Samsung planning Galaxy S26 battery upgrades – but not the one it really needs

Bigger, but not by that much

Samsung is reportedly looking into a couple of battery innovations for the Galaxy S26 smartphone, but not the crucial one that could make a significant difference.

The South Korean manufacturer has been notably slow in adopting the larger smartphone batteries of Chinese rivals such as OnePlus, Xiaomi and Honor. As a result, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 5000mAh battery almost appeared small when the phone hit the market back in January.

According to The Elec (via Android Authority), the Samsung Galaxy S26 range could well pack in larger batteries, but not through expected means.

Samsung in circuit training

The report suggests that Samsung has placed orders with ITM Semiconductor for so-called battery protection circuits ahead of the launch of its next flagship phone range.

These components, which prevent overcharging and overvoltage in batteries, will utilise more advanced epoxy molding compound (EMC) technology, which is apparently more space-efficient. That means more space for the batteries themselves.

Whether Samsung will utilise this space for larger batteries in the Galaxy S26 range remains to be seen, but there are certainly rumours out there that this will be the case.

Samsung’s SUS approach

As previous reports from the same source pointed out, Samsung is also looking into switching its battery housing to stainless steel (known as SUS CAN), which would save further space.

All of which is great, but notable by its absence here is any mention that Samsung is looking to implement silicon-carbon (Si-C) battery technology. This super-dense battery tech is the reason the OnePlus 13 can offer a 6000mAh battery in a body that’s no bigger than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with its 5000mAh cell.

With next year’s flagships (including the Xiaomi 16) tipped to crack the 7000mAh mark, giving the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra a 5500mAh battery (as has been rumoured) may not cut the mustard.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Rating of this product is 4 out of 5
Read our review
Price When Reviewed: From £1,249
Best Prices Today: £1,099 at Amazon