Accessories REVIEW: Seidio 3500 (Pictures)

[Bearly]

Disclosure: I was sent this battery by Seidio to review. I accepted with the stipulation that I could write an objective review (mostly numbers). Notice that I'm putting the disclaimer at the top; I don't want people accusing me of anything if I put a disclaimer at the bottom.

Some (ok, a lot) of numbers for you guys:

1st Charge Cycle -- just played with battery; wore it down

2nd Charge Cycle -- Light to Moderate Usage
(hrs:min)

Up -- 25:55
Awake -- 17:18

Awake/Up Ratio: 0.67

Antennas:

WiFi -- 6:24
* Turned off WiFi for a few hours, hence why 3G time is longer
3G -- 9:12
BT -- OFF
GPS -- OFF
Brightness -- 100%

Activity:

Sirius Radio streaming: 6:45 ( 6 hrs 45 min)
Browsing -- 0:20 (20 min)
Calls -- 1:00 (1 hr)
SMS -- 6-8 texts
Camera -- no shots taken

3rd Charge Cycle -- Very Heavy Usage

Up -- 13:55
Awake -- 8:20

Ratio: 0.60

Antennas:
(all antennas ON)

WiFi -- 13:55 (approx; on the whole time)
3G -- 13:55 (approx; on the whole time)
BT -- 13:55 (approx; on the whole time)
GPS -- 13:55 (approx; on the whole time)
Brightness -- 100%

Activity:

Sirius streaming -- 7:11 (approx) ** Revised
Browsing -- 0:15
Calls -- 2:21 (2 hrs 21 min)
SMS -- 8
Navigation (GPS turned ON) -- 0:45 (45 min)
Camera -- 8 shots, still, no flash

4th Charge Cycle -- Moderate (what I consider my normal usage pattern)

Up -- 31:13
Awake -- 14:39

Awake/Up Ratio -- 0.47

Antennas:

WiFi -- ON -- (entire time)
3G -- ON -- 5:00 (approx 5 hrs)
BT -- OFF
GPS -- ON -- 0:15
Brightness -- 50%

Activity:

Sirius -- NO
Browsing -- 0:40
Calls -- 0:38
SMS -- 22
Navigation -- 0:15 (see GPS time)
Camera -- 7 shots, 1 flash

-----------------------------------------------------

Thoughts:

The 2150 would last me about 7-9 hrs of Awake time, 12-14 hrs Up time, with moderate use.

The 3500 is roughly 63% more capacity (rated) than the 2150, so:

8 (avg awake time of 2150) * 1.63 = 13.04 hrs (approx awake time for 3500)

That's close, meaning it is nearly a 1:1 correlation with the increase in rated capacity. However, consider that "moderate" is a highly variable range, so there is margin for error. I definitely had a tough time wearing down the 3500, though, as you can see from my Heavy Usage data.

Compared to the 2600 mAh (13:47 awake time, light usage) I got roughly 3:30 (4 hrs, 30 min awake time) more juice, an increase of 25.4%

2600 mAh * 1.254 = 3260 mAh

So, assuming the 2600 and 3500 are roughly the same rating vs. true capacity ratio, the 3500 mAh from Seidio is roughly 3260 mAh, if using the 2600 mAh rating vs. true capacity ratio as a reference.

Juice, Weight, Back Cover

The battery is hard to wear down. I've never run out of power before the end of a long day (wake up 6-7 am, go to school, then work, home around 8-9 pm).

It feels heavy, but the heft is nice. It's noticeably heavier than stock.

Back cover is much higher quality than the 2150 cover: it's thicker and the rubberized surface feels nice. More importantly, the 3500 cover does NOT make the power button feel mushy.

For some reason, I was still burning through the 2150 at an unacceptable rate. I have the same widgets loaded that I did when I had the 2150.

Yesterday, with light usage (not all Antennas on), I got:

Up: 50:47
Awake: 15:32

Today, with WiFi OR 3G (not both), no BT/GPS, 100% brightness and moderate usage, I'm on pace for just over:

Up: 34:23
Awake: 13:34

* I've been playing with the phone a lot (Facebook, texting), so less chance for phone to go to sleep.

Summary

You are look at a minimum of 13 hours with moderate use (possibly with all Antennas on, even) for Awake time, and at least double that in Up time. Not bad at all.

Any questions? Please ask.

I will try to take a picture of the hard silicone cover that I modified to use as a "frame."

Comparison Photos Below

Notes:

• In the pictures with two batteries, the red battery is the 2150 OEM, the other is the 3500. Notice the 3500 is barely over 1 mm thicker.
  
• In the pictures with two cases, the one in the foreground is the 2150 OEM back. The other is the 3500 back. Notice the difference in design.
  
• In the pictures with three cases, one is the 2600 back (flat), the others are the 3500 and 2150 backs. The picture with the flat 2600 back in the center has the 3500 cover to the left and the 2150 to the right. The picture with the 2600 back cover to the far left has the 3500 cover in the center, the 2150 to the right.
  
• In the picture with the phone with 3500 back cover on and on top of the red battery, I put a white background so you can judge the cover's design better (more contrast). Hope it helps.
  
• Notice the 3500 back has one extra "step" compared to the 2150 back. It actually feels better in the hand than the 2150 back cover.
  
• The 3500 actually fits inside the 2600 back. This is my preference, but the 2600 back I could not find a suitable case for.
  

I bought a hard silicone case from Fommy and cut out the back to accommodate the 3500, so essentially the case has been turned into a protective "frame." I'll try to take pictures of that and post it as well.

 

[Adamx]

I take no pleasure in saying this.

Your pictures make it hard to tell the difference, because in every pic the cases/batteries are different distances from the camera. While I realize that may make it easier to line them up together and still show the detail of an angle, it makes it near impossible to truly show size differences.

I'm glad to hear that the 2600 back works with the 3500. Makes me tempted to get the 3500, well except for the price.

I would like it if someone could find out the true mah of the battery though.

 

[rushmore]

Actually, they work okay, since it still gives decent perspective. A nice shot to add would be a front picture of them together, but still this is the best comparison yet

Already confirms another post that measured the 2150 and 3500 covers and stated less than 1mm difference in size, but with no pics.

BTW, the 2600 case looks like a lot of blank space and also results in more area to cover for a carrying case. Cases will fit easier with the 2150 and 3500 and silicon cases are also no problem for the 2150 and 3500, since you can cut around the hump

Cases would be a no-go for the 2600.

 

[DustinF00]

I would like it if someone could find out the true mah of the battery though.

If you buy it - I will test it

 

[Adamx]

Lol i bet. Guess ill stick with the 2600. As for a case, i like holsters, and hopefully the one i ordered will work out.

 

[dan h]

Something I noticed from the pictures above is that the HTC extended back has a metal housing for the 3.5 mm jack and the others don't. Does it make any difference? My initial thoughts are that the HTC extended back was given more attention to details.....

 

[DustinF00]

It wasn't posted in the OP - so I just wanted to ask if you purchased this battery yourself or if it was sent to you by SEIDIO for testing/reviewing ?

Don't know why I care - but I kind of all of a sudden do.

 

[ChiTownJim]

Bearly-
How is the 3500 battery doing so far, anymore numbers?

also does it fit inside the 2150 battery cover??

 

[Bearly]

Bearly-
How is the 3500 battery doing so far, anymore numbers?

also does it fit inside the 2150 battery cover??

Battery is doing great. Please see toward the end of the review I just posted (my original post).

I'm not sure if it fits in the 2150 cover; I think it does, given that the 2600 did fit and the 3500 is barely larger than the 2600. Also, recall that the 3500 fit inside the 2600 cover.

 

[DustinF00]

It wasn't posted in the OP - so I just wanted to ask if you purchased this battery yourself or if it was sent to you by SEIDIO for testing/reviewing ?

Don't know why I care - but I kind of all of a sudden do.

Any answer to the above ?

 

[Bearly]

Any answer to the above ?

Dustin. I posted a disclaimer at the top of my review (beginning of the first post, actually).

I was sent this battery to review and I told them I would mention that I received it. I am not being paid for the review. I said I'd use it and post numbers.

 

[DustinF00]

Dustin. I posted a disclaimer at the top of my review (beginning of the first post, actually).

I was sent this battery to review and I told them I would mention that I received it. I am not being paid for the review. I said I'd use it and post numbers.

Thanks, was it always there or is my brain completely fried and I missed it all ?

Sorry for the side track - I just didn't remember seeing that at all.

You wanna send the battery to me to get tested on the test bed ?

Thanks for the details.

 

[DustinF00]

Something I noticed from the pictures above is that the HTC extended back has a metal housing for the 3.5 mm jack and the others don't. Does it make any difference? My initial thoughts are that the HTC extended back was given more attention to details.....

I noticed that too, but the HTC backs on both the stock slim back and the extended back are metal rings, not sure if thats for extra strength when a head set is used or for something else - not sure.

what I am getting back - is that if it were purely cosmetic -wouldnt they just use a silver painted plastic instead of metal.

 

[seidioseidio]

Seidio is working on an extended case for 3500 mah battery. It should be available 2-3 weeks from now.

Seidio

 

[eyc]

While I appreciate the hard work and diligence of the OP, this review seems to lack some critical data (for me). For battery reviews, I prefer more technical (and therefore, more accurate) testing. Some reviews properly take into account subjective issues (i.e., feel, impressions, non-scientific opinions, etc), but for something like a battery--which is designed purely to supply energy (within size constraints)--we need something more objective and controlled.

That doesn't mean there isn't a place for the OP's review. The OP's info is definitely helpful in purchase considerations, and as noted, I appreciate that he took the time to provide this info.

That said, anyone reading this thread MUST read this review for a considerably more technical test/study (which also happens to be done by one of our own): http://androidforums.com/accessories-incredible/119578-battery-testing-results.html

 

[Bearly]

While I appreciate the hard work and diligence of the OP, this review seems to lack some critical data (for me). For battery reviews, I prefer more technical (and therefore, more accurate) testing. Some reviews properly take into account subjective issues (i.e., feel, impressions, non-scientific opinions, etc), but for something like a battery--which is designed purely to supply energy (within size constraints)--we need something more objective and controlled.

That doesn't mean there isn't a place for the OP's review. The OP's info is definitely helpful in purchase considerations, and as noted, I appreciate that he took the time to provide this info.

That said, anyone reading this thread MUST read this review for a considerably more technical test/study (which also happens to be done by one of our own): http://androidforums.com/accessories-incredible/119578-battery-testing-results.html

Thanks.

Can you please give an example of critical data that is missing in my review?

What are some other numbers you'd like to see? Just curious.

Again, I've gotten anywhere from 13 to 15.5 hours Awake time and at least 24 hours of up time; that's with "bump" charging. I tried to detail my usage patterns and list what's on/off.

I saw that thread you posted and I liked the objectivity, but I feel that a battery could have X capacity rating and discharge faster than another battery of similar rating (e.g. 3rd part vs. OEM batteries). That's why I thought it would at least give an accurate representation to watch the up/awake times. For instance, I saw almost no difference between my stock 1300 and OEM 1500. Not sure why. I see a huge difference between the 3500 and 2150 and 2600.

3500 > 2600 > 2150

Wish I had a battery tester but I don't!

 

[Bearly]

I take no pleasure in saying this.

Your pictures make it hard to tell the difference, because in every pic the cases/batteries are different distances from the camera. While I realize that may make it easier to line them up together and still show the detail of an angle, it makes it near impossible to truly show size differences.

I'm glad to hear that the 2600 back works with the 3500. Makes me tempted to get the 3500, well except for the price.

I would like it if someone could find out the true mah of the battery though.

Adamx,

Your point about object to camera distance would be valid IF each photo was only of a single battery/case. If battery A was distance X to the camera lens and battery B was distance y to the lens, then I could see your point, but...

...you can see that, in my shots, the cases/batteries are lined up and roughly the same distance (as a pair) to the camera in each shot.

Even if the distance to camera is different from shot to shot, the objects in the photo are lined up, such that one being a little closer to the camera shouldn't make it hard to tell scale/shape when comparing them together.

Thanks.

 

[milnivlek]

Adamx,

Your point about object to camera distance would be valid IF each photo was only of a single battery/case. If battery A was distance X to the camera lens and battery B was distance y to the lens, then I could see your point, but...

...you can see that, in my shots, the cases/batteries are lined up and roughly the same distance (as a pair) to the camera in each shot.

Even if the distance to camera is different from shot to shot, the objects in the photo are lined up, such that one being a little closer to the camera shouldn't make it hard to tell scale/shape when comparing them together.

Thanks.

You should take a look at how the major gadget sites (Engadget, Gizmodo, etc) typically do their side-by-side comparison photos. The way they do it is basically what Adamx was talking about. It makes it much easier to determine the objects' relative sizes and shapes at a single glance.

 

[Bearly]

You should take a look at how the major gadget sites (Engadget, Gizmodo, etc) typically do their side-by-side comparison photos. The way they do it is basically what Adamx was talking about. It makes it much easier to determine the objects' relative sizes and shapes at a single glance.

Yes, I remember how those sites typically shoot comparison photos.
I will try my best to stick to that method in future review of products.

I just assumed that most people had seen the 2150 battery and back so they were aware of its size as a reference.

I didn't have a tripod and things have been hectic, so that was the best I could do at the time.

 

[DustinF00]

Seidio is working on an extended case for 3500 mah battery. It should be available 2-3 weeks from now.

Seidio

Would you like to send me any batteries so that I can test them on the battery tester ?

 

[jamor]

Seidio are con artists.

Do NOT buy their batteries.

http://androidforums.com/accessories-incredible/119578-battery-testing-results.html

BatteryBoss Calls Out False Capacity Claims!

 

[gamul1]

Seidio are con artists.

Do NOT buy their batteries.

http://androidforums.com/accessories-incredible/119578-battery-testing-results.html

BatteryBoss Calls Out False Capacity Claims!

I do not really find this to be very productive. Could you possibly state what you disagree with in the OPs original testing post?

Persoanlly - I don't know that I care if a 3500 is exactly a 3500. Nothing ever seems to be exactly what they say. What I do care about is that as each battery gets larger that the actual amount of life in the darn thing is longer by "about" the same ratio as the size was. I think the OP demonstated this reasonbly well enough that if I had not already bought the HTC 2150 I would consider buying the Seidio 3500.

What test results do you have that show the 3500 for the DINC is worth trashing in this post? The battery boss stuff is fairly generic, one sided and extremely limited to be basing your opinion on strong enough to trash it.

Sorry - just my opinion.

Glenn

 

[Adamx]

on your heavy cycle, how could you listen to sirius for longer than the total awake time? 0.o

 

[jamor]

I do not really find this to be very productive. Could you possibly state what you disagree with in the OPs original testing post?

It's just important that people know what they are actually purchasing.

I don't disagree with the OP, I disagree with the way Seidio conducts business (which is lying to customers).

I don't take unethical companies lightly. The country isn't doing well, but the least we can do is keep businesses honest for the sake of American citizens. The evidence is overwhelming if you do enough searching in AF and forums alike.

 

[ChiTownJim]

I do not really find this to be very productive. Could you possibly state what you disagree with in the OPs original testing post?

Persoanlly - I don't know that I care if a 3500 is exactly a 3500. Nothing ever seems to be exactly what they say. What I do care about is that as each battery gets larger that the actual amount of life in the darn thing is longer by "about" the same ratio as the size was. I think the OP demonstated this reasonbly well enough that if I had not already bought the HTC 2150 I would consider buying the Seidio 3500.

What test results do you have that show the 3500 for the DINC is worth trashing in this post? The battery boss stuff is fairly generic, one sided and extremely limited to be basing your opinion on strong enough to trash it.

Sorry - just my opinion.

Glenn

I've gotta agree with you on this one.

All I know is I've used a lot of dirrent batteries in my Eris and Incredible

Fake TP2
Stock
TP2
Seidio 1750
VZW 2150

Soon I'll have a 2600 and debating on getting the 3500 Seidio Amazon has them for $49.99 .

I know forsure that my 1750 got slightly better battery life then my TP2 , not much but definetly better and for $24 worth it over the $16 I spent on my TP2 . The Fakes were awful most likely 1000mah batteries, the VZW is a fantastic battery. Cant wait to try out the 2600 and 3500 batteries as well as they have been raved about by others