Power Rangers - New extended battery options for the Sprint HTC EVO 4G

We're all well aware of the lousy battery life for the EVO 4G.  There are numerous articles and apps out there that claim to help with this dire situation.  However, sometimes, it all just comes down to physics:  The capacity of a battery is finite no matter what you do.  With this in mind, there are some new battery options for our beloved juice hungry monster.  Seidio's 3500mAh beast, and Mugen's 3200mAh behemoth.

Both devices offer potentially impressive battery life for your phone, even with heavy usage.  Both include a replacement battery door that still leaves the kickstand accessible.  However, that's probably where the similarities end.  

Sizing Things Up

The first thing I think most people are concerned about when considering a larger battery for their phone is how much thicker and heavier is the phone going to be.  Unfortunately, neither manufacturer provides specs for weight on their web site.  From experience with Seidio's extended batteries in the past, I can safely say that the additional weight is mostly imperceptible.  What is definitely perceptible, though, is the added thickness.  

Seidio's description of their product states that it adds approximately 5-6mm to the device, which would equate out to a total thickness of 18-19mm or about .75".  Mugen states the total device thickness is 20mm with their battery, so the win for this category goes to Seidio, but just by a scant amount.

Seidio 3500mAh Battery	$99.90 with case

Mugen 3200mAh Battery	$96.96, no case

The Capacity to Thrive

Obviously the total capacity award also goes to Seidio at 3500mAh.  However, it's very difficult to say with certainty what this would translate to in real world battery life.  My experience is that actual usage of the phone can vary by such a great margin, that it would be almost impossible to predict that you would actually get 9-10% longer life out of the Seidio over the Mugen.  Also, batteries tend to have different depletion curves, meaning that although the Seidio may have the higher capacity on paper, it may deplete in such a way as to negate that advantage.

Next category up for bid is case/accessory compatibility.  Seidio offers a case that matches the profile of the EVO with the extended battery installed.  As with any extended battery though, you're most likely going to be limited to the style of case the manufacturer provides.  At least Seidio offers a case option though.  I searched high and low for a case compatible with the Mugen offering, but struck out.  Seidio also offers docking cradles that are compatible with their extended battery.

The Price is (or isn't) Right

The last stat we will look at is price.  Again, Seidio comes in the winner here.  The base price of the battery is $69.95 if you purchase direct, or $63.00 via Amazon.com.  If you elect to purchase the case with it, that's another $29.95 direct.  ( I couldn't find the case on Amazon). So if you purchase everything direct, that comes out to $99.90 plus tax (if any) and shipping.  The Seidio case and battery are available now.

On the Mugen front, they are stating a  MSRP of $96.95, sans a case.  It should also be noted that the Mugen product will not be shipping until August 13th.  Once again, we're handing the win to Seidio.

In the end...

Certainly there are other factors to consider when selecting an extended battery, such as the estimated longevity (number of charge cycles it is rated for).  I couldn't find any data on this for either product.  You should also consider the support you will get from the manufacturer.  Of course that's a pretty subjective topic.  I can tell you that I have bought from Seidio in the past and have been extremely satisfied with their products, shipping, and support.  As with any company though, your mileage may vary.

Robotbriefs.com definitely recommends the Seidio product based on the facts above.  Again, past experience with Seidio also tells us that they are great to work with, and their products work as advertised.  

You can view more information on the Seidio Innocell 3500mAh battery here.

For more information on the Mugen 3200mAh battery, click here.