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As the tech world is still buzzing with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, everyone across the world is asking one common question : why did the new flagship S series stick with traditional lithium-ion batteries instead of upgrading to the much-hyped silicon-carbon technology? While competitors like Xiaomi and OnePlus have begun integrating these high-density batteries, Samsung’s latest lineup appears to be playing it safe.
During a recent roundtable event following Galaxy Unpacked 2026, official Samsung sources provided clarity on this decision. Sung-Hoon Moon, Executive VP and Head of the Smartphone R&D Team at Samsung, addressed the omission directly, stating that the company is "getting it ready" but that the technology isn't quite prepared for a global rollout on the scale of the Galaxy S series.
Prioritising safety and standard
Samsung’s hesitation isn't just about sticking to the status quo; it’s about safety. According to official statements from the R&D team, silicon-carbon batteries must pass the company’s "very rigorous validation standards" before they can be considered for mass-market flagships.
For those who remember the Galaxy Note 7 incident in 2016, Samsung’s caution is understandable. Silicon-carbon batteries have a tendency to expand more than standard lithium-ion cells during use. Additionally, while they offer higher energy density allowing for more power in a smaller space they can sometimes degrade faster over time. Samsung’s official stance emphasizes that a technology must prove its long-term stability and safety before it reaches millions of users.
Focus on consumer experience
Sung-Hoon Moon noted that while Samsung may appear "a bit un-innovative" on the battery front, the priority remains the actual customer experience. The company believes that current silicon-carbon implementations don't yet offer a big enough leap in daily usability to justify the potential risks of rapid degradation or hardware instability.
"Once we believe that the silicon battery would also end up improving the customer experience, then we will take that option into consideration," Moon explained.
What lies ahead for Galaxy fans?
Although the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra continue to use refined lithium-ion technology, Samsung’s confirmation that they are "getting it ready" suggests a major shift is coming. Industry analysts speculate that we may see this technology debut in the Galaxy Z Fold 7 or perhaps the Galaxy S27 in 2027.
By taking a slower, more deliberate approach, Samsung aims to ensure that when it finally makes the switch, it will offer a battery that is not only high-capacity but also incredibly durable. For now, the Galaxy S26 relies on optimized software and the efficiency of the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 (or Exynos 2600) to stretch its battery life, proving that innovation isn't always about the hardware inside the pouch, but how well the entire system works together.
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