The EU is looking to make smartphone batteries easier to replace

25 February 2020
Changing batteries might become an easier task for you and the service centers in Europe.

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Hallelujah!

Apple ruined the industry. They talk about their eco-friendly stuff but were the ones who spearheaded more e-waste.

    • P
    • PangHu
    • xZI
    • 26 Feb 2020

    Apple has made batteries easier to replace this time (watch JerryRigEverything's video in YT). It's the rear panel that is an issue, however. Although, of course, servicing must be done by an official service provider and that's quite expensive.

    Samsung, meanwhile, has glued its Note10 battery, not used pull-tabs, which makes replacement harder, just like LG (ex. V50). If so, it's likely that front panel has to be replaced entirely, making its replacement expensive.

    Had a S7 (nearly two-year old at that time) with a cracked front glass (but LCD is still running fine). I thought only the glass is to be replaced. Instead, the WHOLE front panel was replaced. I brought it to an official Samsung service center so I can't be wrong. Was slapped with a $200 equivalent bill. Very unacceptable. The battery was also replaced when actually still in good condition, wtf?

    Huawei should be an example, the Mate 30 Pro's composition is modular, if one breaks then only the corresponding part is to be replaced.

    And speaking of removable back panels, I strongly disagree with this. It can render waterproofing useless and the back panel is easier to lose. Same like a headphone jack. Has anyone noticed sound crackling or buzzing? Had no issues with phones without a headphone jack. Using a S10 with a jack and already noticed crackling, even if earphones are in good condition.

    The EU is just making up nonsense anyway, that's why UK had Brexit, ha ha

      zamroni1, 26 Feb 2020it's not related. samsung s5 has oled screen, removable bac... moreWell his point is you cannot use an AMOLED panel for 4-6 years without risking an AMOLED burn-ins from prolong usage.

        • P
        • Peter
        • wdF
        • 26 Feb 2020

        Legislate that phone companies, manufactures must support their devices with os, firmware and security updates for a min of 5 years, that will significantly reduce e waste.

        If Microsoft can do it why not Android?

          • ?
          • Anonymous
          • 0BG
          • 26 Feb 2020

          Berserker, 26 Feb 2020S7, s7 edge,p20 pro, s9 All of them got burn in after one ... moreYep it is. My cousing finally retired his S4 mini last month and it didn't have any burn-in either.

            IpsDisplay, 25 Feb 2020This is incredibly true if batteries would expand overall l... moreS7, s7 edge,p20 pro, s9
            All of them got burn in after one year of use, s9 was the worst with very ugly navigation and status bar burn in in just after 8 months .
            But for some reason tab s10.5 even after 5 years with constant max brightness didnt gen any burn in eccept decreased brightness.
            It smells like a planned obsolescence

              • ?
              • Anonymous
              • 3Rs
              • 26 Feb 2020

              R.i.p. Samsung
              .
              R.i.p Apple

                Anonymous, 25 Feb 2020This will also cover batteries for tablets. A side-effect o... moreit's not related. samsung s5 has oled screen, removable back cover and waterproofing

                  Vaio Agent, 26 Feb 2020replaceable battery will cause smartphone loss it's waterpr... moreThat's simply false (unless you need to keep the current super slim body but it's unnecessary). Both Sony and former Nokia (only feature phones for Nokia) have made such phones before, proving that works.

                  Other things that the EU can't force but I think all vendors should make corrections is to bring back the 3.5mm jack (like what LG still keeps) and complete screens (complete screen means no notch and no punch holes, but just round corners are acceptable)

                  I still prefer screen ratios no longer than 2:1 and I think unless the ratio is exactly 21:9, it would be too strange to make a screen longer than 2:1.

                    Anonymous, 25 Feb 2020like the Samsung Galaxy Xcover Pro 2020 ;-)see xperia zr from 2013

                      Vaio Agent, 26 Feb 2020replaceable battery will cause smartphone loss it's waterpr... moreever heard samsung s5 ?

                        Vaio Agent, 26 Feb 2020replaceable battery will cause smartphone loss it's waterpr... moreSony xperias in the past can still have waterproofing with removable back panel

                          replaceable battery will cause smartphone loss it's waterproof function and unreliable 3rd party battery may have burn risk, the best solution was force smartphone manufacturer free 1 time lifetime battery replacement program

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                            • Also
                            • 0xU
                            • 26 Feb 2020

                            Also bring back the 16:9 ratio. Who cares about these didle-dos for phones whe have now, it's easier to drop them. Android users are used to the good old 16:9 ratio with 4.5', 5', 5.5' and 5.7' screen sizes. Let the fruit rot and not access root.

                              • ?
                              • Anonymous
                              • PA7
                              • 26 Feb 2020

                              Agree special to us iphone user which have weeker battery. Also agree with standard cable charge to make easier. Thoughtful idea. Thank you europe

                                it will be great if this materialise
                                I would opt for replaceable battery over water proof anytime, unless the phone battery can last 2~3 days under normal usage

                                  bring back the models that allows users replace the batteries. support the EU.

                                    • J
                                    • Joe
                                    • gJK
                                    • 25 Feb 2020

                                    I'll believe it when I see this proposal signed and turned into a regulation

                                      • ?
                                      • Anonymous
                                      • 8IP
                                      • 25 Feb 2020

                                      Lets hope this goes global

                                        • J
                                        • Janiis
                                        • SHi
                                        • 25 Feb 2020

                                        The monthly pay for unreliable, weak 3G-4G signal raised 12 euros NO I go offline.