The Polar A360 has long been cherished as a trusted fitness tracker and heart rate monitor, tracking the gamut of activity, workouts, and overall health metrics from many users. Having come out in 2015, this fitness band was one of the first with a color touchscreen, alongside wrist-based heart-rate monitoring, drawing lots of attention from fitness enthusiasts and athletes. Yet, as with any technically built equipment, the Polar A360 consists of a smaller power source, yet huge drainage depleting the battery life with time. This calls for replacing the power source to prolong the life of the equipment.
This comprehensive review will cover everything you should know about installing a new battery in the Polar A360, including signs of failing batteries, the battery replacement process, the tools required, the risks involved, as well as other alternatives, like getting the battery replaced by a professional, or whether it is time to look out for a new model.
1. Understanding the Polar A360 Battery
The Polar A360 comes equipped with a non-removable lithium-polymer rechargeable battery meant for long-term performance. With typical use, the battery can last up to around two weeks before requiring another charge. The battery life is always affected by factors like how often the wearer monitors their heart rate, screen brightness, or use of smart notifications. However, like with all rechargeable batteries, the performance curve drops steadily over time with use-given the recharge through multiple charging cycles.
Battery Specifications
Battery type: Lithium-polymer
Capacity: approx. 100 mAh
Battery life: Up to 2 weeks (depending on usage)
Charging time: About 1.5 hrs.
2. Signs of a Failing Battery
After this, we move into how to replace your battery. Before you rush into this, you need to know the signs that might indicate that your Polar A360 Battery is at the end of its functioning life. Some of these include:
2.1 Rapid Battery Drain
If there is fast battery drainage, it is a very clear sign that your battery is failing. When the Polar A360 stops holding charge like the good old days or if the battery rapidly discharges when in use, then it is a sign that the battery is losing its vigor.
2.2 Cannot Hold the Charge
Another reason to suspect a battery failure is when it is completely unable to hold a charge. If your Polar A360 powers down moments after being unplugged from the power charger or simply fails to switch on despite being fully charged, then the battery may be almost incapable of holding the charge anymore.
2.3 Overheating while Charging
Slight warmth during charging is to be expected; however, intense heat is a signal that something is wrong with the battery. An abnormal rise in temperature of the Polar A360 during charging or use can be indicative of a battery fault really requiring attention.
2.4 Incorrect Battery Percentage
A bad battery can lead to showing the wrong battery percentage on your device. For instance, the device will tell you it’s fully charged and will suddenly fall to a very low percentage or even shut off unexpectedly.
3. Battery Replacement Choices
After identifying an issue with your Polar A360 battery, your next thought will be about replacement options. Generally speaking, there are two ways of replacing the battery: trying the replacement yourself and getting it done by a professional.
3.1 DIY Battery Replacement
If one is more of the techie kind that can handle small electronics at ease, DIY battery replacement is great and inexpensive. However, one must understand that the Polar A360 is not designed with user-replaceable parts, so swapping out the battery alone necessitates a bit of technical knowledge, a few special tools, and a very patient approach.
Pros of DIY Battery Replacement:
Cost-Effective: DIY battery replacement is often cheaper than a professional service.
Convenience: You can document things at your own pace and work on the replacement rather than sending the device for repairs.
Learning Experience: For anyone interested in learning about electronics, this can also serve as a worthy learning opportunity.
Cons of DIY Battery Replacement:
Risk of Damage: The Polar A360 is not meant to be easily opened, thus there is a risk of damaging the product during the replacement operation.
Voiding Warranty: If the product is warranty period is still active, a do-it-yourself battery replacement would probably grant a void of warranty.
Time-Consuming: Doing your own battery replacement for the Polar A360 is time-consuming, especially if you don’t have prior experience.
3.2 Professional Battery Replacement
If you are not confident about doing the battery replacement yourself or you want to make sure the job is well done, you can always opt for professional battery replacement. Usually, with this option, you will be required to send in your Polar A360 to an authorized service center or a third-party repair service that deals specifically with fitness trackers.
Advantages of Professional Battery Replacement:
Expertise: Professional technicians have the experience and tools necessary to ensure the battery replacement is carried out without any undue harm to the device.
Warranty Protection: When the procedure goes through an authorized service center, your warranty walks out intact.
Peace of Mind: The confidence that the replacement will be done properly keeps you from worries of any further issues.
Disadvantages of Professional Battery Replacement:
Cost: The price of professional services can sometimes outstrip that of DIY replacement, especially when shipping might be involved.
Turnaround Time: Depending on the workload of the service provider, you might have to wait for days to weeks before getting your device back.
Limited Availability: Authorized service centers may not be easily found in your area, meaning you might have to send your device elsewhere.
4. DIY Battery Replacement Guide
Should a decision be made to do the replacement yourself, caution is of utmost importance. The guide below offers step-by-step instructions and information to guide you in completing the process:
4.1 Gather the tools needed
Before you get started, make sure you have the following tools and materials:
Replacement Battery: Buy an compatible replacement battery for the Polar A360. Verify that it matches the specifications of the original battery.
Precision Screwdrivers: You will need a small set of screwdrivers, including a Phillips and a flathead one.
Plastic Pry Tools: Used for carefully prying open the device without cracking the case.
Tweezers: These come in handy for holding very small components during the replacement process.
Adhesive: If necessary, you will want to use double-sided adhesive tape to reseal the device after battery replacement.
4.2 Disassembling the Polar A360
Power Off the Device: Before beginning to disassemble, ensure that your Polar A360 is turned off so as not to incur any accidental damage to the internal components.
Remove the Wristbands: Remove the wristbands carefully from the Polar A360 to expose the main body of the device.
Open the Casing: Using the plastic pry tool, gently separate the front half of the casing from its back half. Start from one corner and continue around the edges. Do not apply too much force as this might crack the casing or damage internal components.
Disconnect the Battery Connector: Upon opening the casing, find the battery connector on the circuit board. Use tweezers to disconnect the battery from the board carefully. Be gentle so as not to damage the connector or the board itself.
Remove the Old Battery: The battery is usually held in place by some sort of adhesive. Using your plastic pry tool, gently pluck out the old battery from the casing. Take extra caution not to pierce the battery, lest it may leak and even catch fire.
4.3 Installing the Battery
Insert the New Battery: Put the new battery in the space where the old one was. It must fit snugly inside and be aligned properly with the battery connector.
Reconnect the Battery Connector: Reconnect the battery connector carefully, using a pair of tweezers, to the circuit board. Make sure it is not loose and is well connected.
Test the Device: On switching on the device before reassembling, check that the new battery is working well. If this device powers on, and the battery appears to be charging, proceed to reassembling.
4.4 Completing the Reassembly of the Polar A360
Application of Adhesive: If the original adhesive was damaged during disassembly, apply a new layer of double-sided adhesive tape onto all edges of the device casing.
Closing the Casing: Carefully align the front and back halves of the casing together and press down securely. Ensure the casing is closed firmly with no gaps.
Reattachment of Wristbands: The last step involves reattaching the wristbands to the device.
5. Professional Battery Replacement Services
If you happen to decide that having the replacement done yourself is not the way for you to go, then that opens up several routes to professional battery replacement services. Here’s what you can expect:
5.1 Authorized Service Centers
Polar offers authorized service centers where the battery of A360 can be replaced by certified technicians. Using an authorized service center means having your device handled by professionals experienced with Polar products.
Where to Find Service Centers: Locate an authorized service center by going to the Polar website and using their service locator tool.
Cost: Battery replacement costs in any authorized service center will vary depending on location but are typically higher than what a third-party would charge.
Turnaround Time: Depends on the situation, but usually you will have to wait at least some few days to one week without your device.
5.2 Third-party Repair Services
In case you cannot find an authorized service center close to you or if cost is a factor, another alternative to consider would be third-party repair services for the replacement of the Polar A360 battery. Such services are found online, as well as in local electronics repair shops. It is important, however, for you to do proper vetting before using a third-party service provider to ensure your repairs are done correctly.
Finding a Legit Third-Party Repair Service
Online Reviews and Recommendations: Look for third-party repair services positive feedback from customers. Yelp, Google Reviews, and focused tech forums are excellent starting places for forming an opinion on a third-party repair service’s reliability and service quality.
Audits related to Fitness Trackers: Ensure that the service provider has experience specifically with fitness trackers or small wearable electronics. The Polar A360 is quite a delicate device, and a repair technician who has already worked on such products should be in a better position to replace parts without further damaging it.
Warranties and Guarantees: Some third-party service providers offer either warranty or guarantees for their work, great for peace of mind since they cover you for any mishaps following the replacement.
Price Considerations: Enlisted repair services usually cost less than authorized service centers, but prices vary greatly, so it is worth your while to ensure shopping around and getting price quotes from various providers.
Shipping Device for Repair
Should you decide to opt for an online repair service, chances are that you are going to be asked to ship your Polar A360 to their repair location. Tips to keep your device safe while shipping:
Packaging: Use a strong box and plenty of padding to protect the device during transit. Fitness trackers are delicate, and rough handling may cause further damage.
Tracking and Insurance: Always use a shipping option that provides you with the means to track your shipment; a good idea would be to consider getting insurance on the package too, especially if the device is valuable.
Shipping Costs: Take into account the cost of shipping when you are comparing repair services, as this may really add to the overall price paid for the repair.
Turnaround Time
The third-party manufacturers offer highly variable times for repairs. Some stores in towns complete battery replacements within a day or a few hours, whereas online options may take longer due to shipping. It is wise to question turnaround time beforehand.
6. Deciding on Battery Replacement vs. Upgrading
Perhaps before a battery replacement in your Polar A360, it is a good idea to think about whether it might be time to go for an upgrade. Here are some points you may want to consider before making a decision:
6.1 Device Age
The older your Polar A360, the more likely it is to be approaching the general end of its life. Even with a fresh new battery, other parts of the Polar A360 such as the screen, sensors, or processor could start to deteriorate, resulting in the faulty working of the device.
6.2 New Features
Much advancement has been made in technology after the launch of the Polar A360. New fitness trackers and smartwatches give new features like enhanced heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, battery life, and water resistance. Hence, buying a newer model might present a far better user experience and features for health tracking.
6.3 Cost Comparison
Compare the cost of a battery replacement versus the cost of a new item. If the difference is too slight, then perhaps the better option might be to get yourself a new tracker with updated technology. Doing this may prove to be economical in the long run.
6.4 Sentimental Value
For some users, the Polar A360 may hold a sentimental value or have features that perfectly cater to their needs. In such cases, replacing the battery might be the preferred choice so that they can still continue using a device they feel comfortable with.
7. Alternatives to Battery Replacement
If you are not up to a battery replacement or an upgrade, then a couple of ideas might still keep the Polar A360 alive a little bit longer:
7.1 Optimizing Battery Usage
Even with an old battery, there are ways to optimize battery life:
Reduce Screen Brightness: The brightest screen consumes the battery the most.
Turn Off Unnecessary Notifications: The less notifications your device receives the more battery power gets conserved.
Limit Heart Rate Monitoring: If the continuous heart rate monitoring isn’t really important for what you’re doing, you might switch to manual monitoring or cut the frequency of measurements.
7.2 External Battery Packs
Although not a very long-term solution, a little external battery pack can assist you in charging the Polar A360 while on the move. This comes in real handy on long journeys or when charging opportunities are limited.
8. Risks and Considerations
There are some risks and considerations to bear in mind when considering the replacement of the battery of your Polar A360:
8.1 Void Warranty
As previously mentioned, a DIY battery replacement or any third-party intervention will almost certainly void any warranty that is remaining on the product. Should your Polar A360 be under warranty, enquire with Polar’s customer support before going ahead with any replacement.
8.2 Risk of Damage
The Polar A360 is a compact, delicate piece of equipment. Opening the case, disconnecting the components, and handling the tiny parts all carry their risks of accidental damage. If you are not confident of doing a satisfactory replacement yourself, it would be better to look for a professional replacement.
8.3 Environmental Consequences
Improper disposal of Li-poly batteries poses a threat to the environment. Replacing the battery yourself? Make sure you dispose of your old battery as per your state, provincial, or local laws. Many electronic stores and recycling centers will take your dead batteries free of charge for safe disposal.
9. Conclusion
The Polar A360 has served well for many fitness enthusiastes, presenting with features that help a user in watching over her health and tracking her workout. But, like any other electronic device, the battery of the Polar A360 will eventually run out and will need replacement for the optimum performance of the device.
Whether you opt for a professional battery replacement or undertake the operation yourself, weighing the costs, the risk, and the benefits should find a place in your consideration. Doing it yourself can be a cheaper option for people who are equipped with the right skill and tools; on the contrary, professionals can do it for you, where yours is just a matter of the higher price.
For some others, such a question about battery replacement may encourage thoughts of possibly upgrading to a newer alternative with more features. If you do feel that much attachment for your Polar A360 and the watch still serves you well, then swapping its batteries remains a sensible way to go.
Up to this point, it comes down to your personal needs, budget, and how much you value your present device whether to have the battery replaced, to upgrade, or to optimize battery usage. Whatever your choice, a little background on how the battery can be replaced and what other options exist will stand you in very good stead and eventually allow you to enjoy the benefits of your Polar A360 for as much time as possible.