Eli5: Why does putting dead batteries in the freezer make them last longer but my phone dies in the cold?

Question

Eli5: Why does putting dead batteries in the freezer make them last longer but my phone dies in the cold?

In: 4

Answer 1

You should store most primary cell (non-rechargeable) batteries in the cold to make them last longer. Batteries slowly lose their charge just sitting there and the cold slows that down.