The Al Dente App: A 16-Month Real-World Battery Test
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Al Dente
The Al Dente application has been subjected to an extensive 16-month evaluation to determine its effectiveness in maintaining the battery longevity of MacBook Pro devices. The results from this real-world testing strongly indicate that Al Dente is effective in preserving battery capacity over time.
Chapter 2: Understanding Battery Degradation
When utilizing a MacBook, users often overlook the detrimental effects of keeping the battery at full charge continuously. This practice can significantly shorten the battery's lifespan. The Al Dente app acts as a preventive measure against this issue.
Eight months ago, I wrote about the Al Dente app and its ability to tackle battery life problems. To provide deeper insights, I had been conducting a long-term A-B test between my 16-inch M1-Max MacBook Pro and my cousin's similarly configured device.
The first video, "Al Dente Mac App Review // The SECRET To 100% Battery Health On MacBook Pro? ⚡️," delves into how the Al Dente app functions and its benefits for MacBook users.
Section 2.1: A-B Test Overview
Both laptops were purchased around December 2021, and I started using Al Dente immediately, while my cousin did not. Fast forward to now, after nearly a year and a half, what do the findings reveal?
Does Al Dente truly make a substantial difference?
Indeed, it does.
Subsection 2.1.1: Key Metrics
Two important metrics to evaluate are (1) the number of battery cycles and (2) overall battery health.
Initially, when buying a new MacBook, the battery's charge capacity, or "Current Max," is expected to meet or exceed its "Original Max." Over time, as batteries age, their ability to hold a charge diminishes. Typically, I have observed a 10% reduction in battery capacity every 12 to 18 months.
By the second or third year, past devices would only charge to about 80% or 85% of their original capacity. For instance, if a fully charged 2017 MacBook Pro lasted 5 hours, that would drop to around 4 hours once it reached the 80% mark.
Apple's warranty guarantees that a MacBook battery will retain at least 80% of its original capacity for up to 1000 cycles within three years.
Section 2.2: Comparing Battery Health
So, how did my cousin's MacBook Pro perform compared to mine regarding battery cycles and health?
After 16 months of consistent use, with his device mostly plugged in, my cousin's MacBook showed only 70 cycles with battery health at 90%. His laptop was kept at 100% charge most of the time, aligning with my previous experiences.
In contrast, my MacBook recorded 129 cycles, and its battery health fluctuated between 99% and 101%. This indicates that after extensive daily use, my device's battery was still functioning like new.
The above screenshot from my device (Battery01), which utilized Al Dente, illustrates a battery health level of 101% as of April 12, 2023.
Bottom line: the data presents a clear and significant difference between the two devices, beyond mere statistical fluctuations.
Chapter 3: Conclusion
Occasionally, software emerges that clearly demonstrates thoughtful design aimed at addressing genuine user issues. Al Dente stands out as a prime example. The free version effectively mitigates key battery problems, and I’m more than willing to purchase the premium version for added features and to support its developers.
(P.S. I have no affiliation with Al Dente and receive no compensation for this review. - Jeff)
The second video, "Save your MacBook's battery health: Aldente - YouTube," provides further insights into optimizing battery life with the Al Dente application.