Samsung Reportedly Targets 1,500-Cycle Silicon-Carbon Batteries for Future Smartphones

According to a tipster, Samsung engineers are working to improve the longevity of silicon-carbon batteries to reach 1,500 charge cycles, with the Galaxy S27 Ultra identified as the most likely first deployment.

The Development Goal

According to a tipster using the name Schrödinger, Samsung engineers are working to improve the longevity of silicon-carbon batteries to reach 1,500 charge cycles. The tipster stated that a silicon-carbon smartphone is in active preparation, with the Galaxy S27 Ultra identified as the most likely first deployment.

Samsung has reportedly tested multiple silicon-carbon battery configurations, including a 20,000mAh dual-cell battery that failed at 960 cycles versus a target of 1,500 cycles. Other tested configurations mentioned include an 18,000mAh cell and a 12,000mAh dual-cell battery.

Technical Background

Silicon-carbon (Si/C) batteries use a silicon-carbon composite anode instead of graphite, which can hold more lithium ions and increase capacity. A key disadvantage of silicon-based anodes, however, is a lower lifespan compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.

Samsung has reportedly not adopted silicon-carbon battery technology until it was ready for mass adoption. For context, Samsung smartphones have largely used 5,000mAh batteries for nearly a decade, with the Galaxy A9 Pro from 2016 cited as an early example.

Reported Battery Specifications

The tipster provided details on some of the specific configurations tested:

• The reported 20,000mAh dual-cell battery consisted of a 12,000mAh primary cell (6.3mm thickness) and an 8,000mAh secondary cell (4mm thickness).
• The reported 12,000mAh dual-cell battery consisted of a 6,800mAh cell (4.7mm thickness) and a 5,200mAh cell (3.2mm thickness).