Will Your Phone Survive the Winter?

Electronics and cold weather generally do not mix well. But can frigid conditions destroy your cell phone? How much can the small devices withstand before they are put out of commission?

In its December issue, Popular Mechanics enlisted Environ Laboratories in Minneapolis, Minn., to find out by putting six cell phones to the test in extreme cold.

Overall, the phones responded surprisingly well.

At 10 degrees Fahrenheit, only minor effects were observed, such as screens starting to dim and keys slow in response. Meanwhile, at 10 degrees below zero, low battery readings were suddenly displayed by some models. While a couple of phones shut down at 20 degrees below zero, they were restarted quickly.

It was not until 30 degrees below zero that some significant effects were seen, as five of the six exhibited unreadable screens and had battery issues.

At 40 degrees below zero, five of the phones could not be resuscitated. It took another 15 degrees lower before the last phone, a Motorola KRZR, ceased to work.

Despite the frigid experimentation, all of the phones became operable again after they were returned to room temperature.

So, unless you live in an area that experiences extremely harsh winter conditions, your cell phone will probably withstand the cold with only minor, temporary effects.