yup, battery life is the big draw back. It does improve a bit in the backcountry if you turn off Wifi and turn on airplane mode. I believe I have the last Samsung that has an interchangeable battery. I bring a spare or two with me.... but alas this option is becoming a thing of the past. A friend brought a battery charger and it seemed to work pretty well. I guess a phone and a hefty battery charger would weigh as much as an e-reader, but would have more functions.