[[File:Samsung Galaxy Unpacked up close 2014-09-03 Note 4 replaceable battery pride.jpg|thumb|right|…half a year after which the [[Galaxy S6]] was [[:File:S6builtin.jpg|released]].]]
{{nutshell|class=floatbox|1=A summary of this article can be found [[#Summary|in the section '''''“§ Summary”''''']]. • [[#toc|Jump to table of contents]]
}}
🔋 This page documents the benefits of user-replaceable batteries in portable consumer electronics such as [[mobile phone]]s and portable [[computer]]s, and the problems associated with non-replaceable batteries.
This article explains how non-user-replaceable batteries, also known as ''non-removable'' batteries, '''severely restrict the freedom and convenience''' of many users of said products, and how '''the freedom of choice''' has increasingly diminished during the 2010s decade down to a point where nearly every newly released mobile phone has a battery that is not replaceable by the end user.
Although much of this article applies to other devices such as [[laptop]] computers as well, this article mainly is focussed on [[mobile phone]]s due to their heavy reliance on a portable power source, [[#Significance|significance]] and versatility as a highly portable device and due to their greater affliction by the [[design trend]] of non-user-replaceable batteries.
== Definition ==
[[File:Dell_Tablet_Battery.png|thumb|right|Contrary to popular belief, tablet computers ''can'' have user-replaceable batteries. This one uses a slider mechanism to lock the battery in.]]
A battery only qualifies as ''user-replaceable'' if the device meets the following design conditions:
* No glue is used to hold the battery in place.
* No solder is used to connect the battery terminals.
* The user is able to access the device's battery compartment without:
** using a heat gun or soldering iron,
** damaging any part of the device such as [[#seal_damage|breaking seals]],
** exposing delicate internal components such as the device's main board,
** or need for proprietary tools such as a proprietary screw driver.
Laptop computers with user-replaceable batteries and [[Benefits of dedicated cameras|dedicated cameras and camcorders]] commonly use a slider interlock, while mobile phones with user-replaceable batteries use a removable back cover fastened using jigsaw-shaped locks, and the bottom of the battery compartment to hold the battery.
As described in {{section link||Instant swap}}, some rugged mobile phones also use screws to reinforce the rear cover's fastening.{{notetag|Very few mobile phones such as the Samsung S5670 Galaxy Fit have a rear cover that slides off (similar to the front/rear-insertable cover part of a pocket calculator) rather than pulled from a lid to open. Another deviant design is the LG G5's sideways-removable modular battery (branded as ''Magic Slot''), where the slot allows using several optional accessories such as a camera grip.}}{{notetag|Special cases are pocket calculators, clocks and watches. Although many have an easily accessible battery compartment, they can usually last years on a single battery charge, or even indefinitely with solar/dual power.}}
==History==
{{See also|Criticism of Apple}}
;The great usurpation of user-replaceable batteries
With the release of the [[Apple]] [[iPod]]s and [[iPhone]]s in the 2000s decade, the great usurpation of user-replaceable batteries in mobile devices has commenced.
Until the early 2010s, nearly all mobile phones that were not [[Apple]] [[iPhone]]s had a battery cover that could simply be opened by the end user.
Over time, other phone vendors slowly started succumbing to the slim fragile unibody([[euphemism]]) [[design trend]] set by [[Apple]], who successfully marketed it as a ''cool'' status symbol to the world, '''possibly''' with the help of massive [[astroturfing]] and [[shill]]ing in online technology forums and support by members of the [[Apple cult]].
Mobile phone vendors other than Apple increasingly degenerated and released mobile phones '''with non-user-replaceable batteries''' such as:
*Sony Xperia S and P[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0J80bDHlRQ&t=0m32s Sony Xperia P promotion video mentioning the euphemistic ''U-word''.]][[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXtR2NslqOs One-minute film by Sony about Xperia P craftsmanship: “Precision crafted, full-aluminium '''unibody'''”]] (early 2012)
*LG/Google Nexus 4 (2012) and Nexus 5 (2013)
*Sony Xperia Z and ZR (early 2013)
*HTC One M7 (early 2013)
*Samsung Galaxy A3, A5, A7 (late 2014)
*Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 Edge (early 2015){{NoteTag|name=Denison}}{{NoteTag|For their predecessor, the [[Samsung Galaxy S5]], Samsung has proudly advertised its interchangeable battery in their ''“Wall Hugger”'' commercial.[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlelbGtPEdU&t=43s Samsung Galaxy S5 commercial film: ''“Wall Hugger”'' (airport lounge)] (2014)] Just one year later, [[Samsung]] has hypocriticized their own advertisement film with the release of the Galaxy S6.}}
As an outcome, user-replaceable batteries have increasingly been usurped to a point where the vast majority of mobile phones released since 2015 until at least late 2020 have batteries not replaceable by the end user.
;In laptops
This design trend has also affected [[laptop]] computers, albeit not as strongly.
After the popularization of Apple ''Mac Book'' laptop computers, others with internal battery compartments are increasingly emerging.
The batteries in several laptop series such as the large MSi GT gaming desknote series are increasingly more difficult to access, requiring the full removal of the bottom cover.
While many bottom covers can be removed after opening several screws, some bottom covers and batteries are glued in, making a [[#Forced_replacement_.28battery_surgery.29|battery surgery]] without damaging near components from prying it off especially difficult.
==The problem: Planned obsolescence==
{{anchor|Planned_obsolescence|obsolescence}}
{{/quotes}}
{{anchor highlight|hostile|2=Non-replaceable batteries are '''downright hostile''' against consumers.}}
The battery is an evanescent component. In portable electronics, some of the most frequently used tools in everyday life, it is the component with '''by far the shortest life expectancy''', thus supposed to be modular and replaced like brakes and wheels on vehicles upon expiration.[[https://techworldstoday.wordpress.com/2015/08/05/top-tips-for-making-your-laptop-battery-last-longer/ ''Top [10 ways] for making your laptop battery last longer''] (August 5, 2015; original source disputed) ({{iquote|Contrary to popular belief, laptop batteries are consumables – like printer ink. Batteries aren’t designed to last the lifetime of the laptop, and that’s why – if you check the small print on the warranty statement – you’ll probably find that the battery isn’t covered, or is guaranteed for a shorter period than the laptop.}})][Cristina Perkins. "How To Increase Laptop Battery Capacity – 7 Amazing Tricks In..." (1984)
Available at: [http://works.bepress.com/ammocapal/58/ Cristina Perkins. "How To Increase Laptop Battery Capacity – 7 Amazing Tricks In..."] (Christina Perkins, 1984-07-19) (original source disputed) ({{iquote|Contrary to popular belief, laptop batteries are consumables, like printer ink.}})][[https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0458/1720/0796/files/laptop_battery_saver_software_for_windows_7.pdf ''Laptop battery saver software for Windows 7'']]{{notetag|A dedicated German term for parts prone to weardown is „Verschleißteil“.}}[{{cite web |title=Latest alleged 'iPhone 7 Plus' packaging pic suggests option of bundled wireless 'AirPods' [u] |url=https://appleinsider.com/articles/16/09/01/latest-alleged-iphone-7-plus-packaging-pic-suggests-option-of-bundled-wireless-airpods |website=AppleInsider |language=en |date=2016-09-01 |quote=Battery may eventually need replacement.}} — Apple themselves admits in plain sight that batteries are expiring parts.]
Like defective crucial components in machines, a defective supply of electricity to a device such as an expired battery in a mobile phone '''cripples its operation.'''
[[#Forced_replacement_.28battery_surgery.29|Difficult repairs]] or even having to replace an entire device because of one failing component is wasteful of resources and efforts.
===Battery aging===
{{anchor|Battery_weardown}}
File:LithiumIon-cycles.jpg|Lithium-Ion recharge cycle test at elevated voltages
File:LithiumIon-cycles-1.jpg|Another Lithium-Ion recharge cycle test
Over time, with normal usage, a rechargeable battery wears down and eventually loses both capacity, performance, as well as efficiency with the cell's increasing internal resistance.
Each charging and discharging cycle adds to the weardown and brings the battery closer to its demise. It is as if a fuel tank slightly shrank on each refill and during usage.[[https://m.youtube.com/watch?index=51&list=PLum2wsj11GAakzU0QTUGYNx_aObx3Un67&v=J3-lIYKpBmA Video: ''The Shocking Battery Life of One Year Old Smartphones''] - [[Kevin Muldoon]] (2018-07-26)][[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajq3JDVgmJ0 Video (German): ''Kapazitätsmessung Samsung Galaxy S4 Akku nach 650 Ladezyklen''] – ''[[JamesKnopfSelbst]]''] Although the battery should have around 80% of its original performance at that point, it means that it is already past half its lifespan.
As the battery gets weaker and comes closer to being a deadweight, its remaining life span expires faster due to constant user demands causing an increased usage relative to battery power and energy capacity.
Another noticeable sign of battery degradation is a rashing battery indicator, which gives a false appearance of faster charging due to the battery terminal voltage raising to its ceiling faster.
This causes unadapted software not programmed to take battery degradation into calculation overestimate the energy, while the battery is actually storing '''less energy.'''
Towards the end of its lifespan, the performance and endurance of the battery starts to plunge.[[http://archive.today/vYtuL Battery University: ''BU-808'' ─ ''How to prolong [the lifespan of] Lithium-based batteries.'']][[https://blog.ravpower.com/2017/12/why-batteries-lose-their-charge-solutions/ ''Why batteries lose their charge'' - RAVpower Blog (2017-12-08)]][[http://www.ibt-power.com/Battery_packs/Li_Ion Typixal Lithium-Ion technical data – IBT Power]][[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea_H4lLrho0 Video: ''6 Signs You Need A New iPhone Battery''] [03:41] by [[iFixit]] (2018-09-06)][{{cite web |title=Battery Q&A - Lenovo Support US |url=https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/HT509084 |website=support.lenovo.com}}]
===Power starvation===
A geriatric battery may compromise device functionality and cause unexpected power-offs.
====Unexpected poweroffs====
At one point after enough weardown from usage, a battery is weakened by its age so much that the voltage risks falling below a threshold (e.g. 3.0 Volts for mobile phones) during normal operation, '''unexpectedly causing poweroffs'''.
The battery is considered to be expired and have reached the end of its useful (functional) lifespan at that point.
After further usage of a senescent battery, it will eventually no longer be able to power the device for beyond a few minutes.
====Limited performance====
Due to the low performance of aged batteries, a device has to artificially limit its processing power to avoid overwhelming the age-weakened battery. Colder environmental temperatures that slow down the chemical reactions inside the battery and lower charging states decrease the output power limit even further.[[https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=euJfTt2FMb4&t=07m53s Video of iPhone 6 battery failure situation due to coldness. (German)]]
This is the reason behind the infamous [[criticism of Apple#Performance_throttling_scandal|iOS 9 performance throttling scandal]] on the 2011 iPhone 4s, where a late 2015 operating system update deliberately throttled the device's processing speed to prevent overwhelming decrepit non-replaceable batteries.[[https://poal.co/s/crApple/141804 “Why smaller batteries have a shorter lifespan — the vicious aging cycle of tiny iPhone batteries.”]][[https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/sep/24/iphone-slow-ios-9-update-iphone-4s-iphone-5-iphone-5s ''TheGuardian'' report about poor battery performance of Apple iPhones (2015-09-24)]]
===Vulnerabilities===
====Plating====
Lithium-Ion batteries might suffer from a destructive chemical reaction known as ''plating'' if charged during freezing temperatures, discharged below 2.5 volts (usually caused by self-discharging after long non-usage) and trickle-charged.[[https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140903105638.htm Lithium-ion batteries: Phenomenon of 'lithium plating' during the charging process observed (2014-09-03)]]
====Dendrite hazard====
[[File:Lithium-dendrites.jpg|thumb|Dendrites infesting a Lithium-Ion battery]]
Over time, Lithium-Ion batteries develope so-called '''dendrites''' from normal usage. These are whiskers of lithium that infest the battery internally over time, causing the capacity and performance to degrade over time, and the internal resistance to increase.
Dendrites develope faster at higher charging speeds and at higher temperatures. Too many dendrites could cause an internal short circuit in the battery by drilling through the ''polarity septum'', which is a safety hazard and may pose a risk of fire.[[https://www.electronicproducts.com/Power_Products/Batteries_and_Fuel_Cells/What_are_dendrites_and_why_do_they_cause_fires_in_lithium_batteries.aspx ''Strands of lithium are proving to be a nuisance for next-gen batteries''] – October 20, 2016 by Jeffrey Bausch ]
==== Removal when inflated ====
[[File:Note7disaster.jpg|thumb|The result of prioritizing [[#caseAnyway|slim {{iquote|premium}} design]] over safety and functionality.]]
In the unlikely event of a mobile phone battery visibly inflating, it can be removed from the device immediately if the rear cover is removable, minimzing damage.
But if a non-replaceable battery visibly inflates, the mobile phone will self-destruct like a [[Samsung Galaxy Note 7]], whose infamous disaster mainly is the result of an aggressively slim design that failed to house the battery with a moderate capacity of 3500 mAh properly, damaging it from squishing.[[https://www.techradar.com/news/samsung-galaxy-note-7-battery-fires-heres-why-they-exploded ''Here’s why the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 batteries caught fire and exploded''] by Matt Swider (TechRadar; January 23, 2017)]
===Video recording===
The photography capabilities and especially video recording abilities of mobile phones has improved to a point where such devices are [[#Significance|able]] to serve as the '''main camera''' to the majority of people.
But mobile phone batteries with less than 10 Watt-hours are considerably too weak to power 2160p (4K) and high frame rate (e.g. 1080p@120fps, 720p@240fps) video recording, thus will degrade quickly when used for powering such tasks.
The usage of video recording modes on newer mobile phones released towards the end of the 2010s decade, with even higher pixel rates, such as 2160p@60fps, 1080p@240fps and continuous 720p@480fps demand even more battery power.
New higher video resolutions such as '''3240p 6K''' and especially '''4320p 8K''' on devices released since 2020, such as the [[Samsung Galaxy S20]] and [[Samsung Galaxy Note 20|Note 20]] models, '''ravenously''' demand battery power and produce significant heat.
Here is a comparison of battery capacities with several known mobile phone models that support at least 2160p 4K video recording at 30fps, as a reference:
{{/Wh-list}}
If a device you think is worth listing is not listed here yet, feel free to add it.
== Freedom ==
=== Sense of ownership ===
[[File:S6builtin.jpg|thumb|[[Justin Denison]] glorifyingly announcing that the battery of the [[Samsung]] [[Galaxy S6]] is non-replaceable, heavily disappointing their core customer base. (Keynote on March 1st 2015.)]]
{{anchor|Sense_of_freedom}}
Knowing that one is able to easily and quickly replace the battery at any time is a liberating feeling.{{NoteTag|name=Denison|1=On the [[Galaxy S6]] keynote ''“Samsung Unpacked 2015 – Episode 1”'', [[Justin Denison]] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILsPjSIY270&t=27m10s said on stage]: {{quote|1=''“You may have noticed a major change here: '''The battery is built-in'''[= Hiobsbotschaft]. Now, ~ , we refused to do this for some time[Who asked?]. That's because we didn't want to have a built-in battery until we were absolutely sure that users would feel confident about charging their phones.”}} But in reality, non-replaceable batteries cause '''the exact contrary:''' they strongly diminish said confidence.}}
In contrary, the thought of one non-modular, trapped component with a short lifespan having the potential to render the entire device near-useless upon expiration could exert inconvenient subconscious saliency on a user.
The possible dependence on [[#Phone_repair_shop|external help]] robs users of the sense of ownership and control over their device. Even the existence of [[#Manual_battery_surgery|manual repair toolkits]] does not nearly provide the [[#Certainty|certainty]] of user-replaceable batteries.
This sense of confinement could be a nuisance during the [[#Weardown_from_heavy_usage|usage of advanced device features]] such as high charging speeds, discouraging the use of such.
=== Certainty ===
The degree of difficulty for a [[#Forced_replacement_(battery_surgery)|battery surgery]], a property not listed on specification sheets, may vary up to where the '''entire''' circuit board needs to riskily be removed before the battery[{{cite web |date=2019-01-12 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9MKjFKYxhs |title=Ulefone Armor 2 battery replacement. |type=Video}}], while user-replaceable batteries provide one the '''assurance''' of safe and convenient future replacements.
===Significance===
;Why it matters.
Due to the tremendous versatility, practicality and portability of mobile phones[[https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/gadgets/15-devices-that-our-smartphone-has-replaced-in-our-lives-making-it-a-true-all-in-one-gadget-330647.html A list of 15 devices within the feature range of mobile phones. (2017-10-01, original title: ''“15 Devices That Our Smartphone Has Replaced In Our Lives, Making It A True All-In-One Gadget!”'')]], these devices have become '''an essential part of user's lives''' and are therefore heavily relied upon. It is a digital swiss army knife.
To many, the mobile phone is the most steadily accessible toolbox, electronic companion and digital portal.
It is what connects them to the [[Internet]] and other people from anywere, captures fleeting moments with its built-in cameras, records stunning footage with its camcorder feature, illuminates the dark when needed with its built-in LED lamp, acts as a digital note book, and much more.
For portability, all of this functionality relies on a portable power source, namely the mobile phone battery. If said mobile phone battery '''ceases to function properly''' however, namely because of its old age, its failure disables the normal operation of the device, making all of said functionality '''unuseable and ineffective.'''
{{cquote|quote={{anchor highlight|mobilephonemobile|The battery is what makes a mobile phone mobile.}} }}
===Weardown from heavy usage===
{{anchor|heavy}}{{anchor|Heavy_usage}}
While battery technology has improved, the performance demands from customers are increasing to power new functionality such as faster recharging, 5G connectivity, [[#Video_recording|high resolution video recording]] and [[#Wireless_discharging|wireless discharging]], all of which imposes additional stress and weardown on the battery.
Fast charging speeds and full, deep charging cycles (i.e. charging a battery up to 100% and discharging down to 0%) reduce the life span of the battery faster, while deliberately limiting the charging speed and using power saving settings is a [[#Sacrifice_of_convenience_and_mobility|sacrifice of convenience]], deterioating user experience.
High charging currents relative to the battery size put enormous stress on the battery cell.
The heat produced during fast charging speeds, [[wireless charging]] and high usage of the [[CPU]] and [[GPU]] further accelerates the [[#Battery_weardown|wear & tearing]] of the battery.
Heavy usage not only heats up the device but also drains the battery faster, speeding up consumption of the limited recharge cycles.
This includes:
;Power appliances
*Fast charging speeds
*[[Spare current]] charging
*[[#Wireless_discharging|Wireless discharging]]
*[[USB-OTG]] appliances
;Multimedia
*High resolution and/or framerate [[#Video_recording|video recording]] and playback
*3D gaming
*Mobile video editing
;Display and user interface:
*High screen brightnesses{{notetag|High display brightnesses especially with white backgrounds on [[AMOLED]] displays is a significant waste of battery power.}}
*High screen resolutions (e.g. 1440p, 2160p)
*High refresh rates (e.g. 90 Hz, 120 Hz)
*Visual effects such as blur
*Haptic feedback
;Tasks
*Video telephony
*Usage of split-screen and multi-window functionality
*Frequent switching between applications
;Connectivity:
*Usage of cellular networks like 4G and especially 5G.
*Usage of [[Miracast]] (''screen mirroring'')
*Usage of WiFi direct (file transfer, ''hotspot'' FTP server, Internet ''hotspot'')
*Over-the-air synchronisation and backup using cloud, FTP and similar.
*Poor signal strengths
;Location-dependent services
*''Smart Lock''
*Navigation
;Camera operation
Another undesirable potential effect of power saving settings is its possible negative impact on camera performance such as its launching speed.
This increases the likelihood of it failing to capture volatile moments, which may significantly be disadvantageous to those relying on their mobile phone as most frequently used camera.
This performance loss gets magnified if [[Samsung_Galaxy_S7_camera_bugs#Screen_rotation_priority|poorly engineered camera software]] causes further delays.
===Usage as power bank===
Mobile phones with USB-OTG (''USB on the go'') support allow outputting power through the USB port, although with limited discharging speeds and power losses from voltage boost conversion from the mobile phone's internal battery voltage to five volts required for USB power output.
====Wireless discharging====
{{anchor|powershare}}
In the late 2010s, the first mobile phones with wireless discharging abilities appeared on the market, such as the [[Samsung Galaxy S9]] (released early 2018) and [[Samsung]] flagship phones released since then, of whose this feature has been branded ''[[PowerShare]]''.[[https://www.androidcentral.com/how-use-reverse-wireless-charging-huawei-mate-20-pro ''“How to use reverse wireless charging on the Huawei Mate 20 Pro”'' – Android Authority]]
Wireless discharging allows the mobile phone to act as a wireless charging station and provide wireless power to other devices. If the ''PowerShare host'', the phone providing the wireless power, is not connected to a wired charger itself, entirely the mobile phone's internal non-user-replaceable battery is used to provide the power necessary for wireless discharging.
====Criticism of wireless discharging====
Although potentially practical in emergency situations, wireless discharging is a '''ravenous, squanderous''' waste of the '''limited recharge cycles''' of the host device's '''non-user-replaceable battery''' due to the inefficiency of wireless power transmission (electromagnetic induction over the air) and the high amounts of transmitted power relative to a mobile phone's battery size.{{NoteTag|Charging smaller accessories such as smart watches and wireless earphones (also known as ''“EarBuds”'') demands far less power than other mobile phones.}}
The heat caused by said inefficiency (energy loss) adds to the battery's weardown.
The usage of wireless discharging is advertised, thus endorsed by Samsung[[https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/what-is/wireless-powershare/ ''“What is wireless PowerShare?”'' article on Samsung's official web site]][[https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XZqnLhMeun4 Samsung Galaxy S10 commercial for ''PowerShare'']], among other vendors.[{{cite web |title=iPhone 12 Models Might Support Reverse Charging of Future Apple Accessories According to FCC Filing |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2020/10/27/iphone-12-wirelessly-charge-accessories-fcc/ |website=MacRumors |language=en |date=2020-10-27}}]
===Sacrifice of convenience and mobility===
{{anchor|frugality}}{{anchor|sacrifice}}
{{/itsOkayToChargeFast|style="float:none"}}
In order to extend the battery's life span and somewhat delay its '''inevitable demise''', users would have to '''sacrifice convenience''' by keeping the battery charging state between approximately 25% and 75%, avoid excessive heat (above around ≈30°C), restrict the device's performance by enabling settings for power saving, refrain from [[#Weardown_from_heavy_usage|extended usage]], and deactivate the convenient fast charging feature (or limit charging speed by using less powerful chargers{{notetag|One might also limit the charging current by using a longer USB wire with accordingly higher ohmic resistance. This however might not restrict changing speeds on mobile phones that use elevated voltages for fast charging, if connected to a supported charger.}}), which negatively affects the user experience.[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Xd6o49rX9g Video: ''Top 5 Things That Could Kill Your iPhone''], published by ''BoxDesire'' on September 26, 2014][[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF2O4l1JprI Video: ''Stop Charging your Phone Overnight!''] by [[Linus Tech Tips]] (2018-05-10) – Includes other battery saving measures involving sacrifice of convenience.]
Some mobile phone vendors implement aggressive power saving measures in their operating system. As result, power saving settings may interfere with the normal operation of third-party software, especially such required to run in background to fulfill its purpose.
{{cquote|Vendors are always trying to squeeze some battery saving features into the firmware with each new Android release.
But some go so far that they break useful apps just to artificially claim more battery life.|author=[https://DontKillMyApp.com/problem]}}
=== Thanklessness ===
{{anchor|Unthankful}}
Not only do these measures of frugality decrease user convenience, but they put the manufacturer's implementation of a device's potential capabilites to waste.
For the sake of postponing the anyway inevitable expiry of a part that is '''technically supposed''' to be replaceable, many users seldomly or never use fast charging, deliberately throttling the charging speed by deactivating it or using a weaker power supply and/or higher resistance (lower-quality/longer) cables, as commonly advised on battery life span guides.[{{cite web |title=Charging habits to maximize battery life |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/maximize-battery-life-882395/ |website=Android Authority |date=24 July 2019}}][{{cite web |last1=Stephen |first1=Lauren |title=13 tips to extend the lifespan of your phone battery |url=https://medium.com/@lauren.c.stephen/13-tips-to-extend-the-lifespan-of-your-phone-battery-16c2af5ca59f |website=Medium |language=en |date=11 November 2019}}]
While not diminishing practicality for overnight charges, where abundant charging time is available, it could significantly diminish usability for [[#Heavy_usage|advanced usage]] during the day, and is dismissive of the efforts electrical engineers spent on these technologies supposed to enrich users.
{{cquote|Did electrical engineers put effort into developing fast charging technologies just so users leave them unused and dismiss innovation for the sake of postponing the inevitable death of their non-replaceable batteries?}}
In addition, battery nursing measures such as using slower charging speeds and only partial charging cycles would sacrifice the '''''mobile''''' phone's '''[[#mobilephonemobile|mobility]]''' because it would be dependent longer and more frequently on external power input to keep working.
{{anchor highlight|simulate|Battery health care measures that involve limiting device performance and used capacity '''actually simulate an already degraded battery.'''}}{{notetag|name=BTFO}}
===The dilemma===
With a non-user-replaceable battery, the user is forced to decide between convenience or battery lifespan.
With a replaceable battery in comparison, one can '''blissfully''' charge fast, use the battery's entire capacity with full charging cycles, run full overnight charges without timer switches and wake up to a full battery, and do [[#Weardown_from_heavy_usage|power-intensive tasks]] such as high-resolution and/or framerate video recording, without bothering with battery care, power saving modes or feelings of guilt and misery in advance knowing that the limited battery lifespan could be a '''dead-end''', or at least a [[#Forced_replacement_(battery_surgery)|significant burden]] for the entire device upon expiration, if it were not replaceable.
It has even come to a point where timed switch gadgets with the single purpose of preventing full charges exist![{{cite web |title=Chargie - limit phone's nighttime charging to extend battery lifespan |url=https://chargie.org |website=Chargie}}][{{cite web |title=USB Charger 2-Port + Countdown Timer |url=https://www.link2home.com/charge/usb-chargers/usb-charger-2-port-countdown-timer |website=LINK2HOME |language=en-us}}]
=== Instant swap ===
Some devices, especially dedicated cameras and camcorders, but also many laptops and most [[Criticism_of_Apple#Magic_Mouse_2|non-Apple wireless computer mice]]{{notetag|Not only does Apple's ''Magic Mouse 2'' have a non-replaceable battery, but the charging port is located on the bottom surface, making one unable to plug in the power cable (which obviously has a proprietary ''Lightning'' connector) during usage, meaning that without surrogate units, one is stuck when its battery runs empty.}} and keyboards, have an easily accessible battery compartment, which allows the instant replacement of a discharged battery with a charged one, a benefit known from [[benefits of expandable storage|memory cards]].
While the device operates on the charged battery, the discharged battery can be recharged using an external charger, to be immediately ready for usage as soon as the other battery is discharged again.
This argument is less of a concern for mobile phones with fast charging technology, because they can be recharged very quickly on the go anyway using powerbanks that support fast charging.
In addition, some mobile phones with replaceable batteries have screw-mounted back covers that need to be opened with the help of a screwdriver instead of only by hand. Such devices include the Samsung Galaxy ''Xcover'' outdoor/rugged phone series.
Although such back covers make the battery less accessible on the go, they can provide more reliable and stronger protection against water and dust ingress while still allowing the replacement of an expired battery (that has reached the end of its lifespan) within minutes at home.
Some mobile phones such as the Caterpillar (''“CAT”'') B15 and B15Q use a back cover slider interlock.[[https://www.gsmarena.com/cat_b15-pictures-5985.php Cat B15 pictures] – GSM Arena][[https://www.gsmarena.com/cat_b15_q-pictures-6698.php Cat B15 Q pictures] – GSM Arena]
=== Replacement anticipation ===
With the degrading battery functionability over time, a user may subconsciously get somewhat used to the deterioated battery performance.
With a [[#Certainty|simply]] interchangeable battery, a user can look forward to its next replacement because '''it allows being appreciative of the imminently noticable energy and performance boost''' given by new battery after becoming used to those of the previous, degraded battery, all without the replacement being a [[#Forced_replacement_.28battery_surgery.29|significant burden]], in addition to its [[#Sacrifice_of_convenience_and_mobility|detrimental effects on usability]] in advance of inevitable battery demise.
=== Battery variants ===
Users' ability to replace batteries allows to cycle between different variants of batteries as necessary, such as rear-protruding higher-capacity variants of laptop batteries which may hold
A possibility for vendors is offering the user ''power cell'' and ''energy cell'' variants of batteries, of which the former prioritizes recharging speeds and output performance{{notetag|A high output performance may be necessary for the few most power-guzzling features such as [[#Wireless_discharging|wireless discharging]].}}, while the latter is built with maximizing energy density in mind.
==Forced replacement (''battery surgery'')==
{{anchor|surgery}}
[[File:BotchedReplacement.jpg|thumb|Botched iPhone battery replacement job]]
===Phone repair shop===
A forced battery replacement of a sealed battery (i.e. ''battery surgery'') by a mobile phone repair shop usually costs at least five times as much as a replacement battery, may take hours instead of less than two minutes, and possibly {{anchor highlight|seal_damage|irreversibly damages the water resistance seal}}.[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNPeA4CJ7Ow&t=2m A Galaxy S7 after battery surgery does not last 20 seconds underwater.]]
In addition, instead of easily manually replacing the battery at home within a minute with [[#Certainty|certainty]] of success, one has to trust ones device to a repairman with the hope that he successfully performs the battery surgery without damaging any delicate parts of a device that was never built to ever have its battery replaced.
Such a battery surgery, depending on the build of the device, may rely on high-precision work with a heat gun and with a hot soldering iron '''in proximity of delicate hardware components''', as opposed to risk-freely opening a back cover with ones hand and a screwdriver if necessary.
If internal parts are stuck together using glue and the battery terminals are soldered, repairs are especially difficult and might cause unintended damage to components.[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPN930fohyo&time_continue=5m22s ''“Wie wasserdicht ist das Sony Xperia Z wirklich?”''] – AndroidPIT Germany – 2013-08-05 (criticism of the design of the 2013 Sony Xperia Z)]
===Manual battery surgery===
Although tool kits for performing the battery surgery manually exist (e.g. those by ''[[iFixit]]''), the usage of those usually demands intense patience and dexterity (fine motor skills), more or less depending on the device's physical construction, while user-replaceable batteries provide users the [[#Certainty|certainty]] of trouble-free future replacements in advance.
There is a risk of botching replacements, rendering a device unuseable, which has reportedly happened to several attempters.[[https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/data-recovery-from-botched-battery-replacement.1849844/ ''Data Recovery from Botched Battery Replacement''] — Thread by user ''BDub-Hay'' on ''MacRumors.com'' on February 25, 2015][[https://i.reddit.com/r/iPhoneRepair/comments/i4tiy7/helpbotched_iphone_battery_replacement/ ''[Help]Botched iPhone battery replacement?'' — Reddit user ''td4k'' on 2020-08-06 in /r/iPhoneRepair] (''“So I got a new battery for my se and put it in. After a few seconds it turned on and I was able to get to the home screen. But I accidentally knocked it out of the connector as I haven’t finished closing it yet. But after put it back in it won’t turn on again.”'')]
This option may not even be available or tied to restrictions, if the vendor implements software locks that disable inofficial repairs, like Apple is doing on iPhones since 2019.[{{cite web |last1=Lloyd |first1=Craig |title=Apple Is Locking iPhone Batteries to Discourage Repair |url=https://de.ifixit.com/News/32343/apple-is-locking-batteries-to-iphones-now |website=iFixit |language=de |date=2019-08-07}}]
===Services by vendors===
Some vendors offer users a servce to deposit their device through (physical) mail for a battery replacement.
In that case, the user has to trust that their posted device does not get lost or damaged anywhere in the delivery, and that the vendor does not secretly apply additional unsolicited modifications to the device.
===Accessibility of battery surgery===
In addition, users located in remote places such as smaller valleys might have to wait days for their device to arrive back at home.
Access to mobile phone repair services tends to be restricted in remote places and during a pandemic outbreak such as [[Coronavirus]] 2020.
Spare replacement batteries however can be purchased by the user any time in advance in any needed quantity, and replaced like a vehicle's tire with a spare tire.
=== Privacy ===
Privacy matters.[{{cite web |last1=Solove |first1=Daniel |title=10 Reasons Why Privacy Matters |url=https://teachprivacy.com/10-reasons-privacy-matters/ |website=TeachPrivacy |date=20 January 2014}}]
The ability to replace one's phone battery at home offers a greater level of privacy. Even if mobile phone repair shops or vendors were not to glimpse into user data, the mere technical possibility may be unsettling to users.[{{cite web |last1=Murphy |first1=Margi |title=Smartphone screen repair shops could let spies into your phone |url=https://www.thesun.co.uk/tech/4298260/smartphone-screen-repair-shops-could-let-spies-into-your-phone/ |website=The Sun |language=en-gb |date=22 August 2017}}]
==Anti-replaceable-battery arguments debunked==
{{anchor|debunked}}{{anchor|Pro-non-replaceable-battery_arguments_debunked}}
This section debunks the myths and arguments in favour of non-user-replaceable mobile phone batteries, some of which are applicable to other battery-powered devices as well.
The arguments mentioned in the following list include respective variations of them.
=== Water irresistance myth ===
;''“User-replaceable batteries make water-resistance impossible!''”''{{anchor|water_replaceable}}
A common argument invoked against a design with user-replaceable battery is it allegedly excluding water and dust resistance.
However, devices including the Samsung's Galaxy S5[Video ''“Ultimate Samsung Galaxy S5 Water Test!”'' (2014-04-06) by [[TechSmartt]]: [[Samsung Galaxy S5]] successfully surviving water resistance tests: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9J611BuXhw&t=01m32s Submerged at 1m (3.3ft) of depth for 1 hour] and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9J611BuXhw&t=05m43s being washed in a washing machine for 50 minutes]][{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2014-08-04|title=Samsung S5: 6 Stunden auf dem Elbgrund - Traumflieger.de|url=https://www.traumflieger.de/reports/Kamera-Tests/Panasonic-Olympus-Sony-Samsun/Samsung-Galaxy-S5/Samsung-S5-6-Stunden-auf-dem-Elbgrund::736.html|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-11-15|website=www.traumflieger.de}} &endash; Story of a [[Samsung Galaxy S5]] surviving a '''six-hour''' submersion in a 2.50 metre deep lake, well beyond its IP67 rating for 30 minutes at 1 metre.] (including ''“Active”'', ''“Sport”'' and ''“Mini”''{{notetag|The USB port of the Galaxy S5 Mini is protected from the inside, meaning that it does not require a flap to cover it externally for water resistance like it does with the standard Galaxy S5 variant.}} variants), Galaxy S4 Active, Galaxy Xcover series, Sony Xperia V, Sony Ericsson Xperia Active, Cat B15 and B15Q were water-resistant while being equipped with a user-replaceable battery. Even the robust ''[[GoPro]]'' sports cameras are designed with user-replaceable battery.[{{cite web |type=video |title=How to Change Battery GoPro 7 Black |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bllFOaezjg |date=2019-12-01 }}]
In comparison, a [[#Forced_replacement_(battery_surgery)|battery surgery]] leaves permanent damage. Even if water resistance is claimed to be preserved, the risk of leaks increases significantly.
Water resistance seals in phones with slimmer, subsequently weaker bodies, all the more if used without protective case, are '''especially prone''' to weardown from physical stress.
;''“Replaceable batteries limit water/dust resistance.”''
This can be compensated by making the rubber isolation thicker, deeper, and/or multi-layered.
Both mobile phones without ''and'' with user-replaceable batteries can have reliable water resistance if implemented properly[ and Z2][[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcuzv_1AHkw Video (German): ''Sony Xperia Z2 Wassertest - Defekt!'']][{{Cite web|last=Sharda|first=Adit|date=2014-05-15|title=Is the Sony Xperia Z2 Really Waterproof?|url=https://www.droidviews.com/is-the-sony-xperia-z2-waterproof/|access-date=2020-11-20|website=[[DroidViews]]|language=en-US}} &endash; the ''sealed'' ''IP5'''8'''''-rated device failed a one-minute water test in a fish tank.] has been disputed.
;Argumentum ad Apple
{{anchor highlight|dayHistory|The first day in history since which [[Apple cult|Apple user]]s appear to be caring about water protection in mobile phones is '''September 7th, 2016'''.}}
It happens to be the same day the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, Apple's first officially water-protected mobile phones, were unveiled.
=== Slim design argument ===
;''“Users prefer thinner phones!”''[[https://club.myce.com/t/user-replaceable-battery-or-slim-design-which-is-more-important-to-you-in-a-mobile-phone/407626/19?u=handroid7 User-replaceable battery or slim design – Which is more important to you in a mobile phone? – Post #19 by user ''UTR'']]
Not only is [[Function over form|functionality]] the original purpose of mobile phones, but millions of [[Apple cult]] members appear not to be bothered by the >8 millimeters of thickness on all three iPhone 11 variants[[https://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=9848&idPhone2=9847&idPhone3=9846 Compare Apple iPhone 11 vs. Apple iPhone 11 Pro vs. Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max] – GSMArena.com], the same thickness those hypocrites criticized earlier Samsung mobile phones for.
This iSheepocrisy (or ''iPocrisy'') suggests that the criticism, much of it presumably from Apple iShills and [[Apple cult|cult members]], solely purported for mocking the competing mobile phone vendors.
In addition, the [[Samsung Galaxy S4]] with user-replaceable battery is only 7.9mm thick, which is slimmer than iPhones released in the years towards 2020.[[https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9505_galaxy_s4-5371.php Samsung Galaxy S4 (GT-i9505) – Full phone specifications] – GSMArena.com]
;''“Mobile phones with user-replaceable batteries never sold well!”''
;''“Noone wants a boring polycarbonate back!”''
Samsung Galaxy flagship mobile phones of 2010 to 2014 sold tens of millions of times each, making the [[Galaxy S4]] the '''most sold''' Android-running mobile phone of all time with more than '''80 Million''' sales.[{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2016/01/26/the-20-bestselling-mobile-phones-of-all-time/ |title=The 20 bestselling mobile phones of all time |work=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]] |date=August 6, 2017 |accessdate=August 12, 2017 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715185735/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2016/01/26/the-20-bestselling-mobile-phones-of-all-time/ |archivedate=July 15, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}]
In addition, at the same screen size of 4.7 inches, the 6.7-mm-thin Samsung Galaxy Alpha's '''user-replaceable''' 1860 mAh battery has a greater capacity than both the '''non-replaceable''' batteries of the 6.9mm thin Apple iPhone 6 and the 7.1mm 6s, which only have 1810 mAh and '''1715 mAh''' repectively, meaning that the Galaxy Alpha houses both a larger '''and user-replaceable''' battery despite being 0.2 millimetres thinner at the same screen surface size! And at the same time, the Samsung Galaxy Alpha '''weighs less''' than '''''both''''' the iPhone models![{{Cite web|title=Compare Samsung Galaxy Alpha vs. Apple iPhone 6 vs. Apple iPhone 6s - GSMArena.com|url=https://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=6573&idPhone2=6378&idPhone3=7242|access-date=2020-10-24|website=www.gsmarena.com}}]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Comparison overview
|-
! Device→
Feature↓ !! [[Samsung Galaxy Alpha]] !! [[Apple iPhone 6]] !! [[Apple iPhone 6s]]
|-
! Release date
|| {{green|2014-08}} || 2014-09 || {{red|2015-09}}
|-
! Screen size
| colspan=3 | 4.7 inches
|-
! Battery capacity
|| {{green|1860 mAh}} || 1810 mAh || {{red|1715 mAh}}
|-
! Battery user-replaceable?
| colspan=1 {{Yes}}
| colspan=2 {{No}}
|-
! Thickness
|| {{green|6.7mm}} || {{red|6.9mm}} || {{red|7.1mm}}
|-
! Weight
|| {{green|115 g}} || 129 g || {{red|143 g}}
|-
! 2160p (4K) video recording{{notetag|Included as a rough reference for camera and chipset performance.}}
|| {{green|Yes}} || {{red|No}}{{notetag|The '''3264'''×2448 image sensor width is insufficient for 4K video, which requires '''3840'''×2160 pixels (and 4096×2160 for the lesser common ''DCi 4K'').}} || {{green|Yes}}
|-
|colspan=4 align=center|[{{cite web |last1=Vitré |first1=Pièrre |title=No, you don't need a smartphone with a removable battery |url=https://www.nextpit.com/no-you-do-not-need-a-smartphone-with-a-removable-battery |website=NextPit |language=en |date=2017-06-20 |quote=Battery technological advances}}]
At the same time however, both user demands and power-guzzling device functionality have increased, as described in {{section link||Weardown from heavy usage}}.
=== Wireless charging argument ===
;''“Wireless charging is not possible with user-replaceable batteries.”''
Several devices with user-replaceable batteries such as the Galaxy S3, S4, S5, Note 2, Note 3 and Note 4 allow attaching a special wireless charging back cover that does nearly look identical to the original back cover.
The power is delivered through dedicated contact pins under the back cover.{{NoteTag|1=The Galaxy Note 3, S5 and Note 4 also used such pins for detecting the attachment of ''S View Cover'' and ''LED cover'' (Note 4 only), while S4, S6 and other Samsung devices detect it entirely through their hall sensor.}}
Manufacturers could, if they wanted, include such a back cover into the scope of delivery in the original box in which the main unit is shipped.
=== Bulk argument ===
;''“Non-replaceable batteries are bulkier!”''
While they indeed need slightly more physical space for the same capacity due to a need for protective casing necessary for protection during handling and minor drops, that space compromise is one many users would '''happily accept''' in return for [[#Sense_of_freedom|freedom from planned obsolescence]], including [https://poal.co/s/crApple/125585 100% of the voters here] and the vast majority of voters on a big technology forum[[https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/1177467-would-you-rather-have-a-replaceable-battery-or-slim-design/ ''Would you rather have a replaceable battery or slim design?''] – Linus Tech Tips forums]. [https://poal.co/s/AskPoal/188585 Here] is another poll where 100% voted for user-replaceable batteries over bezel-less displays, and an independent poll by [[Android Authority]] revealed that the majority of mobile phone users wishes new mobile phones with user-replaceable batteries.[[https://www.androidauthority.com/removable-battery-poll-1074950/ Removable batteries: A must-have, or don’t care? (Poll of the Week)], January 15, 2020, Jimmy Westenbergm Android Authority][[https://www.androidauthority.com/removable-battery-poll-results-1075707/ ''We asked, you told us: Most of you miss the removable battery''] – January 18, 2020, Jimmy Westenberg, Android Authority]
In addition, {{anchor highlight|short_benefit|the deterioration of the battery over time '''nullifies the alleged physical space benefit anyway'''}} due to diminishment of the effective battery capacity, thus '''deterioation of effective energy density.'''
In other words, the amount of energy held by the battery decreases over time while it stays the same physical size.
Eventually, as described in [[#Battery_weardown|previous section]]s, the battery will expire and degenerate into a deadweight.
{{anchor highlight|caseAnyway|Many users put their mobile phones in protective cases anyway, defeating the ''“premium materials”'' and ''“sleek design”'' arguments}} commonly invoked by [[Function over form|form-over-function]] advocates and Apple shills.[How Apple shill tech journalists at “''[[The Verge]]''” [https://poal.co/s/crApple/212873 attacked Samsung in 2013.] → [https://www.theverge.com/2013/9/5/4696874/galaxy-note-3-usb-3-0-power-connector-explained The article “''Galaxy Note 3 first phone to feature '''ugly''' new Micro USB 3 port''”] was probably written by the same hypocritical Apple shills [https://poal.co/s/technology/212871 who once owned an iPhone 4 or 4s with an SD-card-sized charging port.]]
The same applies to adapters on which [[form-over-function]] advocate users of minimalistic Mac Book computers appear to depend as heavily as elderly people on mobility and medical aids (plural of ''aid'', in German: „''Hilfsmittel''“).
: ''See also: {{section link|Benefits of expandable storage#USB-OTG argument}}''
Ironically, this adds '''more bulk''', which precisely is what many form-over-function advocates complain about on user-replaceable batteries, even though the ''bulk'' added by a replaceable battery design is '''marginal''' compared to the aids (plural of ''aid'') relied on for many tasks by minimalistic devices.{{notetag|name=BTFO|1=[[Form-over-function]] advocates and Apple worshippers B.T.F.O.!}}
=== Restricted availability ===
;''“…then just go get a phone with user-replaceable battery!”''
That mere '''option''' (freedom of choice) has sadly been heavily limited since the mid-2010s.[https://poal.co/s/LostFeatures/156028]
The few new phones released with replaceable batteries are of a low or moderate specification class, often limited to mediocre charging speeds and mediocre 1080p@30fps video recording, which the Galaxy S2 was already capable of in 2011.
Even laptops are increasingly suffering from this restrictive and despicable [[Apple]]-made design trend, with fewer remaining options to choose from as more with non-replaceable battery usurp those over time.
Subsequently, existing and emerging devices with a user-replaceable battery may have other unrelated functional shortcomings undesirable to a user.
=== Rogue spare parts argument ===
;''“But users might purchase spare parts from questionable vendors!”''
In the same way, a user might submit the device to a questionable phone repair shop that might fail to repair the phone properly and add damage in the process.
It is the '''user's responsibility''' to purchase spare parts from trustable vendors.
This also applies to other devices and machines such as data storage devices (including MicroSD cards for mobile phones), computers and vehicles, both for spare parts and repairs.
In addition, mobile phone manufacturers could print a notice on the device's package box that encourages users only to purchase spare parts from trustable vendors.
=== Power bank and battery case arguments ===
;''“Just use a powerbank!”''[{{Cite web|last=Gordon|first=Scott Adam|date=2016-05-22|title=Seriously, why do you want a removeable battery?|url=https://www.nextpit.com/why-do-you-want-a-removeable-battery|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-11-20|website=NextPit|language=en|quote=Dimensions}}]
{{anchor|Power_bank_argument}}
Although it is beneficial and safer to carry a [[power bank]] '''regardless''' of the mobile phone's battery capacity, this argument appears mainly to be invoked by the same people who purchase mobile phones, laptop computers and other devices that prioritize [[form over function]], i.e. slim design (a few millimeters thinner) and light weight (a few grams lighter) over battery capacity.
To advoate carrying a power bank that usually weighs multiple times as much as the mobile phone itself, and/or a [[#But_what_about_battery_cases.3F|battery case]] that adds significant thickness while complaining about the alleged ''bulk'' of mobile phones invariably is a [[double standard]].
Being connected to a power bank may restrict the device's mobility and ergonomy, especially during camera usage.
When the battery expires and becomes a dead weight, the mobile phone will '''permanently''' rely on an external power source to prevent unexpected shutdowns from [[#Power_starvation|voltage starvations]].
;''“But what about battery cases?”''
{{anchor|But_what_about_battery_cases.3F}}{{anchor|Battery_case_argument}}
Those in favour of non-user-replaceable batteries argue that the existence of battery cases renders user-replaceable internal batteries unnecessary due to the interchangeability of the battery case
[[Battery case]]s, in a nutshell, are [[power bank]]s in the form of phone cases. They provide electricity to the phone through an integrated charging plug or [[wireless charging]].
;Incompatibility
Although a creative idea and a useful accessory to many, battery cases are not useable '''in combination''' with other phone cases that have special features such as strong protection and an integrated horizontal kickstand.[[http://archive.today/bfR3N Example phone case with practical built-in kickstand and a design of high robustness and good grip (AliBaba item number 32623529289).]]
The thickness double standard from form-over-function advocates described above especially applies to battery cases.
=== Slot block argument ===
{{See also|Benefits of standalone cameras#Storage and battery}}
Another argument cited in favour of irreplaceable batteries is the ability to access the SIM and SD card slots without having to remove the battery.
However, a battery blocking the SIM and SD card slots can only be the result of deliberately poor design from their mislocation. One example is the Sony Xperia V.[{{cite web |last1=Redaktion |first1=inside digital |title=Test des Sony Xperia V |url=https://www.inside-digital.de/handys/sony-xperia-v/test |website=inside digital |language=de-DE |date=2013-01-30}}]
On non-replaceable battery phones, the SD and SIM card is housed in the same tray, opened with the help of a usually precluded, dedicated non-sharp needle inserted into its pin hole, disconnecting both at once. Some mobile phones have the software limitation of requiring a reboot upon detecting an insertion or removal of the [[SIM card]].
In comparison, the rear cover of most mobile phones with user-replaceable battery is removable by hand, not depending on a pin-hole needle.{{notetag|The MicroSD card compartment of few mobile phones such as the Samsung Galaxy Ace GT-S5830i and Galaxy Fit GT-S5670 is located externally on the side. While this makes accesing it the easiest, it discourages safe removals which are not required by dedicated cameras. See also: {{section link|Benefits_of_standalone_cameras#Storage_and_battery}}.}}
=== Alleged personal experience ===
;''“My last mobile phone'e battery lasted 3 years without issues!”''
With current battery technologies, these high battery life expectancies are only achievable with [[#Sacrifice_of_convenience_and_mobility|frugality and sacrifice of convenience]].
Many users however do neither wish to limit themselves to inconvenient slow charging speeds and limit the used capacity range of the battery to between around 25% and ~75%, nor to sacrifice processing speeds using ''power saving'' mode, or dismiss functionality of their device that demands much battery power.[[https://poal.co/s/LostFeatures/156605 ''“Non-replaceable batteries are necessary”'' debunked. – Poal.co /s/LostFeatures]]
=== Device replacement argument ===
The argument '''''“But I replace my phone every 1 to 2 years anyway!”''''' does not change the fact that irreplaceable batteries are [[planned obsolescence]] by definition.[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiQAtLqczAk Video: ''“Non-Replaceable Batteries: This Trend Has to Stop.”'' (+ Tim Cook investor letter)] by ''[[Right-to-Repair]]''-advocate [[Kevin Muldoon]] (2019-01-07)]
One is also supposed to purchase a device '''out of [[phonelitical spectrum|appreciation for its functionality]]''', not because one failing part that is hardly replaceable rendered the entire previous device near-useless and highly dependent on external power input (''“wall hugging”''[).
Many users prefer to keep using their device for well beyond 2 years because it could still fulfill its purpose and get its work done.
But that device might not work as intended anymore due to battery failure.
Previous phones could also serve as surrogate/backup devices and/or have some functionality and compatibility to established software, which more recent devices may lack.
In addition, [[data portability]] on devices with locked [[bootloader]]s (which is the default state) is heavily restrained.][[https://poal.co/s/TellPoal/152184 Criticism of poor data portability with locked bootloader.]]
=== Feature creep argument ===
;''“Replaceable batteries are feature creep!”''
Not only does ''“feature creep”'' appear to be a buzz word selfishly invoked by [[Function over form|form-over-function]] advocates to devalue any functionality they do not use themselves or [[List of features iPhones got late|their devices lack]], but a user-replaceable battery does not fulfill the merits of so-called ''feature creep'', namely obstruction.
It does not obstruct operation or usage of the device, even to overwhelm-prone{{notetag|Low threshold before being overwhelmed from unused user interface elements.}} minimalist users.
=== Progress argument ===
[[Form-over-function]] advocates argue ''unibody''([[euphemism]]) designs be a ''natural'' part of the ''progress'', and a {{iquote|step forward}}{{notetag|name=Denison}} in the development of mobile phones, setting more recent ones apart from earlier ones.[{{cite web |last1=Wong |first1=Raymond |title=Smartphones with removable batteries are never coming back |url=https://mashable.com/article/why-phones-cant-have-removable-batteries-anymore/ |website=Mashable |language=en |date=2018-01-01}} (The article compares user-replaceable batteries with technically obsolete PS/2 ports and floppy disks.)]
While it does indeed set them apart, it does certainly not do so in the favour of newer mobile phones.
It is a '''negative''' change, regarding that, as described in other sections, non-user-replaceable batteries are '''abysmal''' in terms of practicality, convenience and consumer-friendliness.
=== Lesser common situations ===
This section addresses situations that are rather unlikely to occur to non-clusmy users.
==== Anti-theft argument ====
Those who oppose replaceable batteries argue that software that helps to remotely supervise and potentially find a lost or stolen mobile phone could be rendered ineffective by thieves removing the battery.
However, mobile phones also usually can be forced into power-off with a hard-reset button combination.
In addition, since [[Android]] 9 Pie, Google heavily restricted the ability for anti-theft software to remotely monitor a lost device. There is no official user option to manually grant trusted applications such access.[[https://www.androidauthority.com/android-p-camera-restrictions-839076/ Google restricts background access to camera, microphone and device sensors for alleged ''privacy protection''.]]
Such restrictions could only be circumvented by manually granting so-called ''root'' access to the anti-theft software.
Google officially discourages granting root-access to any third-party app. Unofficially however, they actively non-verbally solicit users to root their devices by imposing '''[[List of features removed from Android|heavy restrictions]]''' onto their operating system in an unmodified state.
==== Water damage migitation ====
{{anchor|Water_damage_reduction}}
In case a device with non-replaceable battery that is not water-resistant accidentially gets soaked, the battery can not be removed. Therefore, the battery still provides electricity to the soaked components, which could lead to '''physical heat damage''' on the components from short circuits caused by the water.
Water damage may also occur on mobile phones built initially water-tight, which became vulnerable '''afterwards''' due to leaks caused by physical damage such as dropping, or manufacturing carelessness{{notetag|German term: „''Flüchtigkeitsfehler''“.}}[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAKzfzoSw5c&t=52s First known mention of the term “unibody”: MacBook Pro presentation 2008.]]
*On older devices and devices with less sophisticated battery monitoring (such as digital cameras and navigation devices), the battery percentage meter is more prone to miscalibration which is mainly caused by battery aging (loss of capacity; more voltage deflection). Battery meters in newer devices however are less prone to miscalibration due to more sophisticated algorithms for monitoring battery parameters and calculating the battery percentage.
== References ==
{{notice|As an experiment, the footer sections of the article (see below) are level-3 (''h3'') header sections inside one larger level-2 header (''h2'') section, rather than conventionally separate ''h2'' sections.
Feel free to leave feedback on this format on this article's [[Talk:{{SUBPAGENAME}}|discussion page]].}}
===Notes===
{{NoteFoot}}
===See also===
{{Navbox mobile phones|related=0}}
{{Navbox electronics}}
===Citations===
{{reflist}}
===External links===
*[https://poal.co/s/technology/117245 ''“Non-replaceable batteries: A terrible idea. (The fastest-failing part of a mobile phone has become non-modular.)”'' (Essay, November 2019, Poal.co)]
*[https://poal.co/s/crApple/141804 ''Why smaller batteries have a shorter lifespan — the vicious aging cycle of tiny iPhone batteries.'']
*[https://www.techradar.com/uk/news/all-new-iphones-might-be-forced-to-have-a-removable-battery All new phones (including iPhones) might soon be forced to have a removable battery. – TechRadar.com]
*[https://www.electronicproducts.com/Power_Products/Batteries_and_Fuel_Cells/What_are_dendrites_and_why_do_they_cause_fires_in_lithium_batteries.aspx ''“What are dendrites, and why do they cause fires in lithium batteries?”'' – ElectronicProducts.com]
*[https://betanews.com/2015/08/18/this-is-precisely-why-phones-without-removable-batteries-are-a-terrible-idea/ ''“This (!) is precisely why phones without removable batteries are a terrible idea.”'' (betanews.com, 2015-08-18)]
*[https://iphone.appleinsider.com/articles/08/10/06/new_eu_directive_pushes_toward_replaceable_iphone_batteries New EU directive pushes toward replaceable iPhone batteries (2008-10-06)]
*[https://poal.co/s/LostFeatures/156605 ''“Non-replaceable batteries are necessary” debunked.'']
*[https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/1177467-would-you-rather-have-a-replaceable-battery-or-slim-design/ The vast majority of voters prefer replaceable batteries over slim design in mobile phones. – Survey on Linus Tech Tips forums.]
*[https://www.phonearena.com/news/Federal-Environment-Agency-of-Germany-calls-for-sealed-battery-ban_id36843 “Federal Environment Agency of Germany calls for sealed battery ban” (2012-11)]
*[https://www.techconsumerguide.com/removable-vs-non-removable-batteries/ ''Removable vs non-removable batteries''] - TechConsumerGuide.com
*[https://www.maketecheasier.com/removable-vs-non-removable-battery/ ''Removable vs. non-removable batteries''] - MakeTechEasier.com
*[https://thenextweb.com/opinion/2016/02/07/5-reasons-its-time-we-stop-sacrificing-battery-life-for-skinny-phones/ ''5 reasons it's time we stop sacrificing battery life for skinny phones'' (TheNextWeb, 2016-02-07)]
*Criticism of the then new Samsung Galaxy S6 ''unibody''([[euphemism]]) design:
**[https://www.tomsguide.com/us/galaxy-s6-trade-offs,news-20514.html Criticism of Samsung's ''unibody''(euphemism) design - TomsGuide (2015-03-01)]
**[https://www.sammobile.com/2015/03/04/samsung-galaxy-s6-and-s6-edge-intrigue-critics-upset-fans/ Article about massive criticism about Galaxy S6 design and upset fans (2015-03-04)]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuTcavAzopg “''iPod's dirty secret''” (2003) - Viral film by Casey Neistat criticizing the short lifespan (18 months) of the non-replaceable Apple iPod battery.]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70QiqZg9cXo&t=42s Satirical criticism video] by [[CollegeHumor]] mentioning [[#Power_starvation|unexpected power-offs]] as a known phenomenon in iPhones.
*[https://en.m.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Battery_Power/Lithium_Ion_Batteries WikiBooks article about Lithium-Ion batteries.]
*[http://androidfact.com/why-you-should-buy-an-android-phone-with-a-removable-battery/ ''“Why you should buy an Android phone with a removable battery”'' — by Bertil Hansen (January 2015)]
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[[Category:Mobile phones]]
[[Category:Electronics]]
[[Category:Battery (electricity)]]
[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:Benefits]]