Why Note?

[debdroid1a]

Anyone think perhaps the US government has something to do with the dwindling number of phones with replaceable batteries? If the battery can't be removed the government can always tell where a particular phone is located (within reason). Non-removable batteries would seem to be an anti-terror and anti-crime tool.

I think if you shut down the phone, power off, it turns off all location. Same as removing a battery would.

Changing batteries doesn't change the phone. I've done that in my OG Droid. Didn't change a thing but the battery status.

 

[toenail_flicker]

LOL... Most people in this forum will be upgrading in 6 months.

true, but not me. business not fun, though it is.

 

[toenail_flicker]

I was speaking for myself. It won't be an issue. If you need a removable battery, and don't trust Samsung anyway after the Note 7, then Samsung just isn't an option for you.

yeah but I love my notes. can't imagine using any other phone. just wish...

 

[anon(10305333)]

I think if you shut down the phone, power off, it turns off all location. Same as removing a battery would.

Changing batteries doesn't change the phone. I've done that in my OG Droid. Didn't change a thing but the battery status.

It's not the changing of the battery, it's removing the battery. With a non removable the phone can be remotely turned on by the Feds/police.

 

[jhimmel]

Anyone think perhaps the US government has something to do with the dwindling number of phones with replaceable batteries? If the battery can't be removed the government can always tell where a particular phone is located (within reason). Non-removable batteries would seem to be an anti-terror and anti-crime tool.

No. Non removable batteries are not a government mandate. There are plenty of manufacturer incentives to explain this trend - no conspiracy needed.

 

[PowrDroid]

No. Non removable batteries are not a government mandate. There are plenty of manufacturer incentives to explain this trend - no conspiracy needed.

Well, it certainly isn't consumer demand that is driving the switch to non-removable batteries.

 

[jhimmel]

Well, it certainly isn't consumer demand that is driving the switch to non-removable batteries.

True - consumers are not demanding it. But by and large, most consumers don't seem to care. Look at iPhone. The top selling phones do not have removable batteries. If it was a major consumer priorety, the handsets left that still have removable batteries would be dominating sales. I know it's important to a segment of consumers, just not a big enough segment - or not important enough to determine their final purchase decision.

 

[L0n3N1nja]

I can't wait until the first battery needs to be replaced... should be fun and expensive. and what do you do until you get it replaced???... reactivate old phone for a charge from your carrier, plus the new battery, which may or may not cancel your "whatever" insurance policy (sq or whomever) and you have to pay for that all over again. it's all just a way for them to grab our money and get more from us each time. I'm on the merry-go-round. ... still want my N8.

So many things wrong with this.

Activating an old phone is free. It will also not cancel your insurance policy. Batteries can usually get replaced in as little as an hour for $50 to $100, and much cheaper if you do it yourself.

Personally I don't worry about it, batteries last a few years, at least for me.

S7 bought on launch, still going strong and just hit 500 charge cycles.
Note 3 bought at launch, used as a home phone, still on original battery, no bulge and holds a charge for a couple days as a phone for talking.
S3 bought in 2012, friend has had it for nearly 3 years, hasn't replaced the battery, but battery life does suck. No bulging.
Note 10.1 tablet bought in 2012 still fine.
Surface Pro 3 bought in 2014 is still fine.

I've never replaced a battery on a phone or tablet, you must be doing something to damage your devices.

 

[L0n3N1nja]

Well, it certainly isn't consumer demand that is driving the switch to non-removable batteries.

I sold phones for 4 years, most customers couldn't care less the battery is replaceable, they want premium and stylish devices. It's the minority that wants them, most don't care.

 

[gpatrick15]

The consumers aren't asking for it, but how big of a market exists for a removable battery? I've only ever heard this complaint here and on other forums. If the market were that big, the iPhone and S/Note series wouldn't be the dominant phones. The iPhone has NEVER had removable batteries and it hasn't seemed to hinder them. The benefits that seem to come with non removable batteries (tighter design, thin, unibody construction, etc) outweigh the need to swap batteries. It's never been an issue for me, but I like to keep an open mind. I do however take a bigger issue with the removal of the headphone jack. I haven't seen any real benefit to that especially with Samsung continuing it's thin and water proof trend, despite the continued use of the headphone jack.

 

[gpatrick15]

I guess I don't see the logic in keeping an outdated phone because of a removable battery. Android has moved forward by leaps and bounds since the Note 4. Hardware has improved dramatically. I couldn't keep it hanging around as a primary device just to swap the battery. Get an external battery pack. Get a battery case. Get a wireless charger. There are plenty of options.

 

[toenail_flicker]

So many things wrong with this.

Activating an old phone is free. It will also not cancel your insurance policy. Batteries can usually get replaced in as little as an hour for $50 to $100, and much cheaper if you do it yourself.

Personally I don't worry about it, batteries last a few years, at least for me.

S7 bought on launch, still going strong and just hit 500 charge cycles.
Note 3 bought at launch, used as a home phone, still on original battery, no bulge and holds a charge for a couple days as a phone for talking.
S3 bought in 2012, friend has had it for nearly 3 years, hasn't replaced the battery, but battery life does suck. No bulging.
Note 10.1 tablet bought in 2012 still fine.
Surface Pro 3 bought in 2014 is still fine.

I've never replaced a battery on a phone or tablet, you must be doing something to damage your devices.

your use is not my use and nothing wrong with stating my situation and the challenges it presents for me. I am not you and therefore you cannot speak to my situation. I've had three Sammy batteries (OEM) swell become unusable at one year. I don't abuse my phone or batteries because I am a business person AND I respect my gear.

you clearly don't care if you have to replace the battery, for whatever reason. I have had to more than once and I do care. that's all that needs to be said. thanks.

 

[toenail_flicker]

don't dog folks because you disagree. just say you disagree.

 

[jb4kats]

I have a close to 3 year old Nexus 6 that has a non removable battery and it still holds a good charge. I'd say it lasts around 80% of when it was new. I don't think this will be much of a problem with the new battery tech.

I don't see why you would have a charge to activate an old phone, you don't even have to call to activate as long as you have an active sim. Put your sim card in the phone you want to use.

Who does that?

 

[anon(10305333)]

Who does that?

Does what, activate an old phone? It was in reply to this post about having to pay to activate an old phone.

"toenail_flicker
I can't wait until the first battery needs to be replaced... should be fun and expensive. and what do you do until you get it replaced???... reactivate old phone for a charge from your carrier, plus the new battery, which may or may not cancel your "whatever" insurance policy (sq or whomever) and you have to pay for that all over again. it's all just a way for them to grab our money and get more from us each time. I'm on the merry-go-round. ... still want my N8."

 

[vasekvi]

Every phone I've owned.. Pre, Pre 2, Pre 3, GS4, Note Edge, V10, V20, showed signs of battery degradation within a year. I prefer to swap batteries but I know I'm in the minority. Power Banks and Battery cases add weight and and bulk to a phone I'd prefer not to have to lug around. But I know that eventually I'll have to give in and get a sealed phone.

 

[edhawk]

Just put it in your microwave every night, no signals get out of that and you can leave it powered up!

 

[Golfdriver97]

I've had my Note 5 since launch day. Never had to replace the battery.

Not quite release day for me. Closer to October/November, and I'm still on the original battery.

There IS a use case for the Note. No argument here. I basically figured out it isn't for me.

 

[amyf27]

This is Why Note

 

[dlgus]

Yesterday in Lowes, the wife and I were picking out new tile for the shower. She had a specific design in mind as we stood there figuring out how many for what to get for the builder.
The Lowes assitant was very good, but we all were having a problem figuring out what the wife wanted.
And alas, there was no paper and pen around in a true crisis.
So...
Like a flash I pull out my ancient Note 4, double tap the screen and quicker than a speeding bullet I was sketching out the wall-covering desires of my wife.
Even she took the handy dandy notebook in hand and drew out what she dreams of taking a shower in.
We were then able to save the day and all 3 calculate which size tiles and how many of which color to get for the builder.
And, we could show pictures of our new granddog to the Lowes assistant.
The Note;
rendering electronic and illustrative justice for all.

I frankly don't understand people who buy the phone and don't use the pen....