Samsung is gearing up to launch the Galaxy S25 series next week at the Galaxy Unpacked Event. But amidst the flurry of leaks about the S25 trio, whispers of the Galaxy S26 are already starting to emerge. One of the most exciting rumors? Samsung might be incorporating cutting-edge silicon-carbon battery technology into its Galaxy S26 series.

Galaxy S26: Longer Battery Life with Silicon-Carbon Tech
According to popular leaker Ice Universe via @Jukanlosreve, the Samsung Galaxy S26 will feature a silicon-carbon battery. Essentially, these are similar to the lithium-ion batteries used in today’s smartphones, as both rely on lithium in their cathodes.
The key difference lies in the anode. Instead of conventional graphite, silicon-carbon batteries utilize a silicon-carbon composite to store energy. This replaces the typical lithium, cobalt, and nickel found in traditional batteries, resulting in up to a 12.8% increase in energy density.
Silicon-carbon batteries allow for larger capacities (mAh – milliampere-hour, a unit for measuring battery capacity) without increasing the size or weight of the device. For example, a silicon-carbon battery can offer a 6,600 mAh capacity in the same volume as a lithium-ion battery with a 6,000 mAh capacity.
Advantages of Silicon-Carbon Batteries

- Higher Energy Density: Silicon stores more lithium ions than graphite, allowing manufacturers to deliver longer-lasting batteries or reduce battery size without sacrificing runtime.
- Faster Charging: Silicon’s structure allows for faster lithium-ion movement, which can significantly reduce charging times.
- Longer Lifespan: While silicon expands and contracts during charging and discharging (which can cause degradation), adding carbon helps stabilize the structure and improve the battery’s lifespan.
- More Sustainable: Silicon is more abundant and has a smaller environmental impact compared to traditional lithium-ion battery materials.
- Safer: Silicon-carbon batteries generate less heat and are less prone to overheating, making them safer than traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Chinese phone manufacturers have started using this technology since last year, with Honor being the first. We’ve recently seen silicon battery tech in newly launched Honor, Xiaomi, and OnePlus smartphones. In particular, the OnePlus 13 (review) and 13R (review) have about 10% extra battery capacity (mAh) compared to their predecessors while maintaining a slimmer and lighter profile.
S26 Ultra May Boast Massive Battery With Stacked Tech
In addition to silicon-carbon batteries, Samsung is also exploring other advancements in battery technology. Samsung SDI, Samsung’s battery subsidiary, is currently considering producing small batteries in Malaysia with stacked battery technology.
It offers around 10% higher energy density compared to the traditional winding method of packing batteries. Stacked batteries arrange the internal components in layers instead of rolling them, allowing for more efficient use of space.
This means that with this new technology, Samsung will be able to offer a massive 5,500 mAh battery on the Galaxy S26 Ultra while retaining the same size and weight as the 5,000 mAh cell on the Galaxy S24 Ultra or the upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra. However, this technology may be limited to the brand’s flagship line of phones, considering it would cost a bit more compared to traditional batteries.