My FP3 battery started running down more quickly than usual recently so I stared to monitor it. (I suspected it was likely to be an Android or some other software update but I couldn’t find a culprit.)
It occurred to me today that physically checking the battery might be a good idea - so I did. It seemed OK when I took it out of the phone but I couldn’t put it back, so I did a ‘spin’ test and it is slightly bloated/swollen. I’ve ordered a new battery and I am happy to live without a smartphone for a few days - I still have a landline.
I’m impressed that the FP3 battery lasted for very nearly 5 years and 9 months of daily usage and will only cost me £32.90 in total to replace. (I checked some other battery replacement charges so I could feel smug - iPhone 16 Pro Max £109, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra £79).
My only regret is that it didn’t die a month or two back when Fairphone were offering a discount on spares, etc. Ho hum. (I might put a note on my calendar for May 2031 to remind me to buy another battery.)
I replace my battery every two years. At that point I was having to charge it during the day as well to keep it going to the night. That said I had to buy a case with a battery built into it for my S6 because the battery degraded quickly in it and the price for a replacement was ridiculous. Think I might be a heavier than average user.