I fully understand that some people trade phones every year, and some people trade even sooner, but these people aren't the norm.
My theory is really simple, and very factual, all batteries degrade and many degrade really fast. A removable battery that is easily replaced gives anyone a option to keep their phones operating at the optimum level without having to send it anywhere to be replaced or repaired.
I've owned several phones that have had bad batteries in them, and had to go through the hassle of having them replaced with a refurbished one.. And I am not alone in this.
While the Carriers and manufacturers would love to see everyone change phones earlier than necessary, having a replaceable battery is keeping them from getting their way, and why they are pushing sealed backed phones.
All of the bs that has been spewed about needing it to get water resistant phones, thinner designs, glass backs is just that.. BS... just like needing it to have wireless charging too, since Qualcomm already has figured out how to implement this with a metal backed phone.
It's all about their greed and bottom lines and everybody from tech writers to reviewers have fallen for it.
The reality is we can have our cakes and eat them too but we never will get to.
Mac
I do agree with the concepts of this post.
First, if phone companies don't come out with something, anything new they won't sell phones. Who'd buy the S8 if it's basically the same as the S7? Nobody.
Second, once the new features are agreed on and the strategy is implemented the marketing arm comes up with the baloney to convince us how it's better and we need to purchase. Thing is, some are not necessarily utilitarian and they benefit the manufactures in the long run with aspects that become obsolete.
Is a curved screen actually better? IMO...no, ever try to put a tempered glass protector on one? Cases look dorky on them too and they have been prone to edge touches. Are they slick looking and a marketers dream...absolutely.
Sealed batteries...I'm not on the ban wagon but this has been beat to a pulp...form wins over function and the marketers triumph with meeting sales projections.
Look behind the spin from the manufacturers.
Proof of this is looking at things that matter like security/updates, managing the Play Store apps, keeping Android System from running wild and chewing up battery power. You'll never hear marketers tout those features since they're not shiny and attractive.
I read Jerry's reasons for the security update cluster and I understand, but that doesn't excuse the fact that aspects of Android are a terrible mess.
I looked forward to Doze and N but how come my battery life is horrible these days? I don't have Facebook, Snap, Twitter, et al, few few apps actually and all from the Play Store. Today I'm at 14% from wake-up at 6:00 am, very little useage and it's ready to crash. Android system is above 20%. This is horrible...never hear the marketers tout those features.
Ugh...Android is soo exasperating sometimes.