Removable versus Non-removable Batteries

• What is a removable battery?
• Why are removable batteries not as common anymore?
• Which modern phones have removable batteries?
• What is a non-removable battery?
• Are non-removable batteries replaceable?
• What do I do if my non-removable battery dies?
• Alternatives to non-removable batteries
  
  

What is a removable battery?

Simply, a removable battery can be taken out of your phone. You can usually remove it by sliding open the back panel on your phone and lifting the battery out. You can then replace the battery with another one if it dies or isn’t working properly. 

Removable batteries are helpful for being able to quickly reset your phone (either through replacing the battery or restarting it), for swapping out batteries yourself rather than paying a manufacturer to do it for you, and for avoiding buying a new handset if the battery dies. 

A disadvantage of removable batteries, however, is the security risk they pose - anyone can open up the back of a phone and take the battery out. If the battery is removed, the phone can’t be tracked anymore if it’s lost or stolen. 

Why are removable batteries not as common anymore?

Whilst Apple has never released an iPhone with a removable battery, Android does offer this functionality on some models. However, even the most expensive of the brand are no longer manufactured with a removable battery in their hardware. 

Why might this be?

• Other features prioritised over battery functionality
• New designs and materials making it impossible to keep in the ability to slide the back panel open and remove the battery (without specialist help from a manufacturer)
• The thickness and weight of a phone is also affected by the battery type, so for manufacturers to make smartphones thinner and lighter, they have to sacrifice the bulky batteries 
• Maintaining efficient waterproofing capabilities means eliminating any entries or gaps in the design (such as space around the back) for water to creep into
• Battery shapes are different between removable and non-removable. The smaller, less square, and less bulky non-removable shapes are preferred by manufacturers.

Which modern phones have removable batteries?

If you’re looking for a smartphone with a removable battery, you’ll most likely have to settle for one that’s not a brand new release, as the majority of flagship devices are created with non-removable hardware. 

Here are our top recommendations:

While Apple doesn’t create removable batteries currently, a new EU law might force that to change, so keep an eye out if you’re an avid iPhone fan. 

What is a non-removable battery?

A non-removable battery is the exact opposite, and entirely what you’d expect: a phone battery that can’t be removed. This type of battery is built into the phone itself, and there’s no back panel to access it. 

Some benefits of non-removable batteries include:

• The extra security they provide, making it harder for thieves to disable the device
• The aesthetic of having a thinner, sleeker phone as the design isn’t compromised by battery accessibility
• A cleaner internal structure because the hardware is packed together

A disadvantage of non-removable batteries, however, is the inability to swap it out yourself. If you don’t want to go through your manufacturer to get a replacement, then buying a whole new handset may be your only option.

Are non-removable batteries replaceable?

The term ‘non-removable’ battery is technically misleading, as these built-in batteries can actually be removed if necessary, but usually only by an official manufacturer with the right tools. 

To access them, vital components inside the phone have to be disturbed and moved out of the way, which is why the average phone user is encouraged not to do it themselves. Anyone who isn’t a trained professional might end up causing irreversible damage to the handset.

What do I do if my non-removable battery dies?

If the battery in your smartphone dies, the best thing to do is to contact your handset’s manufacturer or take it to one of their official stores. They should be able to replace the dead battery with another built-in one, and repair any damages made to the phone during the process. 

Having a manufacturer replace your battery costs money, though. How much depends on what sort of protection or warranty your device has. Apple, for example, charges between £49 - £69 depending on the model if you don’t have AppleCare+. Samsung charges similar prices, which again, vary by model. 

Other charges could be added on top of the initial battery replacement if there are additional issues or repairs required that hinder them being able to access the battery, such as a damaged screen or panel. 

Further, if the job is particularly difficult, the manufacturer may have to send your phone away to get it fixed at their main warehouse. If this is the case, you may also have to pay for postage and delivery, as well as being without a phone for a week or more. 

Alternatives to non-removable batteries 

If you’re stuck with a non-removable battery, there are some alternative charging options available to you:

• Power banks / power packs - these are portable chargers that you can charge up and then use to recharge your phone’s battery while out and about. Most power banks can supply up to five full charges before they need topping up again themselves, but this depends on the battery capacity of your phone
• Wireless charger - not all phones support wireless charging, but those that are Qi compatible can be charged without a wire. Simply place your phone on top of a wireless charging pad to boost the battery
• Big battery phones - you can check out our list of the best phones with the largest batteries. Buying a model with a big mAh capacity means it’ll last a lot longer between charges.
  
  

If you’re eager to learn more about your phone’s battery life or ways you can charge it more effectively, you might be interested in some of our other articles:

• Ultimate guide to charging your phone
• How to make your phone battery last longer
• Charging while travelling

For more tips and guides, make sure to follow us on Twitter.