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Many companies use vapor chamber cooling systems to keep mobile phones cool. It's also used in the iPhone 17 Pro models. Today, we'll explain what this system is and how it works.

Vapor Chamber Cooling System: Nowadays, mobile phones are being used for high-end tasks ranging from chatting to gaming, multitasking to video editing. Tasks that could only be done on laptops and computers a few years ago can now be easily done on mobile phones. Performing these heavy tasks generates heat, causing the phone to overheat. If it remains constantly hot, its performance can be affected. In such situations, keeping the phone cool becomes essential. To keep the phone cool, a cooling system is provided inside it. Vapor chamber cooling is also a system found in many modern smartphones. In today's Tech Explainer, we're going to explain vapor chamber cooling in detail.

What is a vapor chamber cooling system?

A cooling system is used to cool the heat generated by the processor and other components. Vapor chamber cooling is a common method used for this. Apple also used this method in its latest iPhone 17 Pro models, which has generated a lot of discussion about it. However, this method has been used in Android phones and laptops for years. A vapor cooling system involves a heat pipe filled with liquid coolant. After absorbing heat, the coolant vaporizes and travels to a cooler part of the device, where it recondenses into liquid. This way, it spreads the heat across the entire surface, preventing the phone from overheating. This cycle continues until the phone is completely cooled.

How does this system work?

As we mentioned earlier, a vapor cooling system consists of a thin heat pipe. The liquid coolant in it absorbs heat from the CPU and GPU and turns into vapor. It then reaches a cool location and re-condenses to liquid, preventing heat from accumulating. To make this process effective, companies use different materials. In many phones, this entire system is implemented in multiple layers, preventing heat from accumulating near the processor and keeping the phone cool.

Methods being adopted to improve cooling

Companies are constantly working to improve vapor cooling. Xiaomi recently demonstrated a loop liquid cool technology. This cooling chamber features multiple microvalves, providing more surface area for hot vapor to pass through, allowing it to cool quickly and re-condense into liquid. Regarding the iPhone 17 Pro models, Apple has specifically customized the vapor cooling system for this purpose. Apple uses deionized water. This chamber is laser-sealed to the rest of the metallic chassis. Aerospace-grade aluminum alloy is used around it for better thermal conductivity. Meanwhile, Asus has used graphite sheets along with the vapor chamber in the ROG Phone 6.

What are the benefits of this system?

Several tests have shown that vapor cooling systems can significantly impact device temperatures. Depending on the model, this can range from 2 degrees to 6 degrees Celsius or even more. It is also effective in devices with processors that generate a lot of heat. Furthermore, it has several other advantages:

The vapor chamber cooling system has a high thermal transfer efficiency, which helps distribute heat across the entire surface, preventing hotspots. This makes it easier to maintain temperature.

It can be shaped in any shape and placed in direct contact with the CPU and other heat sources. This makes it easier to design devices compactly.

High-performance chips generate a lot of heat while performing tasks. This system manages it effectively, preventing any impact on device performance.

Disadvantages of Vapor Chamber Cooling

A major disadvantage of this system is its cost. Compared to other cooling solutions, it requires advanced materials and engineering, which increases its cost.

For optimal results, it must be precisely aligned with the heat source, which often creates difficulties when designing a device.

It spreads heat across the entire surface, but is not effective if a device requires vertical heat transfer.

Vapor Cooling System Will Remain Trending

Vapor cooling systems will remain trending for some time and may be seen in many upcoming models. There is also information that Microsoft may use this system in foldable displays and its HoloLens AR glasses. Apple has used it in the iPhone 17 Pro models, and now other companies are increasingly relying on it.