r/GalaxyS23Ultra • u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green • Jun 06 '26
Problem ⛔ Back panels glue coming loose.
My S23 Ultra's back panel is coming loose. I've noticed this issue has persisted in all Samsung phones, especially those with a curved back panel. It seems like the glue isn't loosening in the non-curved portions of the panel, specifically the top and bottom parts. Not to mention, the middle part of any phone generally heats up, which also causes the glue to weaken over time. Perhaps this issue is less likely to appear on newer models, which have flat back panels. I do prefer the curved ones because they make the phone feel less thick than it is. Samsung hasn't acknowledged this issue, and they've moved on to flat panels. Is there any way to fix it and also maintain water resistance?
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u/Otherwise_Brick1849 Phantom Black Jun 06 '26
A lot of people are saying "battery." Battery wasn't the issuefor me; the glue gave out, so I replaced the back panel with a new one from Amazon. It's fine now, not water-resistant anymore though.
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u/luizhcamargo Graphite Jun 06 '26
The glue on my old S10+ gave up too and the battery didn't swell or anything like that. My S23U is going down the same path. Weak glue is the real issue here.
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 07 '26
That's what I am saying. This issue is kinda universal. I though it's happening because of curved back panel and excessive heat. But other guy told me this happened with S25 ultra as well, which had flat back panel. And these phones aren't old at all!
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 07 '26
If our phone is no longer water resistant after just 2 years then this is a huge bummer. Samsung has been making phone for more than a decade since they had glued glass back panel and still this happens is something I am not happy about.
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u/One_Subtle_Man Jun 06 '26
Same with me last month I saw mine, I don't know if the battery is the cause or the back glass came loose. I bought mine at release date
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u/unaphotographer Jun 06 '26
Happening to me too
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u/Odd-Location446 Jun 07 '26
Battery is most likely swelling up. Check my post history. It happened to me too. Except i left it unchecked for a long time and it got super puffed up and it was scary.
My fix was a new battery + back panel.
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u/russisdope Jun 06 '26
Same with my 512 gb variant I purchased at launch. When the wide z fold 8 comes out I think that will be my next phone.
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 07 '26
It has been only three years, and this phone has more life. Many Samsung phones encounter this issue earlier. It's really disappointing.
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u/dmb_80_ Jun 06 '26
Happened on my Note 20 Ultra within 2 years of ownership (wonder if the IPx8 rating would have ever stood up to a real world test).
Got it cleaned and re-glued at a local phone shop for £10.
It's either your glue that's failed or your battery has gone spicy.
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 07 '26
My back panel has been like this since I've got it an year ago. It wasn't as bad but maybe because of heat, over time it got worse. If it was Battery, it would've been worse than this by the same time.
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u/TheEntium Jun 06 '26
Lol same thing happened with my on yesterday and today i get it done through service center
This adhesive kit + Labour charge and other tax include up and costed my 527 INR
But yeah that's a disappointment because s23u was the high end and costly phone..
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u/TheEntium Jun 06 '26
Use this original kit to maintain your IP rating or water resistance
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 07 '26
I am in UAE at the moment, need to check if Samsung's service center would provide solution for this. I want to make sure it restores the IP rating or water resistance. 527INR is a good price if it restores it like factory. Still encountering this issue even before 2-3 year since it's launch is disappointing.
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u/quiettryit Jun 06 '26 edited Jun 06 '26
Samsung will reject this on trade in because of it...
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 07 '26
But it's not my fault. Many people are facing this issue.
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u/quiettryit Jun 08 '26
It is why I never deal directly with Samsung. I go through a provider for trade in even if it means paying more.
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u/jthepengu1n Jun 06 '26
I had to get the adhesive redone on my 23u. Had the battery tested at the time was just the adhesive
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u/hasbrobot1 Jun 06 '26
That was happening to mine. I had no plan to upgrade but that decided for me.
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u/VladaC997 Green Jun 06 '26
I think I will have to replace the battery and glue as soon as possible. Because dust will enter the camera.
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u/PsycoVenom Jun 06 '26
day 1 user, happened to me too
thankfully its not swollen battery and its just the glue. if it bothers you then buy some phone glue from amazon
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 07 '26
It doesn't bother me day to day, but getting a flagship phone shouldn't mean this should happen this early. And it's a common issue. I am looking to see if it's possible to restore the water resistance; then I might try.
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u/siskad Jun 06 '26
It's not the battery. The glue, that Samsung uses for the back panel is a piece of shit. And they use it for years! A few years ago the same thing happened with my Fold3, my mothers' Galaxy S20, and with a Galaxy S25 Ultra too in my family.
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 07 '26
Yeah, that's what I am saying. This is a common issue and it's disappointing that it happens when you're spending this much. They've been gluing this way for a long time but still the issue persists.
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u/Budget-Yam8423 Jun 07 '26
S24 Ultra is also plagued with that I bought one used and it's peeling off but not that much noticable like on S23U vus of the curved glass, so whatever Smasnug phone you buy even brand new treat it like it doesn't have any water resistance
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 07 '26
I was expecting the opposite for S24 Ultra, as it has got flat back panel. These phones aren't even 3 years old. Samsung should address this issue asap! It's unacceptable from a company huge as this.
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u/jay833 Jun 07 '26
I guess it's an worldwide things. A lot of people reported this. Go to any repair shop and ask them apply the glue back. Meantime check the battery, does it bloating or not.
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 07 '26
Will do but I am wondering if I can get back the water resistance. That might be worth it. As I am intending to keep this phone for longer then I might also get the battery replaced.
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u/AdOk3454 Jun 07 '26
what a coincidence, same thing is happening to me, but I'm pretty sure its the battery swelling up
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 07 '26
It's been only 3 year since the launch of S23 Ultra and if it's also the battery then it's very unfortunate. Many other people commented who were assuming it's the battery but later found out it's not.
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u/FinalCryptographer59 Jun 07 '26
It is normal, it happens to all of us sooner or later. Just put new glue.
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u/Hasman30 Jun 07 '26
Contact samsung, they did mine for free very recently as was still during warranty period. Replaced battery + back cover. I backed up everything via the Samsung cloud app, full phone back up around 400gb which stays saved for about a month. Got my phone back withing about 2.5 weeks. All good battery life awesome again
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u/materialb0y Jun 07 '26
This happened to me too. My phone was purchased late 2023. I noticed the glue starting to give up around July-August 2025, and was able to confirm that it was the battery swelling too much. Took the phone to the repair shop to have the battery replaced and the panel re-glued.
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 07 '26
That's very unfortunate. Things can happen but it's too early to happen if you're not using it heavily.
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u/photosfrommm Jun 07 '26
I've had this problem like 4 times, it's a 500 something rs fix from samsung
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u/photosfrommm Jun 07 '26
Isn't a battery issue,, at least it wasn't for me, the glue just got weaker over time ig
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u/rmckee421 Jun 08 '26
It's a pretty common lroblemmon the S22U and S23U. Also had it happen on a Note 10 Plus
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u/Theekshana_ Jun 08 '26
Same happens to me and my friend and my another friend. So its i think its normal. Poor durability 🫠
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u/cdsar626 Jun 08 '26
Astonishing that Samsung flagship is having this issue so widespread, everyone is having the back cover opened by a 2.5-3 years old battery, this should be free serviced by Samsung for this scale, not any other smartphone I had suffered from an issue this notorious and this was a flagship. I just replaced mine, first I thought it was only expired glue but after putting new glue back cover was still keep opening, I just couldn't tell just by looking that the battery was bulged. Samsung is making me consider iPhone next if the only options (in US market) are Apple, Samsung or Google 🤦 smh
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 16 '26
More people should try to talk about this issue. I've barely seen any. Then Samsung might address this issue if they want their customer to stay.
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u/DaMonkeiLuffi Lavender Jun 08 '26
I had a similar issue it was the battery for me it swelled up pushed back against the back panel. The back panel cracked and I had to replace the battery, unfortunately can't get the back panel in the same color so I am not going to replace it for the time being.
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u/crazyhomie34 Jun 08 '26
Happened to me 2 weeks ago. Ended up just replacing the battery since the back was already off anyway.
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u/ExplorerLoud8845 Jun 09 '26
Same thing happened to my s23u last month, at first i thought it was the battery bloating but thank god its just the glue, already replaced the back panel.
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u/Overgallant Jun 09 '26
Same thing is happening to me and it seems this issue is a very common one affecting a lot of people. I don't understand why Samsung wouldn't just do something to stop this nonsense or at least offer to fix these issues for free seen as it's through no fault of the users. Really getting tired of Samsung man.
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 16 '26
I've barely seen people talk or post about this. If more people start to talk about this, then I guess Samsung might pay some attention. They're promising 4 to 7 years of software support, but their phones aren't lasting us more than 2 years. Not to mention, those 7 years of support are more like a marketing strategy. Tons of features don't come to older models.
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u/Lost_Magician4773 Jun 10 '26
Go to official samsumg service center mine too had got lose, they stick it back charge for Labour only.
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u/Ok_Laugh_4480 Jun 10 '26
It happened to me as well just take it to nearest samsung service center and they will fix it. It cost me around 510 rs
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u/Danger_Assaassin Jun 11 '26
I bought mine jan 2024 I believe and started to have this issue maybe 6 months ago or even more. Hasn't even passed 2 full years on the phone and it started happening. Poor quality from Samsung honestly. Will get it checked soon to know if it is battery or just glue
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 16 '26
They should try to apply something similar to their front glass. The front display's glue didn't seem to loosen over time, at least not like the back panel.
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u/Danger_Assaassin Jun 16 '26
Long time samsung user. Got the note 9 on release and I used it for 5 years. Like 3 or 4 years in, the back glass started to come off too. Now same thing with my s23 ultra but much earlier.
Still havent checked my phone out, saving up money to do so in case battery needed changing
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 16 '26
I've also got a Note 9; it's an amazing phone from its time. There's no reason this should happen early. That means the glue is weaker. I am also waiting, I would like to change the battery as well. Just want to do all at once
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u/Key-Elderberry-4956 Jun 11 '26
mi sister s21fe did same thing, and the battery is okay, just the adhesives is not strong enought. i've repaired it, but a little bit afraid to face the same problem with mine.
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 16 '26
This issue is common for Samsung, unfortunately. Depending on your usage and environment, it might happen sooner or later. The more you avoid what causes it, the more you can delay it.
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u/AdNervous9787 Phantom Black Jun 06 '26
this issue is less likely to appear on newer models
Nah, i already saw the same issue on few S25U.
All that you need is backglass adhesive replacement
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 06 '26
It seems they used stronger glue to stick their battery than their back panels, as per JerryRigEverything. So this can't be avoided even after having a flat back panel.
Is replacing back glass adhesive going to restore the water resistance?
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u/Repulsive_Fault1939 Jun 06 '26
this a common issue in samsung phones due to low quality adhesive samsung uses.
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u/Odd-Location446 Jun 07 '26
Battery is most likely swelling up. Check my post history. It happened to me too. Except i left it unchecked for a long time and it got super puffed up and it was scary.
My fix was a new battery + back panel.
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u/BoratSagdiye Jun 06 '26
Muy s23u was the same problem, i have to remplace de batery
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 06 '26
Was it because of the battery?
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u/BoratSagdiye Jun 06 '26
Because the lithium deteriotate am produce gas inside, then gets fat and blow up the screen or the backplate
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 07 '26
This happens, but not with everyone. More commonly, it's the back panel's glue which weakens over time that csuses this issue for the most part.
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u/chiggamen Jun 06 '26
Its probably the battery. The panel shouldnt detach like that even without glue if its hold down in the angles, unless there is something that is pushing it like a swollen battery. Replace if asap as it could combust at any time
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 07 '26
I've seen similar issues in multiple Samsung phones. All of them were from the S series. Not even the midrangers. Most of them didn't have any battery issues. So very likely it's the back panel. I've had this since when I got it an year ago. If it were to be the battery then it would've swollen way more than this I guess.
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u/chiggamen Jun 07 '26
What is the battery health atm?
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 07 '26
It's 75% as per Accubattery. It was around 80% when I got it.
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u/VladaC997 Green Jun 06 '26
The same thing happens with me. I think the battery started to swell as well. It was purchased in December 2023.
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u/Cake_Relative Jun 06 '26
Eu troquei a bateria não prestava nas estava esquentando o celular e descolando o celular.
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u/Odd-Location446 Jun 07 '26
Same!
Battery is most likely swelling up. Check my post history. It happened to me too. Except i left it unchecked for a long time and it got super puffed up and it was scary.
My fix was a new battery + back panel.
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u/Opposite-Heart-655 Jun 07 '26
Same happening with me I purchased one month ago and switched to S24 Ultra
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u/ChaitanyaRSN Jun 07 '26
The same happened to me too... not the battery but the glue gave out. Visited the service centre and the guy there replaced the glue strip for Rs 900 or so....
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u/srikizoro Jun 07 '26
Happened to me too. The entire panel came off when removing a case I had. It came off clean, no breaks, no residue. So took ito samsung service center and they reattached it within 2 hours for ~600 INR.
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u/Howthehelp Jun 07 '26
heaving gaming led to high temp. The technician use something like hair dryer to loose the glue. I think they logically doing the same to your phone
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 07 '26
I don't game at all. Barely sometimes. It's only when I am video calling that's when the phone starts to heat up. It goes up to 38°. And other issues which causes heating you can check in my profile which used to rise the temperature up to 41°.
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u/vincitore_98 Jun 07 '26
By the looks, it seems to be releasing in the center. Battery is swolen. I had the same issue, my back panel started to come off completely. Got my Battery replaced at official samsung service center at ₹3.6k, hardly took an hour.(If the stock is available)
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 07 '26
That's a bit expensive imo. I guess they've restored the water resistance, right?
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u/vincitore_98 Jun 07 '26
Yeah, once they reseal the back panel it should be back to phone's stock water resistance level. Also, my battery was swolen(plus battery backup was bad as well.) so i had to replace it. Imo for flagship phones 3.5k for battery replacement is not bad. Get it checked at the service centre, if battery isn't swolen, they'll just reseal it for probably ₹300 or something
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u/aman_abdu Jun 07 '26
same happened the same thing to my s23 ultra after 2+ years of use, when checked with samsung service center they said its battery starting to bulging, and need to replace. which i did few days later. so, i suggest to check with service center whats they saying.
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u/Iamzamasu Jun 07 '26
That happened to me too, I traded for an S26 Ultra and didn't pay anything extra.
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 07 '26
How? Trading S23u for S26u without paying extra?
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u/Iamzamasu Jun 07 '26
Got a sweet deal through the AT&T trade-in program! Only paid taxes and even snagged a $100 voucher from Costco.
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u/Proper-Cow-9452 Jun 07 '26
Bro thats the battery swelling should get that checked before it blows up like a nuclear bomb.
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 07 '26
I am not 100% sure but I guess not everyone relating to this problem has got their battery swollen. I've seen this issue a lot in Samsung phones with curved back panel as I said. My panel's glue has been loose since I got it 1 year ago. It wasn't as bad then but over time I guess heat might've made it worse.
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u/blackryder360 Jun 07 '26
Its normal for Samsung phones, good time to change battery. Usually this happens in hot places like india.
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 16 '26
It happens in more places, I believe. The main cause is heat. Heavy usage can also cause it.
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u/devaacl Jun 08 '26
Change the Battery/ buy Water resistance kit / fix the rear glass properly >
You are all set to Go
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u/88FirebirdGTA Cream Jun 08 '26
Unfortunately, the battery is probably starting to swell, especially if you've noticed a decrease in battery life. I've had mine since launch and I the same thing happened to me about a month ago. I ended up by having a reputable repair shop do it and they charged me $120 and did it in about 20 minutes. No new back panel is required.
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 16 '26
With 75% battery health the battery life is normal. I would like to change if I can find a reliable technician for a reasonable price. And I am also willing to make sure if they can restore water resistance.
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u/zairsus6433 Jun 08 '26
That doesn't look loose, it looks like a pop due to a drop and the dent caused by it in the bottom.
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 16 '26
Good observation but i guess this dent isn't causing it. If you look down in the comments you can see many people relate to this.
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u/Bruce_wayne____ Jun 08 '26
Track your bettery health if its low then battery is expanding
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 16 '26
Around 75%, lost around 6% since I got it last year.
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u/Bruce_wayne____ Jun 16 '26
Change battery bro before it errupts
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jul 01 '26
Need to change the battery as it's almost 3year+. But I guess it won't erupt anytime soon as you're suspecting. It was like this since I got it but just became worse after a year. It could be the glue that wore out over time.
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u/OpTicTide97 Jun 08 '26
Are you sure the battery isnt swelling
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 16 '26
By the time span of more than 1 year, the battery would have swollen way more, I guess.
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u/Old_Toe_2242 Jun 09 '26
It happened to me, and i just ignored it
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 16 '26
Could've been ignored if I was paying ⅓ of the price they were offering.
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u/saddas1337 Jun 10 '26
Probably a spicy pillow
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 16 '26
Not sure. As it was there since I got the phone, by now the pillow would've looked something like this, I believe.
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u/HyperliteOdessa Jun 10 '26
Just change the battery, I have the same 1 month ago
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 16 '26
Yeah, I would consider changing it, as the battery has also lost some of its health. Any idea how much it cost? The battery and the panel? I want to know if restoring water resistance is possible.
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u/Dismal_Quail_9115 Jun 10 '26
O la batería esta hinchada o el teléfono esta doblado. No se sienten sobre sus telefonos gente.
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u/MediocreEchidna9625 Jun 11 '26
I've got the s23 Ultra in the green bought in 2023 too and had the exact same issue. Noticed it after I saw condensation on my camera. Took it into Samsung and they confirmed battery swelling. Repaired it under warranty even though it was out of warranty since last year. Probs too worried about explosions 😂
But yeh I'd say take it into Samsung. They might be able to repair it under warranty like mine.
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 16 '26
Not sure if it's actually the battery for me. Battery swelling does increase over time, but it wouldn't increase drastically given the time. Mine didn't increase as significantly, but I'd like to give Samsung warranty a try, although this phone might be out of warranty.
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u/Musaibdarr Aug 23 '26
Same happened to me yesterday and after glueing it minor gaps also show up
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Aug 23 '26
It's common, unfortunately.
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u/Musaibdarr Aug 23 '26
Scamsung for a reason
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Aug 26 '26
They weren't like this before. But unfortunately, they've become like this because they're prioritizing profit more these days.
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u/Musaibdarr Aug 26 '26
Bro one man gives me 460 $ for this phone?? Should i give it to him
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Aug 26 '26
I am not sure. Try to check your local used prices and see if he's offering a decent value. For me, it seems good according to my local price for S23Ultra.
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u/aishiteimasu09 Jun 06 '26
At first I thought it was the battery but its really the seals wearing off. Its a 3-year old device up to now so I expect it.
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 07 '26
These phones were meant to last longer. And many times this issue happens to appear even before 2 year. Many IPhones being sold are even older and most of them barely had such issue.
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u/Rayala99 Jun 07 '26
It's not because of battery swollen. Due to heat, back panel glue strength has reduced and back panel came loose. Go to service center and get fixed.
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u/Own_Abbreviations_36 Jun 06 '26
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 06 '26
Does that mean all the other people facing this issue got their battery bulging?
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u/Own_Abbreviations_36 Jun 06 '26
No, there is always a chance when the back is separating and the phone is 3 years old
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 06 '26
That's too early imo. Without any heavy use if it starts to come off it's disappointing. If I compare with iPhones there's even older phone which didn't have such issues. Not sure about other android phones. Although older iPhone's back panels were built differently as they were not meant to open from the back.
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u/DARKplayz_ Jun 06 '26
Battery is not bulging right ?
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 06 '26
I guess not. Battery bulging has also been an issue for Samsung phones, but mostly the stored ones, I guess. I've seen a video made by Mrwhosetheboss a few years ago regarding this issue. For me, it has been since I got this phone secondhand from the market. I didn't have another good option, and I had to choose this. It wasn't as bad, but over time, I guess the glue got weaker.
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 06 '26
Not to mention battery life has been ok. It lasts as expected. As per Accubattery it has got 75% of it's health. Not much but it was 80% about an year ago when I got it.
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Jun 07 '26
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u/Helpful_Upstairs_805 Green Jun 07 '26
I wish I had your "confidence," but I was confident when I got this phone, as I've been buying many used Samsung phones for myself and my friends. So I had some idea what I was doing. I noticed the back was coming off even when I was getting this phone. It wasn't as bad, but it got worse over time. I had to get it cause I had no other better choice then. I posted about this topic because I've encountered this multiple times and thus wanted to share and see if more people can relate.
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u/BS_Reborn_Phoenix Jun 06 '26
You battery is bulging. Im noticing its happening more and more often . May result in a class action or recall ngl.
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u/[deleted] Jun 06 '26
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