<p>Quasi solid-state Li-ion cells fabricated using polymer-composite electrolyte processed by three different fabrication routes, viz., coating, hot compaction, and film are studied to find out the method which offers good electrode-electrolyte contact. CR2032 coin cells are fabricated with graphite anode, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode, and lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide (LLZO)-20% polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer composite electrolyte. Cells fabricated using film route exhibit higher specific capacity compared to compaction and coating methods. X-ray microscopy of the coin cells reveals good electrode-electrolyte contact with the electrolyte film. The superior performance is also attributed to the controlled thickness and porosity of the electrolyte film, which could not be achieved by other processing routes. Post-cycling microstructural analysis reveals deposition of salts due to improper contact in the compaction and coating samples, which is not observed in film. Addition of lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, LiFSI, salt to the polymer composite electrolyte film further improves the performance of coin cells achieving an initial specific capacity of 160 mAh g^− 1, sustaining 75% of capacity at 200 cycles. Use of graphite anode instead of Li and minimum 20 wt% PVDF binder are found to reduce the chances of cell shorting. This study therefore indicates polymer composite electrolyte film as an effective method for achieving solid-state Li-ion cells.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>