If you have owned a mobile phone for longer than a decade, you may have asked yourself, “What happened to removable cell phone batteries?” Smartphone batteries have come a long way over the years, and the industry standard has evolved to non-removable batteries. Here is our guide to understanding why smartphones no longer have removable batteries, and why that is a good thing.
Why Phones Have Built-in Batteries
To understand why phones no longer use removable batteries it is important to understand smartphone battery design trends and how they have changed over the years. In the early 2000s when cell phones became widely and readily available, removable batteries were the standard. During this time having access to your battery added convenience to the user experience. Users could purchase multiple batteries and swap them out to keep their phones charged all day long.
As technology progressed it became easier and mark accessible to charge your phone quickly and efficiently. In addition to increased access to charging accessories and rapidly improving battery technology, phone designers needed to find ways to create sleeker and more user-friendly devices. Phones with removable batteries were bulky and oftentimes did not fit comfortably in a front pocket.
The future of phone batteries quickly shifted to non-removable options to maximize battery efficiency while creating phones that were easier to carry and use. Non removable battery options could be built into the frame of the phone creating a sleeker model. A sealed case with no accessible battery connections also made it possible for phones to be water and dustproof.
While there are pros & cons of sealed batteries, non-removable battery phones are the new industry standard, here’s why:
Slim and Lightweight Design
A non-removable battery allows for a slimmer silhouette that is easier to fit in the user’s hand, pocket, or bag. Non-removable batteries are built directly into the phone allowing for the elimination of bulky designs. Not only does a built-in battery make it easier to provide a sleek design to the consumer, makes the phone much easier to use. A sleek and lightweight design makes it easier to hold your phone for long periods. This is especially useful considering how much most people do on their phones every day to complete meaningful tasks that take time.
Enhanced Durability
Phones with a removable battery are often more susceptible to damage from drops or impacts. When a phone uses a non-removable battery, the entirety of the phone’s components are contained within the body of the phone. This means that all vital components are often covered in durable materials such as metal or tempered glass. Phones that use removable batteries often break apart when dropped, disengaging the battery and possibly damaging key components.
Waterproofing
A non-removable battery is essential for waterproofing. A completely sealed case keeps all water out of your phone making it far less susceptible to water damage. If your phone had a removable battery, it would have elements exposed to potential moisture. A sealed battery case ensures that your phone can get wet and function as expected.
Dust proofing
Along the same lines as waterproofing, non-removable batteries made it possible for phones to be dustproof. Built-up dust on battery connections can hinder a battery's ability to provide power to your phone. With a completely sealed case, dust is not able to get into the internal components of your phone and cause damage.
Improved Battery Performance
A non-removable battery is more efficient than a removable battery. This is often due to the method of battery connection and the type of battery used for a non-removable battery. Non-removable batteries can be built into the design of the cell phone which can maximize space and efficiency for a larger and more powerful cell phone battery in the same small profile.
Manufacturing Cost
Non-removable batteries are also beneficial because they help manufacturers reduce production costs when making your phone. A removable battery requires the manufacturing of additional parts such as the battery cover and external connections that add to the manufacturing cost of the device.
Downsides of Sealed Batteries
The benefits of sealed batteries have made them the industry standard for every major cell phone manufacturer looking to produce powerful and sleek products. Here are some of the downsides to sealed phone batteries:
Lack of Convenience
Although removable phone batteries are not the best choice for a durable phone with great performance, they are slightly more convenient to replace. With removable batteries, you can easily swap out old batteries for new ones. Having multiple removable batteries means that you can carry multiple full charges with you without the need for a power bank. Non-removable batteries are not as convenient in that respect. However, what they lack in convenience they make up for in performance.
Potential Battery Bloating
If your internal battery does become damaged or experiences bloating due to an internal issue it could potentially damage your entire phone. While these cases are rare, they do require you to replace your entire phone instead of a single component.
Harder to Replace
Although non removable batteries can be replaced fairly simply, they are more difficult to replace than removable batteries. With removable batteries you simply open the cover, pop out the battery, replace it with a new one, and you're ready to go. Non removable batteries require you to open up the back panel of your phone, disconnect the internal battery, replace it with a new one, reapply adhesive, and replace your phone’s back panel.
Trust Pisen With Your Replacement Battery Needs
Pisen is an industry leader in cell phone replacement parts. No matter what the make and model of your phone, you can find a reliable high-quality replacement built-in battery at an affordable price. Just because a battery is non-removable does not mean it cannot be replaced. With Pisen replacement batteries, you can have peace of mind that your new battery is safe and effective. When your non-removable battery needs to be replaced, trust Pisen for a high-quality battery.
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