at the beach. Andrew lives in Sydney, Australia with his wife and family.
