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Google nerfs Pixel 6a batteries following fire hazard

(arstechnica.com)
65 points fffrantz | 14 comments | 11 Jul 25 18:41 UTC | HN request time: 0.657s | source | bottom
1. unethical_ban ◴[11 Jul 25 20:13 UTC] No.44536385[source]▶
If only there were a way to quickly swap out defective, used batteries for new, safe batteries without needing to return a critical device to the manufacturer.
replies(4): >>44536428 #>>44536521 #>>44536582 #>>44537626 #
2. dmitrygr ◴[11 Jul 25 20:19 UTC] No.44536428[source]▶
Someone needs to first make replacement batteries in the right dimensions, voltage, etc...
replies(1): >>44536490 #
3. homebrewer ◴[11 Jul 25 20:27 UTC] No.44536490[source]▶
It takes about five seconds after a new phone is released for Chinese factories to design and start selling all sorts of accessories, including batteries. High quality ones too.

The average consumer needs to be able to swap it without doing deep surgery on the phone, and that's on the phone's manufacturer.

replies(1): >>44536525 #
4. SideQuark ◴[11 Jul 25 20:32 UTC] No.44536521[source]▶
Pretty much any phone repair store swaps them out in store. I've done exactly a Pixel 6 recently.
5. dmitrygr ◴[11 Jul 25 20:32 UTC] No.44536525{3}[source]▶
The same factories that made the current battery that is a fire risk. yes. or maybe different ones, with no vetting for how dangerous their batteries are.
replies(2): >>44536807 #>>44536891 #
6. readthenotes1 ◴[11 Jul 25 20:39 UTC] No.44536582[source]▶
I think it's sad and funny that most of the replies to this assume the difficulty of the non-replaceable battery. For years, it was the way things worked. Smaller battery, maybe a spare in your pocket. Then the iPhone:(
replies(1): >>44537453 #
7. ghusto ◴[11 Jul 25 21:09 UTC] No.44536807{4}[source]▶
Yes, in all likelihood the same factories. Which still make your choices a battery that needs replacing but can't be without voiding your warranty, or a battery that needs replacing that you can swap out easily. Am I missing something?
8. asadotzler ◴[11 Jul 25 21:20 UTC] No.44536891{4}[source]▶
some goal post moving going on here.
replies(1): >>44536897 #
9. dmitrygr ◴[11 Jul 25 21:21 UTC] No.44536897{5}[source]▶
Goalposts have always been the same: pocket/table/house not on fire
replies(1): >>44537032 #
10. luckylion ◴[11 Jul 25 21:40 UTC] No.44537032{6}[source]▶
The same factories you wouldn't trust with the replacement also make the originals. So you wouldn't buy a phone at all?
replies(1): >>44537066 #
11. dmitrygr ◴[11 Jul 25 21:45 UTC] No.44537066{7}[source]▶
Because a deep-pocketed company can be sued to recover the cost of my house - Samsung, Google, or Apple, and they take all possible precautions to make sure this isn't needed. Not going to successfully sue "big luck bright shine battery company of shenzhen"
12. eddythompson80 ◴[11 Jul 25 22:34 UTC] No.44537453[source]▶
I don't think it helps anyone to dismiss the difficulty involved in doing that in 2025 vs 2004.

I'm not saying it's not possible, of course it is, but there is some friction and difficulty especially if you seriously want to compete with Apple, Samsung, Oppo, Xiaomi, etc.

Fairphone exists[0]. Nobody is in the market for either a Fairphone vs Galaxy vs Pixel.

replies(1): >>44537581 #
13. capitainenemo ◴[11 Jul 25 22:51 UTC] No.44537581{3}[source]▶
There is also the Samsung XCover 7 pro. Waterproof, trivially swappable battery. You can even keep around a few batteries for quick recharge. https://www.samsung.com/us/business/mobile/phones/galaxy-xco...
14. Terr_ ◴[11 Jul 25 22:56 UTC] No.44537626[source]▶
I hate this "tabs and adhesive" business. I've had to replace batteries way more often than I've benefited from it being a couple millimeters smaller or marginally better sealed against being dropped into a puddle.