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New Samsung Foldables Face Shorter Battery Lifespan
24 Jul
Summary
- New Samsung foldable batteries last 1,200 cycles, losing 20% capacity.
- Previous Samsung models and competitors offer longer battery lifespans.
- Silicon carbide batteries may decrease longevity in future devices.
Samsung's new Galaxy Z Fold 8 family, including the Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Z Flip 8, are the first to utilize silicon carbide batteries. While this material offers improved heat resistance, efficiency, and charge capacity compared to traditional lithium-ion, it comes with a significant drawback: reduced battery longevity.
According to EU regulatory documents, these new batteries are rated to last only 1,200 charging cycles before experiencing a 20% capacity loss. This is notably less than the 2,000 charging cycles supported by the previous generation Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. Competitors such as Google's Pixel 10 Pro and Apple's iPhone 17 Pro are rated for 1,000 charging cycles, placing Samsung's new foldables in a middle ground for cycle life.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 boasts a larger 4,800mAh battery, while the Z Fold 8 Ultra features a 5,000mAh battery. Despite potential degradation, these larger capacities may still provide all-day power. However, neither model includes a magnetic ring for accessory charging like MagSafe battery packs. As silicon carbide technology becomes more common, a general decrease in battery longevity across devices may be anticipated, potentially impacting how long users can keep their flagship phones.
