
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Phone Battery? Android Tips and Tricks
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Does your Android device’s battery require more frequent charging than it used to? Does your phone randomly crash or take too long to charge? These are signs that you need your battery replaced. But how much does an Android battery replacement cost?
This guide includes information on a variety of topics affecting how much it costs to get a new battery for your Android device. We’ll cover typical battery replacement expenses for various Android devices, whether you should replace your battery or get a new phone, tips for extending your device’s battery life, and much more.
How Quickly Do Android Batteries Wear Out?
As with any rechargeable battery, Android device batteries eventually degrade with use. Lithium-ion batteries tend to lose a tiny bit of their total capacity every time they’re charged. Assuming normal use, an Android or iPhone battery lasts for up to three years before it starts to wear down.
It’s important to recognize the signs of poor battery health, including:
- The battery draining too quickly
- The phone shutting down, even when it seems like it should still have power
- Slow performance
- Taking too long to charge the device
Is your phone showing any of these tell-tale signs? If so, it might be time to consider battery replacement.
The Costs of Android Battery Replacement
There are three core variables when discussing how much it costs to replace an Android battery. These include the device’s make and model, whether the battery is removable or sealed into the phone, and where you choose to have the phone repaired.
To begin, let’s take a look at how various brands and phone models can affect battery replacement and repair costs. (For reference, we’ll discuss pricing for devices that are no longer under warranty coverage.)
Samsung
Samsung is the most popular manufacturer of Android devices, as five of the top 10 best-selling smartphones of 2024 were produced by Samsung. Battery replacement costs can vary quite a bit between various Samsung Android smartphones and tablets, but they’re generally slightly cheaper than iPhone batteries (which typically cost as much as $119).
- Galaxy A Series: $49 to $69
- Galaxy S Series: $69 to $99
- Galaxy Note Series: $79 to $99
Samsung offers to replace Android device batteries through its authorized repair network. This network includes more than 1,000 “Authorized Service Centers” (including uBreakiFix locations) and Samsung service locations. Their pricing is typically consistent, with no big surprises — costs include parts and labor.
Google Pixel
Google’s smartphones are also quite common, and their battery costs are similar to Samsung’s. The biggest variable is how old your Pixel phone is, as newer models have more expensive battery expenses. Take a look at how the estimated costs break down by model:
- Pixel 8 and 9 Series: $99
- Pixel 5, 6, and 7 Series: $69
- Pixel 4 Series and earlier: $49
Another similarity to Samsung is Google’s repair availability, as Google also includes all uBreakiFix stores in its “Authorized Repair Partner” network. Keep in mind that Google Pixel batteries are sealed into the devices, so it’s not a good idea to replace your own.
Motorola
Motorola has lost significant market share over the years, but it still produces a few somewhat popular Android smartphones, including the “razr” and “edge” series. Unfortunately, Motorola’s only option for official first-party repairs is to mail your device in, wait for them to fix it, and get it shipped back.
That said, their prices aren’t too bad. Most of their devices have battery costs in the $70-90 range. However, exact prices can vary, so you should contact Motorola if you want an exact quote for your device.
Installing Your New Battery: Should You Do It Yourself or Visit a Repair Shop?
The three general options for Android battery repairs and replacements are using a first-party authorized repair service, visiting an independent cell phone repair shop, or trying the DIY method. As you might expect, authorized repairs are typically the most expensive, and do-it-yourself options are the cheapest, with third-party repair shops somewhere in between.
Of course, if your phone is still under warranty, first-party repairs are often free or heavily discounted. This is also true if you have a protection plan for your device. If you have questions about warranty or protection plan coverage, such as whether they cover accidental damage, you should contact your wireless carrier or device manufacturer for more information.
Authorized First-Party Repairs
With authorized repairs, you have the peace of mind that your phone is repaired by expert technicians using only genuine first-party components. This is important for two reasons. First, the usage of generic, third-party parts can void your remaining warranty. Second, if you don’t use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components when you get your battery replaced, you could decrease your phone’s resale value. After all, the vast majority of buyers prefer purchasing used phones with only authentic first-party parts in them.
Independent Phone Repair Shops
Third-party repairs performed at local shops can be cheaper than first-party repairs, especially if you get a generic battery instead of a brand-name battery. Of course, in this scenario, you’ll run into the issues we outlined above with warranties and resale values. That said, these stores can have faster turnaround times than some first-party options, especially if you have a less popular device like a Motorola phone that requires you to mail it in to get official in-house repairs.
DIY Repairs
Are you highly tech-savvy? Have you performed electronics repairs before? Does your phone have a relatively low resale value? If you said “yes” to all three of these questions, you might want to give the DIY route a try. Some Android device manufacturers sell official battery repair and replacement kits, while some others require you to purchase third-party parts for DIY repairs.
Of course, the DIY option is the cheapest, as it never requires any labor expenses. That said, for anything other than a low-value, older phone, having a professional replace the battery is usually a much better idea. Any mistakes in the replacement process can cost you much more than simply hiring a professional in the first place.
Should You Replace Your Battery or Buy a New Phone?
There are quite a few variables that can go into this question, and you should always do your due diligence to choose the best option for you. That said, we can discuss some general guidelines that help you determine whether to replace your battery or upgrade to a new phone altogether.
If the phone is less than two years old, and it works well other than the battery capacity issues, it’s probably a good idea to simply replace the battery. After all, the device is in otherwise great condition, so it most likely has plenty of life left in it.
If your phone has other hardware issues — such as a busted screen or the need for charging port repairs — it might be a better idea to upgrade to a new device. The more issues your phone has, the less likely it is to last very long. If the problems are starting to stack up, you should consider a new phone.
Another situation where you might want a new device is if your old phone has a low resale value. Why spend around $100 to get a new battery when the entire phone is barely worth more than that? If the math isn’t adding up for battery replacement, consider replacing the device itself instead.
How to Maximize Your Battery Life and Minimize Cell Phone Repairs
Our favorite type of repair is the type that never needs to happen in the first place! Check out the lists below for tips on extending your smartphone’s battery lifespan.
Tips to Enhance Battery Life
- Don’t charge your phone all the way to 100% or let it drain down to 0%. Instead, keep it in the 20% to 80% range.
- Keep your phone in a cool, dry place. Heat and moisture both degrade batteries faster than dry, temperate settings.
- Use first-party chargers and cables to optimize the charging process.
- Regularly update your device’s firmware. Newer versions of a phone’s operating system often fix software issues and other problems that can affect battery life.
Avoid These Common Pitfalls
- Don’t leave your phone plugged in all the time. This can lead to over-charging and the shortening of a battery’s lifespan.
- Don’t use cheap, flimsy charging cables. These often charge devices more slowly and have the potential to damage batteries.
- Don’t use apps that require heavy processing power while charging. This can cause overheating issues.
How Long Will a New Battery Last in an Android Phone?
A brand-new, first-party lithium-ion battery should operate at peak performance for roughly two to three years. If you take good care of your phone, a new battery can be an excellent investment. If it costs $100 or less to fix a device that still has strong resale value, you could keep your Android phone running for years — a smart and environmentally conscious choice!
What’s Your Best Option if You Don’t Replace Your Android Battery?
If you have an older phone that isn’t worth repairing, you have a couple of good options. One option is to check with your carrier or device manufacturer to see if you qualify for any trade-in programs. If you can swap your old phone for a new device without breaking the bank, this route could be a solid choice.
Another option is to sell your used Android device at an ecoATM kiosk. We offer instant cash for old phones. While we usually offer less for devices without fully functioning batteries, we can often still give you cash even if your battery has issues.
Selling your phone with ecoATM is fast and convenient. You’ll never have to deal with shipping processes, and there’s no haggling or negotiating required. We also have 6,000+ kiosks conveniently located in reputable retail stores from coast to coast — whether you shop at Walmart, Kroger, Dollar General, or another popular retailer, there could be a kiosk available near you!
How to Sell Your Phone at an ecoATM Kiosk
If you’ve decided that selling your Android device is your best option, visit our website and use our “Price Your Device” tool. We’ll give you a quote that you can lock in before you even visit the kiosk! Then, use our kiosk locator to find the ecoATM location nearest you.
Before you connect your phone to the kiosk, make sure to back up your personal data, log out of all your accounts, and restore the device to its original factory settings. If your battery still holds a charge, you should also charge it up, as we typically pay higher prices for devices with functional batteries.
Once you’ve completed these steps, bring your device to the kiosk and exchange it for instant cash. If you prefer, you can also opt for digital payment via PayPal or Venmo.
Not only does ecoATM give you a great price for your used device, but we’re also an environmentally conscious company. We’ve recycled over 50 million used electronics, keeping toxic chemicals from leaching into landfills across the country. When you sell your phone to ecoATM, you can rest assured that we’ll either find a new owner or recycle it responsibly, cutting down on unnecessary electronic waste.