Samsung's Galaxy smartphones have earned praise for their impressive features, yet many enthusiasts still feel one significant aspect is lacking—the battery capacity. As Chinese manufacturers push the boundaries of smartphone battery sizes, Samsung seems cautious. What lies behind this hesitation? Let's explore the reasons Samsung has not yet jumped on the bandwagon of massive batteries.
How Are Chinese Brands Achieving Huge Battery Capacities?
Following developments in the smartphone industry, it’s evident many Chinese brands have surpassed the 5,000 mAh threshold for batteries. For instance, OnePlus offers the 15 with a 7,300 mAh battery, while Xiaomi's 17 Ultra boasts a 6,800 mAh capacity. Additionally, devices like the Realme P4 Power and Honor Power 2 exceed an impressive 10,000 mAh.
These brands are leveraging silicon-carbon technology, which allows for more substantial battery capacities without increasing physical dimensions, unlike the lithium-ion batteries commonly found in Samsung devices.
Samsung's Reluctance to Switch to Silicon-Carbon Technology
The infamous Galaxy Note 7 incident of 2016 looms large over Samsung’s battery decisions. This smartphone faced serious battery issues that jeopardized user safety, with reports of fires and explosions stemming from the lithium-ion cells. The flammable liquid in the battery, combined with external pressure, led to catastrophic failures.
In response, Samsung implemented rigorous safety protocols, comprising a checklist of eight safety standards that every battery must meet before installation. This past trauma is likely a significant factor preventing the adoption of 10,000 mAh batteries in Samsung's devices.
Regulations Surrounding Smartphone Batteries
A tipster named Ice Universe revealed that not just Samsung but several other brands, including Google and Apple, are limited to around 5,000 mAh batteries due to regional regulations. In the U.S., regulation 49 CFR § 173.185 dictates that lithium-ion batteries must not exceed 20 Wh (watt-hour). For example, the Galaxy S26 Ultra's 5,000 mAh battery, with a typical voltage of 3.88 volts, yields 19.4 Wh–well within the allowed limits for shipping in the U.S.
Conversely, devices like the OnePlus 15 utilize dual-cell batteries, which allow them to bypass this limitation. Each 3,650 mAh cell operates at 4.4 V, producing 16.06 Wh, which is compliant with regulations.
In Europe, different regulations classify larger batteries as hazardous goods, necessitating lower capacity offerings in those markets. For instance, Xiaomi’s 17 Ultra showcases a 6,800 mAh battery in China, while globally, it features a 6,000 mAh cell.
A Glimmer of Hope for Future Samsung Batteries
Despite current constraints, Samsung is exploring bigger battery options. Reports suggest that they are trialing silicon-carbon batteries with capacities of 12,000 mAh, 18,000 mAh, and even 20,000 mAh, all engineered with a dual-cell design. The 12,000 mAh option combines a 6,800 mAh and a 5,200 mAh cell.
Leaker Schrödinger notes that the Galaxy S27 Ultra could debut Samsung's first substantial battery, though concerns remain about potential longevity issues, as these batteries reportedly only withstand 960 charge cycles—significantly less than Samsung's mark of 1,500 cycles. If these challenges are addressed, the Galaxy S27 Ultra could indeed become a remarkable flagship smartphone.
