When choosing a new phone, one decision you may face is whether to opt for a model with a removable battery or one with an inbuilt battery. Removable phone batteries have been around since the early days of mobile phones and were once the standard for all phone models. However, as technology has advanced and phones have become more compact and feature-rich, manufacturers have moved towards producing inbuilt batteries as a way to save space and improve performance.
Phone models that come with removable batteries are still being produced albeit they are very few in the market. They are typically found in most older phone models and some newer models that are designed with user-replaceable batteries in mind. Users can easily take this battery out of the phone without consulting a technician.
An inbuilt phone battery is one that is permanently sealed inside the phone and does not enable the user to remove it easily. This type of battery is becoming increasingly common in newer phone models, as it allows for a more streamlined design and a larger battery capacity.
Both options have their pros and cons and it’s important to understand their differences in order to make an informed decision.
Differences between removable phone batteries and inbuilt batteries (advantages and disadvantages)
- Ease/Cost of battery replacement
One of the major advantages of owning a phone with a removable battery is the ease of replacing it. If the battery wears out or fails, you can simply purchase a new one and replace it yourself, without the need to take the phone to a repair shop.
Phones with inbuilt batteries require professional intervention. This can be more expensive and time-consuming than simply purchasing a new battery and replacing it yourself.
Another benefit of a removable battery is that you can carry a spare with you. This is especially useful if you are going to be away from a power source for an extended period and need to keep your phone charged. You will only need to swap out the battery for a fully charged one and you’re good to go.
Doing this on a phone with an inbuilt battery can be difficult and time-consuming as you will require the right tools and skills.
Inbuilt batteries allow for a more streamlined design and a larger battery capacity. Without the removable battery compartment, phones with inbuilt batteries are thinner and more compact, making them look more appealing.
Phones with removable batteries are bulkier and may not be as sleek as the ones with inbuilt batteries. The phone itself has to be larger to accommodate the removable battery. This can be off-putting if you prefer a more streamlined design and are concerned about the phone being too bulky.
The risk of water damage to a phone that has a removable battery is higher than one with an inbuilt battery. This is because they are properly sealed inside the phone and are less likely to be affected by water or moisture. If the battery cover of a phone with a removable battery is not properly sealed or the battery itself is not properly secured in the phone, water or moisture can get inside and damage the phone.
There is also the risk of the battery falling out if the phone is dropped or handled roughly. This can happen if the battery cover is not properly closed.
Conclusion
Removable batteries offer the convenience of replacing the battery yourself, as well as a lower cost for replacement. However, they may not be as aesthetically pleasing as their counterparts with inbuilt batteries and are also more prone to water damage. Inbuilt batteries may offer a more streamlined design, but may be more costly to replace. Ultimately, the decision between a phone with a removable battery and one with an inbuilt battery will depend on your personal needs and preferences.