"Sealing a battery compartment in a way that doesn't hinder replacement is a solved problem," Right, splash resistance through to full hermetic sealing is well

"Sealing a battery compartment in a way that doesn't hinder replacement is a solved problem," Right, splash resistance through to full hermetic sealing is well developed engineering, so it's a non issue. That's not to say one has to go to extremes for a phone. For example, there's no reason why a phone cannot be constructed in a modular fashion where the key electronics is essentially sealed against the ingress of moisture and its peripheral connections, jack, mic, speakers, battery connectors are part of the case. For maintenance, simply snap out the electronics and put it in a new case. Similarly, jacks are easily made waterproof with connections going through hermetic seals. Diaphragms on mics and speakers can actually be part of the seal and so on. Compromises can be made to suit the circumstances, and none of this is complicated manufacturing. Making phones more robust against the environment makes sense, it would not only extend their life but dovetail neatly into Right-to-Repair laws—laws which I reckon will eventually become inevitable. Phone manufacturers will be dragged kicking and screaming but they've already had it too good for too long at customers' expense.