The LG G5 stood out in 2016 with a removable, modular bottom section. This allowed for:
- Quick Battery Swaps: Carry a charged spare, and you were never tethered to an outlet for long.
- Capacity Wasn’t Everything: The stock battery was fairly average for the time (2800 mAh), but the replaceable design mitigated this.
- Accessory Potential: LG offered modules like a camera grip with extra battery power, though these never gained widespread popularity.
Battery Aging & Expectations
Like all lithium-ion batteries, the LG G5’s cell degrades over time:
- Typical Lifespan: With regular use, expect around 2-3 years before performance noticeably drops.
- Usage Matters: Frequent heavy gaming, high-brightness screen time, and extreme temperatures accelerate the decline.
- Finding Replacements in 2023: Due to the phone’s age, it can be harder to find new, high-quality LG G5 batteries.
Tips for Maximizing Your LG G5 Battery
- Software Settings:
- Lower screen brightness
- Disable location services or Bluetooth when not actively using them.
- Utilize battery saver mode when low.
- App Awareness: Uninstall power-hungry apps you rarely use or seek lighter alternatives.
- Charging Habits: Avoid frequent top-offs or letting it reach 0% regularly. Partial charges are less stressful on the battery in the long run.
Replacement Considerations
- Quality is Key: Cheap knock-off batteries may have much lower real capacity than advertised. Look for reputable sellers, even if slightly pricier.
- Used vs. New: Finding truly “new” LG G5 batteries is unlikely. Buying from stores with good return policies minimizes the risk of getting duds.
- Embracing Its Age: If the battery is your main issue with the G5, a newer smartphone with a larger, fixed battery is ultimately the better solution.
The G5’s Battery Legacy
The LG G5’s modular battery was a bold but short-lived experiment. Understanding its limitations and how to care for it extends your enjoyment of the device. While finding replacements becomes trickier, there are still ways to optimize what you have.