iPhone Temperature Limits

by Nicole Nguyen 0

Snow bunnies, be wary of taking smartphones to the slopes — extreme temps can damage your device, and may void the warranty.

The iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S III may have the most advanced mobile tech on the inside, but on the outside, the devices are certainly fair-weather friends.

In freezing conditions, smartphones will shut off automatically, and on piping-hot days, high temperatures can cause permanent damage to the battery. Read on to discover the hot and cold thresholds for the two most popular phones on the market — the iPhone (4/4S/5) and the Samsung Galaxy S III — and how to prevent temperature damage.

Shortened battery life and software malfunction are two side effects of exposing your phone to extreme temperatures. Don't leave phones in cars, if possible, since it's easy for parked cars to exceed the operating temperature range (on both the low and high ends).

Both Apple and Samsung have set these environmental guidelines for their smartphones which, if followed, will prolong the lifespan and battery life of your iPhone or Samsung Galaxy S III.

• Operating temperature — Between 32 degrees and 95 degrees Fahrenheit
• Storing temperature (turned off) — Between -4 degrees and 113 degrees Fahrenheit
• Humidity — 5% to 95% noncondensing
• Maximum altitude — 10,000 feet

If you are going to brave the weather with your smartphone in tow, then check out some of these options for texting gloves and cozy Winter tech accessories.

Lucky enough to live in a warm-weather locale during the Winter? Keeping devices out of a hot car (including the glove box) and out of direct sunlight are the most important thing. Using phones with GPS tracking, navigation in a car, or playing a graphics-intensive game while in direct sunlight puts your device at most risk.