Yes, this is why user-replaceable batteries (which mobile phones had for many years) are important. So much so that the EU has passed legislation to force the industry to do the right thing. [1]
> and keep it wrapped up in some huge case
Depends on your phone, but I believe there's plenty of reasonable options to protect your pocket computing device that aren't "some huge case". Further, you should always invest in a decent screen protector. Scratches and damage to the screen impacts the usability of a slate form factor smartphone (since other than one or two hardware buttons, the entirety of your interaction with the device takes place through the screen).
> Add into that knocks and bumps and scratches and they're basically junk by then.
Why does some scuffing on the edges of the bezels turn a device into "junk", for you?
[1]: https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/24/23771064/european-union-b...