Samsung SDI just signed a partnership with KG Mobility to develop silicon-carbon batteries using 46-series cylindrical cells for electric vehicles. The tech promises less swelling, longer lifespan, and faster charging thanks to tabless design and high-nickel NCA cathodes paired with Samsung’s proprietary silicon-carbon nanocomposite anodes. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S26 is sticksing with traditional lithium-ion at 5,000mAh. Samsung is betting big on this technology for cars, but unfortunately, its phones are getting left behind.
Silicon-carbon batteries offer serious advantages. Silicon anodes hold up to 10 times more lithium than graphite, enabling 6,000 to 8,000mAh in slim phones versus typical 5,000mAh capacities. They charge faster and perform better in cold weather. Honor launched the first silicon-carbon phone with the Magic5 Pro in 2023. Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Vivo now ship devices with 7,000mAh-plus batteries using the technology.
Samsung’s KG Mobility partnership focuses on developing battery packs with tabless, low-resistance designs for extended range and faster charging. The cells use Silicon Carbon Nanocomposite anodes to boost energy density while reducing swelling. However, silicon-carbon batteries typically last around 1,000 charge cycles versus 2,000 for lithium-ion. That works for EVs with larger packs, but poses problems for phones replaced every few years.
Why Galaxy S26 skips the upgrade
Leaks confirm the Galaxy S26 Ultra sticks with 5,000mAh, the same capacity for six years running. Samsung prioritizes efficiency improvements instead through M14 OLED displays capped at 2,600 nits. Samsung tested silicon-carbon batteries for the S26 Edge but ultimately chose conventional cells.
Samsung prioritizes reliability over capacity jumps. While OnePlus eyes 7,000mAh batteries, Samsung remains cautious about technology that degrades faster. Cars benefit from silicon-carbon’s range improvements and can handle shorter lifespans. Phones need batteries surviving daily charging for multiple years without degradation.
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Source: Samsung Embraces Silicon-Carbon Batteries, But Not for Galaxy Phones Yet
