Cell phones are primarily powered by electricity, which is stored in a rechargeable battery. This battery is typically a lithium-ion battery, which uses chemical reactions to store and release energy.

Here's a breakdown:

* Electricity: The phone itself uses electricity to operate all its components, like the screen, processor, and radio transmitter.

* Battery: The battery acts as a portable energy source, providing the electricity needed to power the phone.

* Lithium-ion Battery: This type of battery is commonly used in cell phones due to its high energy density (stores a lot of energy in a small space) and long lifespan.

To recharge the battery, you plug the phone into an electrical outlet or use a portable charger that stores its own electrical charge.