4 ms·

I'd happily trade 2x capacity for 0.5x life in my cell phone battery, provided that the cell phone manufacturer just makes it easy to swap batteries. Something

I'd happily trade 2x capacity for 0.5x life in my cell phone battery, provided that the cell phone manufacturer just makes it easy to swap batteries. Something that baffles me is how hard it's become to replace the battery. I had the original generation Galaxy S -- I loved that thing, because there was a little latch mechanism on the back-side. With a firm tug, the rear cover popped right off, allowing you to pop the battery out. It took less than 10 seconds to do a battery swap, which I used to great advantage while traveling (carried a second battery with me). Of course, back in those days, the typical battery capacity was not nearly as good. In any event, I wish I could still do that with my current phone. It would be super slick if there was a tiny auxillary battery or 60-second hold-up capacitor too, so you wouldn't even have to shut the phone off.

midoridensha 4y ago
>Something that baffles me is how hard it's become to replace the battery. Why is this baffling? It makes perfect sense for batteries to be non-replaceable: you can make the phone slightly thinner, and you can charge owners a small fortune to replace them, which will usually result in them simply throwing the device away after a while and buying a new one. Just look at Apple: they pushed non-replaceable batteries (and also removed headphone jacks in favor of expensive airPods), and people love iPhones and can't wait to get the next version, even if it costs $1399 and they have to sell their kidney to buy it.
- kemiller 4y ago
  This is such a cynical take. By ditching removable bits they save on internal room which allows bigger batteries. I would take 25% better main battery life over removable any day. If you don’t mind carrying an extra item (because that’s what swappable batteries means — by the way how do you keep the spare charged?) then get an external. Even easier to swap and use, often supports pass-through charging, and doesn’t create yet another aperture that needs waterproofing.
  - midoridensha 4y ago
    You're missing the real reason for replaceable batteries: they need replacement after a few years because their capacity decreases with age.
  - raffraffraff 4y ago
    I'm using a Fairphone 3. It's one of those repairable phones where you can replace faulty parts. The battery costs €30 bucks. For me it's not about carrying a spare battery, it's about throwing the old one away when it can't hold charge for a whole day, and installing a new one. So far I've done this twice with the FP3. I have no intention of replacing this phone any time soon. If I do, it'll be like the last time: I'll get another repairable phone (FP4? FP5?) Before that happens I might have to replace the lower assembly because the USB port is getting loose, but that's only €20.

midoridensha 4y ago

>Something that baffles me is how hard it's become to replace the battery. Why is this baffling? It makes perfect sense for batteries to be non-replaceable: you can make the phone slightly thinner, and you can charge owners a small fortune to replace them, which will usually result in them simply throwing the device away after a while and buying a new one. Just look at Apple: they pushed non-replaceable batteries (and also removed headphone jacks in favor of expensive airPods), and people love iPhones and can't wait to get the next version, even if it costs $1399 and they have to sell their kidney to buy it.

kemiller 4y ago
This is such a cynical take. By ditching removable bits they save on internal room which allows bigger batteries. I would take 25% better main battery life over removable any day. If you don’t mind carrying an extra item (because that’s what swappable batteries means — by the way how do you keep the spare charged?) then get an external. Even easier to swap and use, often supports pass-through charging, and doesn’t create yet another aperture that needs waterproofing.
- midoridensha 4y ago
  You're missing the real reason for replaceable batteries: they need replacement after a few years because their capacity decreases with age.
- raffraffraff 4y ago
  I'm using a Fairphone 3. It's one of those repairable phones where you can replace faulty parts. The battery costs €30 bucks. For me it's not about carrying a spare battery, it's about throwing the old one away when it can't hold charge for a whole day, and installing a new one. So far I've done this twice with the FP3. I have no intention of replacing this phone any time soon. If I do, it'll be like the last time: I'll get another repairable phone (FP4? FP5?) Before that happens I might have to replace the lower assembly because the USB port is getting loose, but that's only €20.