Removable battery a complete non issue if your considering a S4 Vs. One

[dchawk81]

Excellent points on the charging port. Besides the sealed/embedded battery, it's another single point of failure. Whereas with a user replaceable battery, you have the option of not needing to use the charging port; instead use an external charger and just swap out batteries as needed. Worse case, you may need a new battery door if you're not careful and damage it. But that's easy to replace at minimal cost and easy to avoid in the first place by being careful when taking it off and on the phone.



It must be in reference to the phone's microphone that can reportedly still be active and used to listen even if the phone is powered off. The only way to ensure it's not active would be to remove the power source, aka the battery.

I didn't even know about that. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[mcantu]

I have a gnex that I don't use anymore but I noticed that one or two of the plastic tabs on the backplate aren't very firm anymore, and it's now pretty hard to get the backplate to snap on firmly. So if you're constantly removing the backplate I could see how this might become a problem. Of corse, you can always buy a new one for pretty cheap.

Posted via my HTC One

i remove the back cover on my Nexus S 4G about 3 times a day during the work week to swap out the battery. the backplate holds just like it did when it was new 2 years ago

 

[dchawk81]

Display models aren't good indicators of durability, unless you abuse your stuff and change out the battery with wreckless abandon 20 times every day.

 

[mcpricex]

Correction, you are right the battery isn't removable, BUT YOU KNOW WHAT, there are 2 SIM Slots AND A FRIGGING MICROSD SLOT. So HTC did it for China,but no where else. So who got played here. All other markets other than China. They had the golden opportunity to match Samsung, heck even beat them but once again failed to deliver fully.

Here is the link: How the HTC One's back cover pops off, China style

Have you ever stopped to consider that there may be a genuine reason for the regional difference or are you content to assume that HTC have deliberately 'played you' out of some imaginary form of malice? HTC have already clarified this issue, but for those of you who don't know, the reason certain regional variants have the sd slot is simply down to space confinements. Handsets in the rest of the world have to cater for a much wider range of operating frequencies and the hardware needed takes up more space than the limited radio units used in China et al. So you can have the dual sim/sd card version if you want it that badly, but you would probably never be able to make a call.

Regional variations are not uncommon, the mighty S4 itself was originally hyped on its ground breaking octo-core processor which, it turns out, cannot be fitted into the same handset as the LTE/4g radio, so again you have a choice of function. As long as people keep insisting on thinner, lighter handsets you can have one but not both.

 

[mcpricex]

Does make sense, your right. It is kind of a hassle while the phone is charging to keep the battery pack together with the phone and all. Now, I typically have been getting 12+ hours out of the One, so for me, on a normal work day, I don't have any issue. When we are out all day and I know we will all need charges, I will bring my external battery. But, for me, bottom line, if 2 phones had the exact same everything, but 1 was removable battery and 1 was not, I would obviously go with the removable battery. But, for me, the feature differences between the One and the S4 were more then enough to sway me to the One and the swappable battery was not a factor.
It's conversation like this that makes you think through your choices and by reading what others say, learn a little something.

Could not agree more. My last couple of phones had removeable batteries and although I never used the function, it was reassuring to have. The back piece on my S2 was so ludicrously thin that I used to chew my lip whenever I had to remove it, but it never failed on me. The form over function argument does not wash, if I had to choose between identical phones where the only distinction was a user replaceable battery then of course, like the op, I would take the option, but choosing between the One and the S4 based on the battery alone would be like choosing between a Ferrari and a Ford and then complaining that I still had to put petrol in it.

For me, and anyone else who is within reach of an alternative source of power for at least 3 out of every 24 hours, the battery is not an issue. Yes it can go down fast if used intensively so if that is the case then you make suitable arrangements. Battery technology is improving all the time and I have experienced the dreaded dead battery syndrome that renders your product useless after 12 months, but that was the past and is again, not an issue.

If a removeable battery is the only way to make a successful phone, somebody really should tell Apple, they are gonna be upset.

 

[dchawk81]

I was a Boy Scout. Our motto is/was "Be Prepared."

That became ingrained in my Psyche to the point that I always take more than I think I'll need wherever I go. That means on a photoshoot I take 6 batteries when I think I'll need 3. Three cameras when I'll probably need 2. 5 lenses when I most likely need 3. Five flashes when I think 3 will be enough.

Having a non-replacable battery in my phone scares me the way taking one camera when I think I'll only need one would. I can probably charge it but what if I can't? My camera probably won't fail but what if it does? A flash probably won't topple to the ground and break but what if it does?

I'd much rather have 4 flashes go unused than have the only one I brought die. I'd much rather have the spare battery never come out of my pocket because I could charge my phone than not have the ability to switch them out when I couldn't charge it.

This comes from the experience of cameras failing, flashes crashing down, and being away from power outlets for days. I was always able to put the broken flashes and cameras away, switch them out, and keep working as if nothing had really happened...and figure out the problem later.

In other words, **** happens. The question is "how do you want to handle it?"

 

[cgardnervt]

I was a Boy Scout. Our motto is/was "Be Prepared."

That became ingrained in my Psyche to the point that I always take more than I think I'll need wherever I go. That means on a photoshoot I take 6 batteries when I think I'll need 3. Three cameras when I'll probably need 2. 5 lenses when I most likely need 3. Five flashes when I think 3 will be enough.

Having a non-replacable battery in my phone scares me the way taking one camera when I think I'll only need one would. I can probably charge it but what if I can't? My camera probably won't fail but what if it does? A flash probably won't topple to the ground and break but what if it does?

I'd much rather have 4 flashes go unused than have the only one I brought die. I'd much rather have the spare battery never come out of my pocket because I could charge my phone than not have the ability to switch them out when I couldn't charge it.

This comes from the experience of cameras failing, flashes crashing down, and being away from power outlets for days. I was always able to put the broken flashes and cameras away, switch them out, and keep working as if nothing had really happened...and figure out the problem later.

In other words, **** happens. The question is "how do you want to handle it?"

How about getting a phone charger on the go? Pre-charged battery pack to charge your phone with. They seem to work pretty well but could also be annoying I guess depending on how you use it. I have one but never use it. The battery seems to last me forever with my needs I guess. But its in my bag in case I need a quick charge on the go!

 

[dchawk81]

How about getting a phone charger on the go? Pre-charged battery pack to charge your phone with. They seem to work pretty well but could also be annoying I guess depending on how you use it. I have one but never use it. The battery seems to last me forever with my needs I guess. But its in my bag in case I need a quick charge on the go!

They don't provide an instant charge. It has to stay hooked for a while. It's why I haven't purchased an external Quantum belt battery for my camera either. It'd give me more continuous shots than the standards, but it's yet another attachment. Switching is faster and more convenient. I couldn't see myself shoving the phone with that pack attached in my pocket. It probably wouldn't even stay connected the way I work unless it has a lock on it.

I do take my actual wall charger though. The depleted spare charges on the inverter in the car, out of hassle range. :-D

9 times out of 10 I don't even need all this, but it's that one time that it scares the dickens out of me.

 

[robstunner]

Mophie juice pack anyone?

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[dchawk81]

Fine if you want the extra size & weight. If you don't...not so fine. Adding the extra battery, whether in case form or a separate box attached via USB pretty much negates the "internal battery is plenty" argument though. If you're adding more juice, then it's obviously inadequate so the argument for being able to swap out for a fresh one gets even stronger.

In other words, it's my opinion that if I'm hitting the redline and I'm not settling in to go to sleep (to charge it continuously while I don't need it), I don't have enough battery capacity available and I need more battery. I don't like to be that guy scrambling for an outlet, rushing back to my car to plug in, etc. I also don't like to have a fatter phone. The argument for integrated battery is that they can make the phone thinner that way. How is it thinner with fat battery case? Those cases also tend to die eventually too. If you tell me to have a couple on hand so I can switch them out...well hey that's a swappable battery! I already have that. It's smaller, but it's the exact same user experience...switching out instead of plugging in.

Again, it's just a preference really.

 

[robstunner]

Fine if you want the extra size & weight. If you don't...not so fine. Adding the extra battery, whether in case form or a separate box attached via USB pretty much negates the "internal battery is plenty" argument though. If you're adding more juice, then it's obviously inadequate so the argument for being able to swap out for a fresh one gets even stronger.

In other words, it's my opinion that if I'm hitting the redline and I'm not settling in to go to sleep (to charge it continuously while I don't need it), I don't have enough battery capacity available and I need more battery. I don't like to be that guy scrambling for an outlet, rushing back to my car to plug in, etc. I also don't like to have a fatter phone. The argument for integrated battery is that they can make the phone thinner that way. How is it thinner with fat battery case? Those cases also tend to die eventually too. If you tell me to have a couple on hand so I can switch them out...well hey that's a swappable battery! I already have that. It's smaller, but it's the exact same user experience...switching out instead of plugging in.

Again, it's just a preference really.

Its tomato tomAtoe. You either carry a spare battery with you along with your phone, a battery case, or a battery bank. Either way they all have their inconveniences. If battery life is of upmost importance to you (which it seems like it is) you should just consider a razr hd maxx and call it a day.

 

[brownhornet]

Why can't people just accept the fact that some people care about the ability to swap out a battery and some don't? If I want to be able to use an extended battery and not have to worry about being near a charger then that's just my preference. It may not matter to some that sit near an outlet all day/night but if i'm working in the field and don't have access to a charger then tossing in a spare battery is a major plus. And as hard as it may be for some to believe, that scenario actually applies to a lot of people.

 

[robstunner]

Why can't people just accept the fact that some people care about the ability to swap out a battery and some don't? If I want to be able to use an extended battery and not have to worry about being near a charger then that's just my preference. It may not matter to some that sit near an outlet all day/night but if i'm working in the field and don't have access to a charger then tossing in a spare battery is a major plus. And as hard as it may be for some to believe, that scenario actually applies to a lot of people.

Im not sure why your taking it personally, do what you need to do. I'm just saying there are options for all scenarios and all phones.

- - - Updated - - -

Why can't people just accept the fact that some people care about the ability to swap out a battery and some don't? If I want to be able to use an extended battery and not have to worry about being near a charger then that's just my preference. It may not matter to some that sit near an outlet all day/night but if i'm working in the field and don't have access to a charger then tossing in a spare battery is a major plus. And as hard as it may be for some to believe, that scenario actually applies to a lot of people.

Im not sure why your taking it personally, do what you need to do. I'm just saying there are options for all scenarios and all phones.

 

[dchawk81]

Its tomato tomAtoe. You either carry a spare battery with you along with your phone, a battery case, or a battery bank. Either way they all have their inconveniences. If battery life is of upmost importance to you (which it seems like it is) you should just consider a razr hd maxx and call it a day.

Well, that Maxx doesn't have a removable battery either. It's almost the same concept as a Mophie except even the Mophie can be swapped. Plus, it's Verizon.

It's not about raw battery power for me. As long as the second battery charges in less time than the first one depletes, I'm usually quite set. It's more about minimizing downtime than maximizing uptime...sortof.

You have to understand the nuances of the various use cases.

I did say it's up to the user to decide what's best for them.

 

[dchawk81]

Im not sure why your taking it personally, do what you need to do. I'm just saying there are options for all scenarios and all phones.

Well. It IS a personal decision. How else does one take it?

 

[tohio]

Its tomato tomAtoe. You either carry a spare battery with you along with your phone, a battery case, or a battery bank. Either way they all have their inconveniences. If battery life is of upmost importance to you (which it seems like it is) you should just consider a razr hd maxx and call it a day.

On a recent vacation I carried a spare S4 spare battery in my pants pocket while walking around all day and it was absolutely no inconvenience at all. You are right, a battery case or a battery bank would be a major inconvenience.

 

[SenseMonkey]

Galaxy note 2 is the only phone I've been able to do that with. And I'm far from a light user.

I 2nd this; Gn2 is the best phone I've even had battery wise.

Courtesy of My LT3VO

 

[mrbootcrm]

I carried my solio around San Juan the other day and hardly noticed. When my phone got a little low I plugged it in and just ran the cord from pocket to pocket. Now obviously not everyone will fit a device as big as my solio (classic 2) in their pocket but those anker packs look easily small enough. Just charge on the move like I did and with those anker packs you can have like 10000 mah or more. That's enough for a whole family of phones.

 

[Farish]

The only time the lack of removable battery should be an issue is when your battery goes bad.....

Now with modern tech, your battery is suppose to last at least a couple years.

 

[dchawk81]

The only time the lack of removable battery should be an issue is when your battery goes bad.....

Now with modern tech, your battery is suppose to last at least a couple years.

Or, yanno, when it dies...