6 Best Smartphones With Replaceable Batteries in 2026

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Fairphone Gen. 6+	For its repairable design, 12GB RAM and software support through 2033
Best for U.S. availability	HMD Skyline	As one of the few easily available options in North America
Best rugged	Samsung Galaxy XCover7 Pro	Combining durability with modern features
Best budget	BLU C5L MAX	For basic apps, a removable battery and included case and charger
Best secure	Kyocera DuraForce PRO 3	For those needing enterprise-grade ruggedness
Also recommended	Samsung Galaxy XCover 7	Basic rugged option with 128GB storage; international GSM version

How we chose

Our selection criteria focused on user-replaceable batteries, current availability, and practical considerations like regional compatibility and overall value. This guide includes both phones with batteries that lift out and repairable models that require tools. We prioritized phones that balance the removable battery feature with decent performance and reliability.

The best smartphones with removable battery right now

Fairphone Gen. 6+ - Best overall

The Fairphone Gen. 6+ pairs a modular design with a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor and 12GB RAM. Its battery and other parts can be replaced with a screwdriver, and software support runs through 2033.

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Key highlights

12 replaceable parts, including the battery, display and cameras
Software support through 2033
Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, 12GB RAM and 256GB storage
6.31-inch 120Hz OLED display and IP55 protection
4,415mAh battery with 27W charging and 30W peak power

Pros

Parts can be replaced individually with a screwdriver
Storage expansion up to 2TB
Supports AT&T, T-Mobile and supported MVNOs
Hardware warranty of up to five years

Cons

Verizon and its MVNOs are not supported
No wireless charging
Battery replacement requires a screwdriver

Who it is for: Users who want a repairable daily phone with long software support.

Skip if

You need Verizon compatibility, wireless charging or tool-free battery swaps.

HMD Skyline - Best for U.S. availability

The HMD Skyline is sold in a U.S. version and supports at-home battery replacement using iFixit tools and guides. It is a repairable phone, but replacing its battery is a repair procedure rather than a quick tool-free swap.

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Key highlights

U.S. version listed on Amazon with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage
4,600mAh removable battery with 15W Qi2 wireless charging support
Triple camera system including a telephoto lens
Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor with 8GB RAM in this U.S. listing
The U.S. listing confirms AT&T, T-Mobile, Cricket and Tracfone compatibility; check your carrier before buying

Pros

One of the few removable battery phones easily purchased in the U.S.
Includes wireless charging, rare in this category
209.5g body with a recycled aluminum frame
Expandable storage via microSD card

Cons

Performance lags behind similarly priced non-removable battery phones
Build quality feels somewhat cheap
Two Android upgrades and three years of security updates from its 2024 launch

Who it is for: U.S. residents who prioritize easy availability and want a removable battery without importing devices from overseas.

Skip if

You need top-tier performance or security support beyond the three-year window from its 2024 launch.

Samsung Galaxy XCover7 Pro - Best rugged

Samsung's rugged business phone combines military-grade durability with a removable battery and modern features. It's built for field work but works well as a daily driver if you don't mind the bulk.

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Key highlights

IP68 water/dust resistance and MIL-STD-810H certification
4,350mAh removable battery with 15W charging
Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor
Seven years of software updates and security patches
Glove-friendly touchscreen and programmable side button

Pros

Excellent durability for harsh environments
Long software support for a rugged device
Works on all U.S. carriers
Includes modern Samsung AI features

Cons

Limited to 15W wired charging
Chunky, heavy design not suitable for everyone
PLS LCD display instead of OLED

Who it is for: Field workers, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone needing a phone that can withstand drops, water, and extreme conditions while offering battery swap capability.

Skip if

You want a slim, lightweight phone or need fast charging capabilities.

BLU C5L MAX - Best budget

The BLU C5L MAX covers basic calls and light apps with a removable battery. This U.S. listing has 2GB RAM, 16GB storage and Android 13 (Go edition), so it suits modest needs.

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Key highlights

2,000mAh removable battery
5.7-inch display
Android 13 (Go edition) on this listed version
2GB RAM and 16GB storage
5MP rear camera and 2MP selfie camera

Pros

Battery access under the removable rear cover
Case and charger included
Expandable storage via microSD

Cons

Limited memory and storage for demanding apps
Small 2,000mAh battery
The listing excludes AT&T, Cricket and Verizon compatibility
Not waterproof

Who it is for: Buyers who need basic smartphone functions and a replaceable battery on a compatible GSM network.

Skip if

You need demanding apps, strong camera performance or support for an excluded carrier.

Kyocera DuraForce PRO 3 - Best secure

Kyocera's enterprise-focused rugged phone offers exceptional durability and security features alongside its removable battery. It's built for extreme conditions and long battery life.

Check Price at Amazon

Key highlights

IP68 rating and military-grade durability certifications
4,270mAh removable battery with up to 288 hours of standby time
Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor with 6GB RAM
Triple camera system (64MP main + 16MP ultrawide + 2MP)
Supports hearing aids and designed for loud environments

Pros

Removable battery for carrying a charged spare
Top-tier ruggedness for extreme conditions
Includes wireless charging
Verizon compatible with good carrier support

Cons

AC adapter sold separately
Bulky and heavy even for a rugged phone
No clear update policy for long-term software support
Small 5.38-inch display

Who it is for: Enterprise users, first responders, or anyone working in extreme environments who needs maximum durability and the ability to swap batteries during extended shifts.

Skip if

You're on a budget or want a phone that fits comfortably in regular pockets.

Also Good

Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 - basic rugged option; this international GSM version is not compatible with Verizon.

How to Choose

When selecting a smartphone with removable battery, consider these key factors:

1.Regional availability: Many removable battery phones are European models. Check if the specific variant works with your carriers and is actually available in your region.
2.Software support: Most removable battery phones offer limited updates. The Fairphone Gen. 6+ has software support through 2033; Samsung promises seven years of updates from launch for the Galaxy XCover7 Pro.
3.Intended use: Rugged phones add bulk but survive harsh conditions. Modular phones prioritize repairability. Budget options sacrifice performance for low cost.
4.Battery swapping frequency: If you plan to swap batteries daily, prioritize phones with easy access. If it's just for eventual replacement, any removable design works.
5.Future regulations: EU battery removability and replaceability requirements apply from 18 February 2027, subject to exceptions; they do not guarantee tool-free battery swaps.

FAQ

Are phones with removable batteries still being made?

Yes, but options are very limited. Most current models are either rugged business phones, modular sustainability-focused devices, or ultra-budget basic phones.

Why did manufacturers stop making phones with removable batteries?

Sealed designs allow for thinner phones, better water resistance, and more rigid structures. Removable backs add thickness and can compromise durability ratings.

Can I replace the battery myself on modern "non-removable" phones?

It depends on the design. Some phones have batteries that lift out, while repairable models such as Fairphone and HMD Skyline require tools and a repair guide. HMD explicitly permits supported at-home repairs without voiding its warranty.

Are removable battery phones less water resistant?

Not necessarily. Many modern removable battery phones like the Samsung Galaxy XCover7 Pro still achieve IP68 ratings through careful gasket design.

Will there be more options in the future?

Possibly. EU battery removability and replaceability requirements apply from 18 February 2027, subject to exceptions. These rules can permit tools, so they do not guarantee a return to tool-free battery swaps.

Published January 31, 2026 Last updated September 5, 2026