10 Best Android Phones with Removable Battery
Years ago, removable batteries graced every phone and the era in which you could bring an extra battery for your device was considerably the golden age for a smartphone. Having an extra pack of battery for your phone eliminates the worries of your phone dying while you’re outdoor like trekking or camping.
People are generally willing to make sacrifices for something they think is better, but if you’re not willing to sacrifice a removable battery, here are the best Android phones with removable battery.
The Best Android Phones with Removable Battery
| Best Overall | LG V20 |
| Cheapest | Moto E4 |
| Samsung Galaxy S5 | |
| LG Tribute Empire | |
| Nokia 1 Plus | |
| Best Value | LG V10 |
| Highly Recommended | Samsung Galaxy Xcover 4s |
| Runner Ups | LG G5 |
| Nokia 2.2 | |
| Samsung Galaxy J7 Duo |
From Removable to Fixed
To suit the market’s ever-changing needs, an increasing number of firms decided to ditch the removable batteries off their smartphone offerings. Why? We’re not sure either, but from an engineering perspective, a non-removable battery offers a slimmer phone design and a much more compact waterproofing design.
Everything comes with a cost, and to have a narrow-sized and waterproof phone, you have to give up the versatility of a removable battery. Keeping that in mind, it’s not surprising to see removable battery-toting smartphones lose their momentum in today’s industry.
However, some tech companies still stubbornly resisted the fixed battery bandwagon and have continued to create Android phones with removable battery
For those who have also resisted this trend, I have assembled a list of five of the best Android phones that flaunt a removable battery. Although some of them are not new, all of them are still relevant to this year.
The 10 Best Android Phones with Removable Battery
As of this writing, there aren’t many available choices that feature a removable battery for smartphones. Most brands have already embraced the non-removable battery to alleviate sales and prevent consumers from messing up or tinkering too much with their smartphones.
1. LG V20
The LG V20 was one of the Android phones that dominated the market and brought new technology to the smartphone field in 2016. It’s still by far capable enough and powerful enough that it can match the latest handsets of today. It features a full metal aluminium body, a 5.7 inches IPS screen display, corning gorilla 4, a 2.1 inches secondary display for notifications, a Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 Adreno 530, internal storage of either 32 or 64 GB, and a 4 GB RAM.
Outside of the hood, it features a 3 camera, with one being a selfie. The internal storage is expandable via a MicroSD card and has a removable Li-Ion 3200 mAh battery.
Although there’s no waterproofing on board, the LG V20 boasts a MIL-STD-810G certification for durability.
2. Moto E4
When Lenovo acquired Motorola in 2014, one of the best Android phone that Motorola ever released then was Moto E4. This handset has a removable 2800mAh battery and was priced under $100 mark which should be cheaper with today’s standard.
The Moto E4 features a 5 inches IPS screen display, Mediatek MT6737 quad-core processor, Mali-T720 GPU, 16GB internal storage, 2GB RAM, and expandable storage of up to 128GB via MicroSD card.
So this phone is still very much worth considering today’s standard, especially for first-time users.
3. LG V10
Another model coming from LG is the LG V10. Despite being an inferior model compared to the V20, the V10 is still a reliable phone most especially with its selling price today. It has a removable 3000mAh battery with expandable storage of up to 256GB via a MicroSD card.
The LG V10 features Qualcomm MSM8992 Snapdragon 808 hexa-core processor, the top-of-the-line 20nm processor back then, and Adreno 418 GPU to run the graphics. The V10 also features a secondary 2.1 inches display for notification and corning gorilla glass 4.
In terms of design, V10 was more of a rugged look Android phone with durability in mind. It has a solid metal frame and stainless steel sides.
4. LG G5
Another handset coming for the big Korean brand giant, LG, is the LG G5. The G5 was the brands’ attempt for modular smartphone designs but it ended up backfiring to the company as the sales of G5 cost the brand to pull out from the smartphone business in some countries. However, the LG G5 is considerably the best Android smartphone with a removable battery and modular accessories with LG Hi-Fi Plus. Wide Angle Lens, and LG CAM Plus.
The LG G5 features a removable 2800mAh battery, Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 quad-core processor, Adreno 530, 32 GB Internal storage expandable up to 1TV via MicroSD Card, and Corning Gorilla Glass 4.
5. Samsung Galaxy S5
The first Samsung model in our list is the Samsung Galaxy S5. The S5 was probably the last model in the Galaxy S series that featured a removable battery. Additionally, it also did feature an odd water-proofing technology. The S5 is powered by a 2800mAh replaceable battery that’s sitting nicely at the helm
The rest of the specifications include a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display and a Snapdragon 801 SoC. RAM is 2GB while the 16GB storage offers further memory expansion to suit your needs more. Camera-wise, the Galaxy S5 sports a single 16MP rear sensor and a 2MP front shooter. It runs on Android 4.4 KitKat OS out-of-the-box and is upgradable to Android Nougat.
6. Nokia 2.2
Next on our list is a handset unit that came from a brand that dominated the market of smartphones back then, the Nokia 2.2. This device featured the latest technology available in 2019. Despite featuring the trendiest design nowadays for smartphones, the brand still considered having a removable battery that most will approve of and will have no complaints about.
The Nokia 2.2 features a 5.7 inches IPS display screen, Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 quad-core processor, PowerVR GE8320 GPU, 32 GB, 3 RAM or 16 GB, 2 GB RAM, microSD, up to 400 GB, and Android 9.0 (Pie); Android One. And of course, a removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery.
7. Samsung Galaxy J7 Duo
Samsung continuously dominated the high-end smartphone market with its flagship models but its a different story regarding the entry-level to mid-range market. The brand then started introducing back the removable battery feature to appeal to the customers with the Samsung Galaxy J series.
The Samsung Galaxy J7 Duo is the latest in the J-series, in features Android 9.0, 5.7 inches IPS screen display, Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 quad-core processor, PowerVR GE8320, 32 GB, 3 RAM or 16 GB, 2 GB RAM, and a card slot for microSD, up to 400 GB.
8. LG Tribute Empire
Going back to LG, we have yet another model from the brand that features a removable battery, the LG Tribute Empire. Despite the odd scheming name, the LG Empire Tribute was launched in the market in January 2019. The Empire Tribute features Android 8.1, 5 inches IPS display, Mediatek MT6750 octa-core, Mali-T860MP2 GPU, 16 GB, 2 GB RAM, and a card slot for microSD, up to 32 GB. And of course, a removable Li-Ion 2500 mAh battery.
Unfortunately, one of the issues that most will encounter who wants to purchase this phone is its availability. You might want to check the manufacturer’s website for availability.
9. Nokia 1 Plus
Another model coming from Nokia is the Nokia 1 Plus. The Nokia 1 Plus is one of the latest Android smartphone models from Nokia. It was launched last March 2019 and comes with Android 9 out of the box. Additionally, it features a 5.45 inches IPS display, Mediatek MT6739WW quad-core processor, PowerVR GE8100, 8/16 GB, 1 GB RAM, and a card slot for microSD, up to 128 GB (uses shared SIM slot). And of course, a removable Li-Ion 2500 mAh battery.
The body is mostly plastic and the display doesn’t feature corning gorilla glass.
10. Samsung Galaxy Xcover 4s
Last but not least, we have the Samsung Galaxy XCover 4S. The XCover 4S features Android 9, IP68 dust/waterproof (up to 1.5m for 30 mins), MIL-STD-810G compliant, Exynos 7885 Octa-core (2×1.6 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6×1.6 GHz Cortex-A53), 32 GB, 3 GB RAM, and a card slot for microSD, up to 1 TB (dedicated slot).
Additionally, it features a single back camera and a single front camera. And of course, a removable Li-Ion 2800 mAh battery.
The XCover 4S is is gonna be the only Android smartphone in our list that’s designed for outdoor use. It has a rugged design, an easy-to-grip, non-slip finish, IP68* and MIL-STD 810G* standards so it is durable enough to withstand harsh conditions and has an NFC integration which is great.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do they still make phones with removable batteries?
The last notable smartphones with removable batteries were the LG G5 and V20, introduced in 2016. People still occasionally mention detachable batteries in modern society.
Why did they stop making phones with removable batteries?
Removable batteries need a durable plastic casing to guard against damage, especially when not connected to a phone. The plastic cases increase the weight and size of the smartphone. Engineers, therefore, considered adding a permanent battery due to market demand for thinner and lighter designs.
Is a removable battery better than a non-removable?
Non-removable battery phones have the benefit of a more compact design. A removable battery phone can jeopardise the overall aesthetic of the device because a back plate is required. Non-removable phones don’t need a back panel because the battery is integrated into the circuits.
Android Phones with Removable Battery: Should they stay?
While it seems like removable battery-equipped phones are a dying breed, there are still some which remained relevant over the years. You don’t have to give upbringing extra batteries when engaging in outdoor activities! All you need is to choose well and you’re good to go.
Why do you prefer a removable battery? Do you know of another great Android phone with a removable battery? Let me know in the comments!
My Galaxy Note 3 has lasted for many years.
I am sure that if it had had a NON removable battery, it would have been unusable years ago
Who can argue with that ?
I also have a Note 3. I got a battery with longer life for it so, with the expanded back, it’s not so sleek and thin, but it works just fine – and I can’t say I’ve been particularly kind to it, either! Of course, no upgrade for the operating system is any longer possible, so some newer apps won’t run on it – a minor inconvenience compared with being able to change out the battery. If I don’t lose it, I’ll probably keep it ’til it doesn’t work anymore!
If you ever want to upgrade a little, a used Note 4 is an awesome phone, too.
On my second 10,000 mAh battery (expanded battery with thicker case) after the first one died.
Started using the extended battery packs after the original battery died. In total, the phone has survived three batteries, and is on it’s fourth, now.
The biggest reason I prefer removable batteries is extended life of the phone, and the 2nd biggest is the ability to use 7000 mAh to 10000 mAh extended battery cases with the phone.
I don’t want to have to buy a new phone when battery stops working, and neither do I want to take it to a repair shop for something as trivial as changing batteries, I want to simply buy a new battery next time I’m in town, replace it myself right outside the store in under a minute, and be on my way.
The story about slim and water resistant doesn’t hold up either, as plenty of phones with removable batteries are both, and plenty of phones with non-removable batteries are neither.
The real reason manufacturers like non-removable batteries is because it makes people buy new phones more, because it’s really the only part of a phone prone to aging. On the other hand, we, as customers, should buy what we like, not what they like. Stop following trends and start following your needs. Otherwise, we’ll soon get TV remotes and flashlights with non-removable batteries (but they’ll be slim, I guess).
Correct, purchase only removable battery mobile, I have purchased a Lenovo non removable mobile phone from Qatar, after 1year the battery started draining immediately, now I can’t use anymore
Ha ha! You’re so right! If they keep this up and we keep this up…. even the term “removable batteries” will be extinct. Then all removable batteries on anything like TV remotes and flashlights will become irremovable and built-in. Then only thing we could do is not just run to the closes electronics store to buy a pair of batteries or battery, but buy a whole new remote or flashlight, costing you lot more cash.
The reason (as I see it) is that a solid state electronic device with no moving or wearing parts can last a very long time. This is a problem to any business that needs repeat sales. Manufacturers would get a bad reputation if they deliberately build in weaknesses so the phone breaks. But somebody had a bright idea…Bingo! they can seal in a lithium battery with a lifespan of 18-14 months, charge whatever they like to replace it, and have a high probability of a new sale every two years.
Its all about marketing, and what people will swallow. Notice that Tesla put an 8 year warranty on their car batteries. Obviously consumers won’t accept buying a new car every two years. So why don’t phone manufacturers use Tesla battery technology? Because consumers just accept two years as the life of a phone. Suckers.
(In case anybody is wondering, I use a five year old Blackberry Q10, and swap the battery twice a week.)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us mate.
I’m still using an LG V20 that I bought when it was still a flagship phone. It’s on its third battery. Replacing the battery cost me about USD $15.00 each time. That’s a lot better than replacing the phone.
My position is simple: Any phone without a removable battery is disposable, and I won’t pay more than $50.00 for a disposable phone.
I’m glad I bought the V20 when I did. None of the few newer phones with removable batteries can meet its specs. Since the price has gone way down since I bought my first one, I also have a second, new-in-box V20 as a spare.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us mate!
Would love a 2019 LG V25 – 6.5″ screen, 4000mah battery, new gorilla glass and everything else is designed the same. LG can’t sell their new phones – here is an idea – break into a niche with virtually no competition.
I only buy phones with removable batteries!! I don’t care about waterproof phones because I don’t use my phone in the shower, nor ever drop it in the toliet!
The Nokia 2.2 is falsely advertised as a removable battery because they do not sell a replacement battery. Unless you can list an equivalent 3rd party replacement, ( I searched the net without finding one ) I spoke to Nokia and they said they don’t sell the battery and if yours goes bad, you have to send the phone to them for repair. If it isn’t under warranty, you have to pay them to put in a new battery so the whole advantage of removable batteries is a scam to get you to buy their phone.
LG K20 Plus. The best phone I’ve ever heard and I wish I never accidentally broke it because they honestly don’t make phones like this anymore. Removeable battery, expandible storage, and 32 GB of internal storage. The K30 and K40 have the 32 GB interal harddrive but no removeable battery. Same harddrive but getting rid of a feature is a downgrade, not an upgrade.
Hi Sean, we understand what you mean. Having the option to remove a battery should not be taken away by these manufacturers. It’s their way in forcing us consumers to buy new phones if something is wrong instead of replacing the faulty part to fix it for less.
NO ONE mentions the fact that when you remove your battery you can NOT be tracked by Big Brother or any of his buddies. That might just be really important some day.
Lawrence, That’s EXACTLY what I think, and the first thing I thought of, when I heard about the companies making phones where you can’t remove the battery. Absolutely positively believe it has to do with being tracked one day by Big Brother. I know it.
I have an S3 th at I got in early 2012. It suits me just fine, giving me all the features I need without anything gimicy or fancy. I’ve had a dozen batteries for it and have spent maybe $300 total for them. On a fixed income, I could never have afforded a dozen phones. If it weren’t for replaceable batteries, I would have to rely on land lines and snail mail.
Yup. No replaceable battery means that when the battery dies you throw the phone in the trash… Even if you put it in electronics recycling it’s still a waste, as only some of the materials can be re-used.
Obviously the fixed battery means fewer 2nd hand phones being available as few people have the know-how or inclination to try replacing the batt. Better for the manufacturers, who can persuade you to part with a fair chunk of cash for a new phone. Probably worse for you & the environment. Whereas the older phones often have a longer life with potentially several owners & quite a few battery swaps.
Being a cheapskate all of my phones have been 2nd hand!
Anyone here have seen the Samsung Xcover Pro yet? Just released this month, 4050mah removable battery. IP68 and Mil 10 specs. Thinking of getting one but wish there was smaller version, would love a 5inch screen version of this.
I have a Fairphone 2 which is the most sustainable phone as you can replace all parts yourself and is from sustainable materials. We are supposed to be protecting our earth. Why are we going backwards????
I feel you! Thanks for sharing!
Exactly! And how easy you can be tracked with non-removable batteries! Have no idea why are people buying it? You have no control over the phone! You can’t remove the battery when something went wrong and save it, you just simply lose the phone!
I have a Galaxy J7 (model number SM-J727U) and it has lasted very well for many years. Ironically I got it for the removable battery but I never have had to change it. The originally installed battery still holds a charge well enough for me. I am leery of going to a non-removable battery phone but fewer new phones have a removable battery now.
Yes, that’s true. Manufacturers are now shifting to non-removable batteries.