The smartphone world is seeing a transformation in battery capacity. Development of a phone as thin as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, despite boasting a 10,000 mAh battery, has been completed. Testing of the device is scheduled to begin in early 2025.

Testing begins next year

This model, whose name has not yet been announced, is the result of recent breakthroughs in silicon battery technologies. With 7,500 mAh batteries becoming increasingly common even in the mid-range segment, manufacturers are eager to see how far beyond this limit can be pushed.

Honor recently attracted attention with its Power model featuring an 8,000 mAh battery. The company also recently released a new device with an 8,300 mAh capacity. Following these developments, a 10,000 mAh battery has become a viable option for smartphones.

Apple and Samsung’s flagship models appear to be lagging behind in this race. The iPhone and Galaxy series, in particular, still ship with batteries well below this capacity. For example, Samsung’s newly introduced Galaxy Z Fold 7 uses the same 4,400 mAh battery as its predecessor, the Fold 6. While these batteries may offer advantages in terms of long-term durability, they may be insufficient for users seeking high capacity in the short term.

It’s noteworthy that the newly developed 10,000 mAh battery phone has a thinner body than 8.5 mm. However, focusing solely on capacity can be misleading regarding the device’s daily usage life. The higher mAh values offered by silicon batteries don’t always translate to longer usage times. Factors such as heat generation, energy density, and efficiency determine the battery’s actual performance.

While Samsung’s longer software support periods are preferred by some users in terms of device lifespan, Chinese manufacturers generally operate with a strategy based on more frequent device replacements. However, there are exceptions to this equation. Honor’s new foldable model, the Magic V5, will receive update support for seven years.

The trade-off between battery life and aesthetic design leads to different strategies among brands. Apple’s iPhone 17 Air and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge sacrifice battery capacity for a slim design. In contrast, a sleek, thin phone with a 10,000mAh capacity reverses this equation, offering both long battery life and a sleek design.