Nexus 5 battery case: advice?

Taiga Woods · 19 Dec 2020, 17:43

@dad_and_alive
I do not really have an answer for you, but maybe we can think together. For some weeks now I use a Nexus5, too, and after looking at the battery extensions you have posted my first thought was: I need this. But after some minutes I had doubts. First, what are the real advantages of a continuously fixed battery extension compared to a normal powerbank? In my opinion there are rather disadvantages, e.g. phone is heavier all the time, not just when connected to my powerbank. Also modern smartphone batteries should better not be connected to a power supply the whole time, as this would reduce the overall battery-life. Or wouldn't it? I'm not an expert, just thinking...

cliffcoggin · 19 Dec 2020, 17:48

@dad_and_alive You could just buy a new battery. If I recall correctly the recommended one on this forum is made by Polar.

dad_and_alive · 19 Dec 2020, 18:03

@taiga-woods Thanks for thinking along!

Yes, I've also been just taking a powerbank with me to use when I run out of battery (which basically happens all the time). It's of course a solution.

For me the combination of smartphone + cable + powerbank gets a bit clumsy. It's not easy to quickly and safely tuck the combo away in your pocket (often loosening the cable in the process) and also for many other routine operations (eg taking a picture, or just phoning) the powerbank+cable get in the way (and not always you already have charged sufficiently to temporarily disconnect the powerbank again).

Using the battery case would make the system more sturdy. And you would not easily forget the extra battery at home (since it's integrated in your case). Also, if you look at this video , you see there is a button to switch off the battery connection. So, this would solve your second concern. I don't think it's a lot more heavy than another protective case (possibly solving your first concern), but it does admittedly look somewhat huge.

The second battery I referred to, the OISLE model, is basically just a powerbank, but one that you can connect without a cable. So this one you would not attach systematically, and only when needed. But it would also be a more sturdy solution than a cable connected powerbank.

At least, that's what I believe.

dad_and_alive · 19 Dec 2020, 18:13

@cliffcoggin Thanks! As far as I know there are no replacement batteries on the market with a significantly higher capacity than the original one (2300mA). I believe this is the battery you are referring to. It's also just 2450mAh. Wouldn't you expect a similar battery life in case of similar battery capacities?

flohack · 19 Dec 2020, 23:07

@dad_and_alive There is hope that with the Halium 7.1 port the battery life gets better. I found an option that is turned on in a strange way in 5.1, and I suspect it keeps CPU from sleeping. But we shall see ^^

cliffcoggin · 20 Dec 2020, 00:30

@dad_and_alive said in Nexus 5 battery case: advice?:

@cliffcoggin Wouldn't you expect a similar battery life in case of similar battery capacities?

Certainly, but if your existing battery is old it will not have the full 2.3 Ah capacity of a new one. My Nexus 5 is no more than five months old and its battery lasts 2-3 days, although it must be said I make few phone calls on it.

Taiga Woods · 20 Dec 2020, 14:52

@dad_and_alive
sounds like you have already made the decision to buy one of these products. So just give it a try (and tell us about it)
For me, sustainability is the main criterium, so I would rather buy an extension that I can use with other devices, too. That means, even if I buy a new phone one day, I want the battery extension/powerbank (or even the phone case) to be compatible by its form, design or connection. But I am also lazy to buy or sell stuff; of course there are also ways to reuse, refurbish outdated products.

dad_and_alive · 21 Dec 2020, 11:13

@taiga-woods Thanks. I would indeed want to try out that battery case I referred to. The problem is that I don't find it anywhere. Your sustainability argument is however also very compelling, so I might go for the OISLE battery extension after all. In any case, I will share my experiences, if any.

dad_and_alive · 21 Dec 2020, 11:34

@flohack Thanks! That's great news. Judging from Github commit timestamps, and apart from your latest setting modification related to CPU idling, the port however doesn't seem to be on top of anyone's ToDo list. And according to your related forum post some issues still remain. Do you nevertheless believe the port will land soon? And is there anything I, as end-user, can help out with to speed up the process?

dad_and_alive · 21 Dec 2020, 14:22

@cliffcoggin Sure. In the past I had already at one point replaced the battery with a new one, without notable difference in battery life. But, maybe back then a software issue was at fault, whereas now it is indeed the battery itself. So, I might indeed try out the other spare batteries I have.

99 · 1 Jan 2021, 09:23

I must admit I feel the same about MC Hammerhead... I have downgraded to a Nexus 4 - much better battery life. The other issue with the 5 that I have had is the on off button failing and that has put the device in a boot loop. The switches are crazy-tiny - and look difficult to replace. Good luck with your battery experiments and please post if you get a good solution.