Hello everyone. I recently got my hands on another battery for the S3. I also now have a charger that can charge the battery directly without having to have it plugged into the phone. So I thought to myself, it'd probably be really great to have the battery with me and swap it when needed. That way I'd essentially be able to double the life. I use my phone a lot and many times I can't find myself near power so batteries are a must.
I currently have the phone in an Otterbox Commuter. I like the protection it offers but it makes swapping batteries a pain. Does anyone have any suggestions? Are there any accessories or alternatives to a case (or a battery cover) that makes it easily removable. I'm afraid of wearing down the sides to the point that the cover won't fit.
I figure since the device has a removable battery I may as well take advantage of it.
Or, what would be even more great is the use the battery as an external battery pack. Instead of buying those external batteries that plug into the micro USB, is there a way to use the second battery instead?
There is not much you can do.
Get another case that is easier to take off but will give less protection than your otterbox or go caseless, even easier but no protection at all.
With the backcover covering all of the backside even a bumper will have to be taken off to switch batteries.
Using your spare battery as a external energy source is possible in theory, it's a li-ion power source after all but you would need to connect it to a micro usb cable somehow. Some sort of case, maybe a charger specially made for this battery type.
With the spare battery having the same capacity as the one in the phone you'll only be able to partly charge the battery in the phone, if you want to use it to recharge. It'll have to stay connected to use all the power it holds.
It would be easier to buy a ready to go external solution with a higher capacity.
Go for a different case. I have the commuter as well and like the protection but maybe the uag case is easier to take off?
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First I would say , decide what you want out of a battery.
Example:
Want 12-14 hrs light use, or 12-14 hrs heavy use. If heavy larger battery will do or a wireless charger to use during day. Need more time or use extended battery 4200-4300 mah good for all day and heavy use. Need over that 6300 mah is about biggest right now.
I use A-case with regular battery, if needed put q-cell extended battery/ tpu case. Have new 6300 mah extended battery on way now for long weekends away from charger. Also have 5000 mah external battery pac that I keep in bag for emergency use.
Hope you find what you want. Good luck.
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Imo since u already have the spare battery and the battery charging station, just get a tpu case or the uag is easy too once you find the sweet spot to take it off. I have no issue taking mine off. Unless u need all the protection of the commuter then well ur stuck. The easiest removable drop protection case would be the ballistic sg
Sent from my Galaxy S3 using neighbors wifi
Related
The great question:
Is it better to 1) carry extra batteries with me and just trade them out as they die but maintain the light, sleek form factor of my EVO, 2) get an extended battery that will make my phone thicker and significantly heavier (resulting in fewer case choices or cradle fit issues) or 3) get an external travel battery that plugs into my phone via USB and recharges my battery with another battery?
Well each has it's pluses and minuses:
1) Extra Batteries: The problem is, of course, transporting them. You also need to buy an external charging dock to keep them juiced and the phone has to be taken apart to replace them. With some cases such as the Otter Defender, this can be a significant hassle. As far as transporting them, it is easy to buy an unobtrusive $10 leather zippered pouch and carry them that way.
2) Extended Batteries: Easily charged in your phone and not requiring replacement during a long day, these batteries are an attractive option. However, say goodbye to your sleek and slim EVO. These add significant heft to your device and make it twice as thick. Also, unless you pay top dollar for a name brand, you risk having a "fake" product of questionable build and even more questionable capacity. Watch a video of a "Lion" battery fire and you will realize you don't want to play with cheap knockoffs any more than you would buy knockoff medicine from a guy in China to save a few bucks. And oh yeah, good luck finding a case that fits your "pregnant" evo.
3) Portable Battery Chargers: Again, these can be an attractive solution. They can come in many sizes (up to 8000 mah) and can recharge your phone even as you use it. The issue is bulk. One 5400 mah device is about the size of your EVO. So, imagine carrying 2 EVO's with you (never mind the USB cord). Compare this to carrying a spare 1500 mah battery in a small leather pouch (which you would hardly notice is even there). Also, these charge your phone using USB cable. This means a maximum charging rate of 500 ma. If you are using your phone for power intensive tasks such as Google Navigation, your phone will still run out of power even if it is plugged in.
CONCLUSION:
Weighing all of the factors, I recommend getting a couple extra 1500 to 1750 mah OEM batteries along with a wall charger (don't be cheap - these things can go boom). Simply carry them in a small zippered leather pouch you can pick up anywhere they sell wallets. A fully charged battery in your phone and just one of these "stand-bys" should get you through even the most grueling day.
The only hassle here is physically switching them out; however, that is less of a hassle than dealing with a "double-thick EVO" extended battery or an "extra EVO in your pocket" external travel battery. You should only have to change the battery out once in a 24 hour period. With the other solutions, you have to deal with their negative aspects 24/7.
You keep your slim form factor, you not are limited by case choices and you extend your power - win.
** This conclusion assumes the user will eventually have access to AC power to recharge sometime in a 24 hour period. For camping, etc, where you will be away from wall/car juice for extended period, the external travel battery may be your best choice (and you can carry it in your backpack).
It looks dumb and feels kind of bulky, but there is no way I'm turning off my phone, taking off the case, and prying off that flimsy batter door all of the time. I hate that process and feel like something is breaking every time. Big pregnant evo for me.
I still have to laugh when people talk about the added "bulk" extended batteries like the Seidio adds to the phone . Most of the time people who see my phone and realize I have an extended battery usually respond with "Well thats not that much bigger" . Im not shooting down your opinion I just feel this obsession with have a super thin phone is a bit overboard . Hell I remember years ago when phones were on the trend of being super small , hell I remember seeing one model that when it folded up I swore the damn thing was just alittle bitter than a book of matches . Now the trend seems to be bigger phones or atleast leaning in that direction (examples : HTC EVO , DROID X , Epic 4G isnt small either) . Overall like the OP outlined it comes down to a choice , longevity using all the features of the phone (bigger batter) or slim phone with "enough" power to make it through the day if you micro manage all the features on the phone . Ive tried both worlds , Ive tried the stock battery which did make it through the day but just barely . I currently have the 3500mah battery installed and I can tell you this now I wouldnt go back to the stock battery . The added size now fits the size of the phone in my mind . The phone is already tall and wide , Hell the Droid X is even taller and wider (actutal casing of the phone not the screen) . In the end its your choice and its your phone , whatever makes you happy with it you go with it . Screw what everyone else might say about it LOL
Biofall said:
It looks dumb and feels kind of bulky, but there is no way I'm turning off my phone, taking off the case, and prying off that flimsy batter door all of the time. I hate that process and feel like something is breaking every time. Big pregnant evo for me.
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As a business man who wears a suit every day, my biggest issue is that there is no way to carry my phone (other than a belt clip which is way too geeky for me) in my suit pocket or pants without looking like I have either breast implants or an erection.
Actually, you have your "pregnant" EVO "all the time". You only have to change your battery once Still, everyone has their preference and that's why I created the thread.
** Being a flash-a-holic, I have become quite accustomed to pulling my battery (boot loops and all) so I am probably less intimidated by the process than the average user. For me, changing a battery out takes maybe 10 seconds at the most. When compared to carrying around a thicker, heavier phone all day, the choice is clear (10 seconds of hassle vs 24/7 discomfort).
Again, no "right" answer here.
I use spare batteries. I have an extended but I hate the way it makes my phone look and feel. I keep a couple charged spares in the car at all times and another couple in my computer bag just in case. I would much rather do that then have an ugly block sticking out the back of my phone. My phone lasts well over a day on a charge so I never really end up swapping them out except for in the morning when I put a fresh one in. I usually still have about 50% left when I swap them out in the morning. I never charge my phone directly, I always just swap the battery with a fresh one and charge them with my wall charger. It only takes a minute to swap them and the daily reboot never hurts. I bought all my batteries on ebay (except for my seidio extended which NEVER gets used) and all eight of them cost me about $50 combined, which is cheaper than the one seidio.
_MetalHead_ said:
I use spare batteries. I have an extended but I hate the way it makes my phone look and feel. I keep a couple charged spares in the car at all times and another couple in my computer bag just in case. I would much rather do that then have an ugly block sticking out the back of my phone. My phone lasts well over a day on a charge so I never really end up swapping them out except for in the morning when I put a fresh one in. I usually still have about 50% left when I swap them out in the morning. I never charge my phone directly, I always just swap the battery with a fresh one and charge them with my wall charger. It only takes a minute to swap them and the daily reboot never hurts. I bought all my batteries on ebay (except for my seidio extended which NEVER gets used) and all eight of them cost me about $50 combined, which is cheaper than the one seidio.
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+1 My reasoning exactly.
This is purely theory, but I have the feeling that younger users and those in manual labor type jobs will opt for the extended battery, whereas those of us where we have to wear a suit to work and sit at a desk or visit clients all day would prefer the swap-out just for appearance sake. A construction foreman is not going to want to swap out a battery with dirty hands in 30 degree cold but he(she) won't mind how the fatter phone looks.
In conclusion, those more concerned with the look and feel of the phone will opt for extra oem's, those who are looking for pure utility will opt for extended.
I've had my EVO for almost a full month, and yet its still caseless and exposed because of this dilemma. I'm leaning more towards keeping it slim and having a wide variety of cases to choose from. Obviously going to something like the 3500 would require a new battery door. So, what's the maximum battery size the EVO can hold before needing the new door? I've seen 1600, 1700, 1750, 1800, and 2000 mah batteries. Also, would these slightly stronger batteries make ANY difference? I've seen reports saying those batteries are tested and not actually as strong as they say.
Thanks in advance....
AGSLight
ROOT YOUR PHONE. solves all the troubles of extra batterys. I have 4 batterys i bought before rooting. Now they just sit in different areas around the house and car because i never use them. Easily 18hours of battery with decent amount of use.
Well, I super use my phone;all day pounding.....even the Sprint extended barely makes it about 18hrs.....so I prefer the constant functionality...!
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Do we have any word on whether the GNex will have an Extended battery option? I know the battery and door are removable, but that's a necessary thing for if I'm going to be using this phone.
The holy grail, of course, would be pics of the phone with an extended battery, but that may not happen until well after release.
Im only looking for hopefully an extended oem battery. If not ill prolly just pick up one or two regular batteries depending on how good or bad it is.
I invented cyberspace. You're trespassing.
pukemon said:
Im only looking for hopefully an extended oem battery. If not ill prolly just pick up one or two regular batteries depending on how good or bad it is.
I invented cyberspace. You're trespassing.
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Does this mean your going naked
Extended batteries are going to be an issue with this phone. An NFC issue that is, since the antenna circuit is embedded on the plastic cover. Either Samsung would have to engineer a thicker replacement, or someone like Mugen that makes their extended battery cover doors as close to the original design as possible. Inexpensive third party makes would probably forego the design and manufacturing costs, to produce a cover only, but that would eliminate one of the great new functionalities in ICS.
I am watching closely the developments in this, but for now I am planning to have my chargers within arms reach (car, work, solar)...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium
The only thing better than an extended battery is an actual case that fits it.
http://store.androidcentral.com/sei...ttery-case-fits-2750--3200-mah/4A145A8486.htm
Unless the Galaxy Nexus really takes off (not likely, even with VZW), we probably won't see any advanced type of battery + case combo.
I have to be on the go 20+ hours a day sometimes and I cannot spend all of my time babysitting a phone. As much as I want this thing, without an extended battery and a good case, it just won't fit my needs.
SquareBare said:
The only thing better than an extended battery is an actual case that fits it.
http://store.androidcentral.com/sei...ttery-case-fits-2750--3200-mah/4A145A8486.htm
Unless the Galaxy Nexus really takes off (not likely, even with VZW), we probably won't see any advanced type of battery + case combo.
I have to be on the go 20+ hours a day sometimes and I cannot spend all of my time babysitting a phone. As much as I want this thing, without an extended battery and a good case, it just won't fit my needs.
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Simple, every night charge the phone and a spare battery in an external charger. At 3 PM when the first battery dies, swap in the other. Unless you don't put the phone down all day, 2 batteries should be enough. If you need a little extra, turn off the lte radio when you can get by on 3g.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk
teamgreen02 said:
Simple, every night charge the phone and a spare battery in an external charger. At 3 PM when the first battery dies, swap in the other. Unless you don't put the phone down all day, 2 batteries should be enough. If you need a little extra, turn off the lte radio when you can get by on 3g.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk
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way too much work, I usually go with extended batteries so I don't have to worry about it. The added 1/4 or 1/6th of an inch doesn't bother me, but having to replace batteries, waiting for the phone to reboot is just annoying.
Still no word on the extended battery front for the GNex?
Battery and Case Issues
Be very careful if you choose to pre-order a case to have on hand when your Verizon GNex arrives. I've read that the stock back cover of the Verizon phone is slightly different from the GSM phones to accomodate the larger 1850 mAH battery. A few case vendors are noting their cases as not being compatible with the LTE version of the phone, but many are not. Of course, if you're ordering a pouch or other case which doesn't require a precise fit, you're probably fine. But, with any sort of hard case, BUYER BEWARE unless it is specifically noted as being for the Verizon LTE version of the phone.
Samsung made an extended battery + a new cover for the SGSII so they'll probably do the same for the Nexus. I hope they do so because we would have a flat back. I dont like this little bump where the camera or the speaker is.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Hey guys, just a quick heads up. I just got my Galaxy Nexus and it boots up very quickly so having two batteries and swapping them during the day wont be too painful. The back cover is a bit of a fiddle to put back on though, feels like it might break after a while as its very thin. Hope that helps!
Everyone has their needs but for my Nexus one I bought a second battery and hardly ever used it, most phones now a days charge USB, and Micro USB at that, almost everyone I know has a micro USB charger, I have several, including one at home one in the car one at work, friends co-workers have them etc, I have mixed them or used Nokia Blackberry Motorola HTC Samsung home and car changers, Bluetooth headset chargers etc all USB micro they all work on any device for me there is no need for an extended battery and if the original one dies within a year I will either have a new phone of just buy a replacement battery.
my two cents
here u go ppl. extended 2000mah battery for the galaxy nexus
http://phandroid.com/2011/11/29/gal...ah-extended-battery-and-cover-in-south-korea/
Great news. I will be buying that as soon as its out in the UK or if it takes too long to get announced I will just import it.
Nice, might get one of them when they are in the UK. How much bigger and heavier do you think it will make it?
xavierdylan said:
here u go ppl. extended 2000mah battery for the galaxy nexus
http://phandroid.com/2011/11/29/gal...ah-extended-battery-and-cover-in-south-korea/
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The phone should have come with that battery as the default option. With less than 15% more battery capacity I would say it is not really worth buying.
Whoa I need it!
I'll get it imported as soon as it's available anywhere in the world. (Well, no options here in Thailand anyway FML)
Any word on where and when this 2000 mAh battery will be available for purchase?
tk123456789 said:
Any word on where and when this 2000 mAh battery will be available for purchase?
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Maybe someone who speaks Korean can check some of the Korean online stores. Who knows, maybe we should be importing our phones directly from Korea instead of the UK.
I need the 2000 mAh Battery NOW!!! LOL
So amazon has these 2 being sold:
Portable Battery $24.99
and Kick stand/exra battery $35.02
The recharger would save the hassel of pulling off the protective glove case and the back cover and ofcourse its cheaper. But i dont know how well the phone would handle the 2200mah?
On the other hand you have the kick stand which is $49.99 on tmobile and its a nice $14+ savings, and the spare battery.
So which would you choose and why?
I actually ordered the second option on your post. Personally I just prefer popping in a new battery than to deal with more cables. Just think, you would have to take your phone out of your pocket and leave it out to charge with that power bank.
Where as with the extra battery all you have to do is switch them out and charge the other one and repeat repeat repeat
portable battery sucks
get the real thing, there are a few review of it in the forum
Welcome.
For some time, I looking to buy extended battery, because the stock battery works for me too short.
Already considering increased battery 2000 mAh Samsung, but that does not give too much more than stock.
The second idea was the Seidio 3800 battery, but this expense is getting a bit too big.
And the third idea is to External Battery Case.
Cost is much better than the Seidio, and if I'm counting (2200 mAh Extended Battery + 1750 stock battery) it even gives you more energy.
Can anyone use it already?
How is it exercised?
It seems to me to work like as a charger permanently connected, so it is not an additional battery, but charger, which is non-stop charge the battery.
Do not destroy / reduce battery life?
And did this significantly increases the size of the phone?
Is it possible to choose the cover?
As for the Seidio, a little do not succeed in choosing the right kit.
The manufacturer's website there are several, and I myself do not really know what they are different.
I need one that will enable me to mount the 3800 mah battery and attach the phone to your belt.
Thank you
I have had sedeio extended batteries before and they where great. I have also has a charger case it was powerskin brand but I must say it sucked. The charger case I had made my phone really hot. I'm planning on buying the extended battery and convert case since I need battery life and protection. And I believe it comes with a belt hook
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2i
DroidDavi said:
I have had sedeio extended batteries before and they where great. I have also has a charger case it was powerskin brand but I must say it sucked. The charger case I had made my phone really hot. I'm planning on buying the extended battery and convert case since I need battery life and protection. And I believe it comes with a belt hook
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2i
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I got the Seidio extended battery too. I also have the case that comes with it. It's big but it hasn't been a problem for me since it eliminated the charging-all-day hassle.
I'm thinking of turning my GSM Nexus into a "mobile computer" - I'm running ParanoidAndroid in tablet mode and already have an OTG cable that I've confirmed works with my 32GB USB drive, and I also have a wireless hotspot with a 32GB microSD card (I connect to it via Wifi and it kinda acts as cloud storage); I intend on adding a bluetooth mouse and keyboard at some point, but that still leaves the extended battery and a case for it.
I was originally thinking of the OEM extended battery and an Otterbox case, but from what I understand, the OEM extended battery isn't much bigger and wouldn't offer much longer battery life. In terms of extended batteries with NFC, which have cases to go along with the big battery backs that come with the batteries? I'd love one that features a kickstand too.
And in terms of extended batteries in general (talking about quality brands like Mugen and Seidio, not cheap brands), does the increase size/mAh actually correlate well to the extra run-time, or should I only expect a ~150% increase in battery life for a ~200% increase in size (or something of the sort)?
After battling with poor battery like on my last 6 android phones and trying tons of different batteries. I finally found a system that works for me. I bought 2 spare batteries and a battery charger for my Gnex (LTE) and it's been the best setup yet. I keep the slim profile of my phone and have enough battery power to get through the day with one battery in the phone and one spare with me.
Everyone will ***** about having to pull the back off and swap but it takes 2mins max from shut down to booted back up. And I would rather have my phone be slim then a monster with a huge extended battery.
The other thing I did was I got one of those AA battery chargers for my phone and I will keep one in my car and one in my bag with 2 of my eneloop batteries in it just in case I have an emergency of some kind and need a little extra juice. I very rarely have to use those for myself, but they have come in handy for others quite frequently.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
swan3609 said:
After battling with poor battery like on my last 6 android phones and trying tons of different batteries. I finally found a system that works for me. I bought 2 spare batteries and a battery charger for my Gnex (LTE) and it's been the best setup yet. I keep the slim profile of my phone and have enough battery power to get through the day with one battery in the phone and one spare with me.
Everyone will ***** about having to pull the back off and swap but it takes 2mins max from shut down to booted back up. And I would rather have my phone be slim then a monster with a huge extended battery.
The other thing I did was I got one of those AA battery chargers for my phone and I will keep one in my car and one in my bag with 2 of my eneloop batteries in it just in case I have an emergency of some kind and need a little extra juice. I very rarely have to use those for myself, but they have come in handy for others quite frequently.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
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I appreciate the thought, but I honestly don't care about adding thickness to the phone (its a bit too thin if you ask me - I don't care for this thin phone trend at all), and carrying a replacement battery is a PITA because I don't always carry a bag or are in a car (and I don't really have the pocket space for it) and I'd have to take off whatever case I have on the phone (which would be a pretty lengthy process if I'm using an Otterbox or other such case).
Check this. He reviewed the 3900mAh battery for Nexus (Verizon/Sprint) from Mugen.
The international has 4000mAh and it's here
Magus, did you ever find your solution?
I'd be interested to hear what worked for you.