What the heck is OEM anyway? How do I spot an Imposter?

Let's start with what your phones tell you. Specifically, what your battery can tell you.

It can tell you how long you can talk. It is actually pretty upfront about it. Printed right on your battery as Capacity. Many standard batteries will have a capacities ranging from 700mAh to 1800mAh. Extended batteries may get you 1600mAh-2100mAh*. Now how long you have depends on the draw of your phone. Here's a neat little GOODY to do just that!

It can also tell you its maker, and if it is OEM. Here's a quick Q & A on how to tell:

Q:What the heck is OEM anyway?
A:OEM= Original Equipment Manufacturer. This means the same manufacturer as your phone, i.e. Motorola, Samsung, LG, Sony/Ericsson, Kyocera,you get the idea!

Q: What's the difference between OEM and non OEM (or aftermarket) battery?
A: Printed on your battery is some good information. It can tell you the manufacturer (Does it match the branding on your phone? In the case of Audiovox, it could be UTStarcom or Pantech) It can also tell you the model number and serial number. And very importantly, an OEM battery will have a date code for warranty.

Q: How can I tell the difference?
When looking online, Some good indications in a listing is that the title or description is "For Kyocera SE47 or For Motorola Razr", as it shouldn't be titled as "Kyocera" or "Motorola" because it is not authentic. However, many sellers do list non-OEM products titled "Droid Battery" or "Env battery" illegitimately.
The most obvious indication is that is does not have the manufacturer's branding, although some aftermarket companies try to come close. If you are unsure what your manufacturer's branding should look like, examine your phone and compare it to your existing battery. Some models do have private label OEM, such as UTStarcomm. A quick search for (your model) OEM battery" on Google and you will get a good idea. You can also go to the manufacturer's website.

Q: Why should I buy an OEM battery instead of an aftermarket or non-OEM?
A: An OEM product is designed by the manufacturer to fit your phone perfectly and provide optimum performance and life. A non-OEM or aftermarket battery is essentially a knockoff, and can tend to be manufactured with the bottom line in mind, risking improper fit, poor performance, even damage to your phone, overheating, or worse. In addition, if your phone is damaged while using an aftermarket product, it may void your warranty or insurance coverage for that phone.

Q: Are OEM batteries more expensive than aftermarket or non-OEM?
A: They can be, especially when they are purchased brand new. HOWEVER, GreenBeans OEM batteries are extremely affordable, often less expensive than non-OEM or aftermarket, as they are recycled, restored and renewed! Toxic byproducts are generated when a new battery is produced and discarded batteries release toxic chemicals into our air and water supply as they decompose. GreenBeans breaks this cycle, saving you money and keeping our planet cleaner!

I hope this information is helpful and if you have any questions, please feel free to drop a line!


Common list of OEM brands
» Rechargable Batteries
· Audiovox/ UTStarcom/ Pantech
· Blackberry
· Casio
· HTC
· Kyocera
· LG
· Motorola
· Nokia
· Palm
· Samsung