The question arises: why are tech giants like Apple, Google, and Samsung seemingly reluctant to improve their smartphone batteries? As we approach the 20th anniversary of Apple's dominance in the smartphone market, it seems we are stuck with outdated technology that fails to meet modern demands. While Samsung fans eagerly anticipate the downfall of their competitor, they too are guilty of similar corner-cutting practices. Meanwhile, innovative brands are emerging with smartphones boasting futuristic specifications that may have seemed unrealistic just a few years ago.
Fast forward to 2025, and we find ourselves in an exciting transitional period between the release of the Pixel 10 and the anticipated debut of the iPhone 17. Speculation is rife about the upcoming Galaxy S26 and OnePlus 15, with the latter rumored to feature a groundbreaking 7,000 mAh battery paired with 120W fast charging. This would represent a significant upgrade from the already impressive 6,000 mAh and 100W charging capabilities of the OnePlus 13.
In contrast, the expected specifications for the Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max indicate a lack of substantial battery improvements. This disparity leaves consumers feeling as though they are living in two different technological realities.
In examining leading smartphone brands in the US, it’s hard to shake the impression that we are trapped in the past. Samsung's flagship devices have not seen significant battery upgrades since 2020. The anticipated Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to maintain the same 5,000 mAh battery and 45W charging rate as its predecessors:
Galaxy S20 Ultra – 5,000 mAh, 45W wired charging Galaxy S21 Ultra – 5,000 mAh, 25W wired charging Galaxy S22 Ultra – 5,000 mAh, 45W wired charging Galaxy S23 Ultra – 5,000 mAh, 45W wired charging Galaxy S24 Ultra – 5,000 mAh, 45W wired charging Galaxy S25 Ultra – 5,000 mAh, 45W wired charging Galaxy S26 Ultra – 5,000 mAh, 45W wired charging (expected)Similarly, Google and Apple have made only marginal improvements. The Pixel 6 Pro debuted in 2021 with a 5,000 mAh battery and 30W charging, while the new Pixel 10 Pro XL offers just a slight increase to 5,200 mAh and 45W charging. The iPhone 13 Pro Max came with a 4,352 mAh battery, which has only risen to 4,685 mAh in the latest iPhone 16 Pro Max. Apple's charging speed remains a slow 25W, which is disappointing for a premium device.
In 2025, the idea of a sleek flagship smartphone with a 7,000 mAh battery seems almost utopian for users of devices like the iPhone 16, Galaxy S25, and Pixel 10 Pro. However, this is becoming the standard in China, not just for flagship models but also for mid-range smartphones. For instance, Xiaomi has released a $200 phone featuring a 7,000 mAh battery that is only 7.8 mm thick—thinner than the flagship offerings from Apple and Samsung, which are much more expensive and bulkier.
Furthermore, Honor has introduced the Honor Power, which boasts an 8,000 mAh battery at a thickness of 7.98 mm, and OnePlus has released the Ace 6 Max with a 7,000 mAh battery in a slim 7.7 mm body. Even more astonishing is Realme’s experimentation with a massive 15,000 mAh battery.
While none of this spells the end for your beloved iPhone, Pixel, or Galaxy, it highlights a troubling trend where major manufacturers like Apple, Google, and Samsung appear to be cutting corners on one of the most critical aspects of a smartphone—its battery.
Some may argue that limitations in silicon-carbon technology and cell capacity for larger batteries are to blame. However, with their vast resources, Apple, Google, and Samsung are expected to lead the charge in innovation. Instead, they seem content to rest on their laurels, leaving the door wide open for Chinese manufacturers to innovate and disrupt the market. This isn’t a source of anger for me; it’s a deep disappointment, as I had anticipated far more from these industry leaders.
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