Galaxy Tab battery not lasting like it used to? Tablets typically need battery replacement after 2-3 years of regular use. Here's how to check if your Tab needs a new battery, what it costs, and what to expect from the replacement process.
Rapid drain: Battery drops faster than when new, even with same usage
Won't hold charge: Full charge lasts only a few hours
Unexpected shutdowns: Tab dies with 15-20% showing
Slow charging: Takes much longer to reach 100%
Percentage jumping: Battery level jumps around inconsistently
Overheating: Gets unusually hot during normal use or charging
Physical swelling: Screen lifting or back panel bulging (stop using immediately)
Swollen Battery Warning
If your tablet's screen is lifting or the back is bulging, stop using it immediately. Swollen batteries are a fire risk. Don't charge it - bring it in for assessment as soon as possible.
Checking Tablet Battery Health
Unlike iPhones, Samsung tablets don't show exact battery health percentage in settings. However, you can:
Go to Settings > Battery and device care > Battery
Check Usage since last full charge patterns
Look for Battery status indicator if available
Use third-party apps like AccuBattery for detailed health data
If your tablet consistently dies earlier than expected or shows erratic behaviour, battery health has likely degraded below 80%.
Tab S Series Batteries
Model
Battery Size
Replacement Cost
Tab S10 Ultra
11,200mAh
£94
Tab S9 Ultra
11,200mAh
£89
Tab S9+
10,090mAh
£84
Tab S9
8,400mAh
£79
Tab S8 series
8,000-11,200mAh
£74-89
Tab S7 series
8,000-10,090mAh
£64-74
Tab A Series Batteries
Model
Battery Size
Replacement Cost
Tab A9+
7,040mAh
£64
Tab A9
5,100mAh
£59
Tab A8
7,040mAh
£59
Tab A7
7,040mAh
£54
UK Replacement Costs
Galaxy Tab battery replacement typically costs:
Tab S10 series: £84-94
Tab S9 series: £79-89
Tab S8 series: £74-89
Tab S7 series: £64-74
Tab A series: £49-64
Replacement Process
Screen removal: Careful heating and separation (tablets use strong adhesive)
Battery disconnect: Safe disconnection of old battery
Battery removal: Adhesive tabs release (more complex than phones)
New battery install: Genuine Samsung battery fitted
Reassembly: Screen reattached with new adhesive
Calibration: Battery calibration and testing
Total time: 1-2 hours depending on model. Some newer tablets with tighter integration may take longer.
Extending Tablet Battery Life
After replacement, maximise your new battery's lifespan:
Avoid extreme heat: Don't leave in direct sunlight or hot cars
Use appropriate charger: Samsung's fast chargers are fine, but avoid excessive heat during charging
Keep 20-80%: Full cycles (0-100%) stress the battery more
Update software: Samsung optimises battery usage with updates
Reduce brightness: Display is the biggest battery drain
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Go to Settings > Battery and device care > Battery. You'll see current capacity and usage patterns. Unlike phones, tablets don't always show exact health percentage, but you can monitor if runtime has decreased significantly from when it was new.
They don't necessarily - tablets just have larger batteries that show degradation differently. A 10% capacity loss on an 8,000mAh tablet battery is more noticeable than on a 4,000mAh phone battery. Both typically last 2-3 years with normal use.
Technically possible but not recommended. Tablet batteries are larger, use more adhesive, and require careful cable routing. The risk of damaging the screen or other components during DIY removal is higher than with phones.
If your Tab is still under Samsung warranty, use Samsung's official service to preserve warranty. If warranty has expired (most are 1-2 years), third-party repair is a cost-effective option with its own warranty coverage.