Best Smartphones with Removable Battery for Any Budget (2026)

This list is for anyone who values repairability, wants to carry spare batteries for extended use, or simply prefers the old-school convenience of user-replaceable batteries. Whether you're a field worker needing rugged durability or a budget-conscious user looking for basic functionality, there's still a phone with a removable battery that can work for you.

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Fairphone 6	for its modular design and eight years of software updates
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 G33	offering basic functionality at a very low price
Best secure	Kyocera DuraForce PRO 3	for those needing enterprise-grade ruggedness
Also recommended	Nokia C12	ultra-basic budget phone under $100
Also recommended	Samsung Galaxy XCover 7	more affordable rugged option

How we chose and tested

We analyzed multiple expert reviews and product comparisons from reputable tech publications. Our selection criteria focused on actual user-replaceable batteries (not just technically replaceable with tools), current availability in 2026, and practical considerations like regional availability and overall value. We prioritized phones that balance the removable battery feature with decent performance and reliability.

The best smartphones with removable battery right now

Fairphone 6 - Best overall

The Fairphone 6 isn't just a phone with a removable battery, it's a fully modular device designed for easy repairs and upgrades. You get eight years of software updates, a decent mid-range processor, and the ability to replace almost every component yourself.

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Key highlights

Fully modular design with user-replaceable battery, screen, camera, and USB port
Eight years of OS updates and security patches (supported until 2033)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage
IP55 water resistance and MIL-STD-810H durability rating
4,415mAh removable battery with 15W wired charging

Pros

Exceptional repairability with included tool kit
Longest software support in the removable battery category
Sustainable design with replaceable parts available for purchase
Works well as a daily driver with modern features

Cons

Only available as de-Googled version in North America
15W charging feels slow compared to modern standards
Premium price for mid-range specifications

Who it is for: Environmentally conscious users who want maximum repairability and long-term software support without sacrificing modern smartphone features.

Skip if

You need the fastest charging speeds or want the absolute best camera performance available.

HMD Skyline - Best for U.S. availability

The HMD Skyline makes having a removable battery easy for American users. It's readily available through major retailers and offers decent mid-range specs in a lightweight, serviceable package.

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Key highlights

Easily available in the U.S. through Amazon, Target, and HMD's website
4,600mAh removable battery with 15W Qi2 wireless charging support
Triple camera system including a telephoto lens
Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor with up to 12GB RAM
Works with most U.S. carriers (except Verizon and its MVNOs)

Pros

One of the few removable battery phones easily purchased in the U.S.
Includes wireless charging, rare in this category
Lightweight build compared to other serviceable phones
Expandable storage via microSD card

Cons

Performance lags behind similarly priced non-removable battery phones
Build quality feels somewhat cheap
Only two Android version updates promised

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 plan to keep the phone for more than two years.

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 (same as Fairphone 6)
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

Very slow 15W charging by 2026 standards
Chunky, heavy design not suitable for everyone
TFT 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 G33 - Best budget

For under $200, the BLU G33 delivers the basics with a removable battery. It's not going to win any performance awards, but it gets the job done for light usage.

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Key highlights

Extremely affordable price point
3,000mAh removable battery
Android 13 (Go Edition) for smoother performance on low-end hardware
Includes case and charger in the box
Face unlock and fingerprint reader

Pros

One of the most affordable phones with removable battery
Includes essential accessories
Water-resistant design
Expandable storage support

Cons

Very limited performance (Unisoc 9863 with 2GB RAM)
Small battery capacity
Doesn't work on CDMA carriers (Verizon, Sprint)
Unlikely to receive software updates

Who it is for: Budget-conscious users who need basic smartphone functionality and value battery replacement over performance.

Skip if

You use demanding apps, need good camera quality, or plan to use the phone as your primary device for more than a year.

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.

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Key highlights

IP68 rating and military-grade durability certifications
4,270mAh removable battery with up to 12 days of conservative use
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

Exceptional battery life in power-saving modes
Top-tier ruggedness for extreme conditions
Includes wireless charging
Verizon compatible with good carrier support

Cons

Very expensive at $900
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

Nokia C12 - ultra-basic budget phone under $100.
Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 - more affordable rugged option.

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 6 and Samsung Galaxy XCover7 Pro are exceptions with 8+ years of support.
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: European rules requiring user-replaceable batteries by 2027 may increase options, but that's still a year away.

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?

Technically yes with proper tools, but it often voids warranties and requires technical skill. True removable batteries don't need tools or risk damage during replacement.

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. European regulations requiring user-replaceable batteries by 2027 may force manufacturers to redesign phones, potentially creating more options globally.