Looks like the rise of Chinese smartphone makers in using silicon-carbon (Si-C) batteries is really putting pressure on big names like Samsung and Apple to keep up with innovation.
Battery Capacity Comparison
As you may have noticed, Chinese brands are already putting batteries in their devices that go over 6,000mAh. In contrast, Samsung and Apple are stuck at a 5,000mAh maximum, even for top models such as the Galaxy S24 Ultra. However, new rumors indicate that both companies are trying to break through this barrier by working on silicon-carbon battery technology.
Samsung's Involvement
According to a report from yeux1122 on Naver, the Korean blogging site, Samsung is directly engaged in developing silicon-carbon batteries. Yet, there's still no information about when this technology will actually appear in a product. Apple, meanwhile, seems to be taking a more careful route, which aligns with its history of slowly embracing new technologies.
Advantages of Si-C Batteries
So why are silicon-carbon batteries important? They offer higher energy densities, meaning you can fit larger battery capacities without taking up more physical space. This is crucial for high-end smartphones, where balancing battery life with performance and features is a major concern. Premium devices like the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra contain many parts, leaving little space for batteries. Engineers have to skillfully utilize this tight internal area to ensure that bigger batteries do not hinder performance, thermal management, or other vital features.
Even though Si-C batteries could solve this issue, Samsung and Apple might still face challenges in integrating this tech into their flagship devices. Aside from the engineering issues of squeezing larger batteries into slim designs, the expenses for development and manufacturing are likely to be high.
Future of Battery Technology
While software improvements and energy-efficient parts have helped boost battery life, the limitations of current lithium-ion technology are becoming clearer. For Samsung and Apple, switching to silicon-carbon batteries appears to be a necessary move for the future. However, it remains uncertain when this innovation will actually come to fruition.
Source: Link
