Where can I buy GENUINE Samsung batteries? (s3 mini)

RealGem

Hi,

I have bought 4 replacement batteries for my s3 mini and although they all look official, none of them hold a charge any better than the old original battery.

But since looking at two videos on YouTube, and removing the sticky cover of the batteries, two are definitely fakes, and the other two I can't tell. But they do feel a bit lighter in weight. Although I don't have teeny tiny weighing scales that would confirm this.

So I thought no problem; I'll pop down to the official Samsing website, and get one from there.

No chance. They only feature the latest ones, and even with those, they don't tell you where you can buy them from!

So if possible, could someone please direct me to a place that definitely sells proper Samsung batteries, that not only look like Samsung batteries, but that have the complete Samsung packaging too. And any further info you could give please, to assure me they are official Samsung batteries (as all 4 fakes looked very convincing on first inspection).

(I am not looking for ways to improve battery life. I have already done everything I can there).

Thanks a lot

AndyPix

Here

http://www.samsung.com/uk/search/?q=battery

I agree with you, the market is rife with fakes of these things..

RealGem

Hi Andy,

Thanks a lot. Yes, I found that page yesterday.

There's not actually a battery for an S3 Mini at that link, (only for S4 Mini and S3).

But it makes no difference, as this message is on every product:

"We are sorry, but this product is currently not available from any of our retail partners.
To check stock availability please email us at [EMAIL="shop.uk@samsung.com"]shop.uk@samsung.com[/EMAIL] or call Monday - Saturday 9am-6pm 0330 726 7467"


But I was able to phone them today and they said the following websites sell official Samsung batteries:

http://4mysamsung.co.uk
http://partsmaster.co.uk
http://espares.co.uk

This info needs to be on the website, as the error message is out of date. The products obviously ARE available.

http://www.4mysamsung.co.uk/eb-f1m7flu-mobile-phone-battery/product.pl?pid=3957440

http://www.partmaster.co.uk/eb-f1m7flu-mobile-phone-battery/product.pl?pid=3957440

http://www.espares.co.uk/product/es1636593/mobile-phone-battery?pageNumber=1

(£17.99 at all three sites)

So basically if you're paying less than £10 for a battery it's most likely not genuine.

I suppose at those prices, it's just too easy for the fraudsters, as people will jump at the chance to buy cheaper ones.

Thanks again.

pogofish

I thought the S3 Mini was a phone? - And phones have their own dedicated forum here!

thistledome

Thanks for posting that, RealGem.

We use e-spares for a few things (vacuum bags and washing machine parts) and every now and then they send us a free £10 credit to our account (you have to spend about £25 to redeem it though).

Just thought I'd mention that to anyone who hasn't used them before.

ptrichardson

Is it even worth it for such a poor, low quality handset?

For £100 you could buy something far better new. Moto G range, for example

Mr_Toad

Are you sure it's the battery and not something running on the phone that's draining power?

I've tried a couple of apps on my S4 that soon drained the battery, once removed the problem went away.

forgotmyname

I have a feeling my S4 battery is a fake one. It has lasted a lot longer than the genuine one though.

The first battery started to switch the phone off in less than 6 months, taking the battery out showed the tell tale swelling.

RealGem

pogofish wrote: »

I thought the S3 Mini was a phone? - And phones have their own dedicated forum here!

Sorry Pogofish, I wasn't aware of that. Thanks for letting me know.

Mr_Toad

forgotmyname wrote: »

I have a feeling my S4 battery is a fake one. It has lasted a lot longer than the genuine one though.

The first battery started to switch the phone off in less than 6 months, taking the battery out showed the tell tale swelling.

I bought two extra batteries for my Canon 400D, not fakes, just cheap eBay compatibles. Both are better than the branded Canon one and are still going strong years later.