Samsung Scales Back Battery Ambitions After High-Capacity Test Failures
Table of Contents
Samsung is recalibrating its battery strategy, shifting focus from ambitious high-capacity designs to more reliable, albeit smaller, power solutions. This pivot comes after setbacks in testing a novel two-cell battery and reflects the lingering impact of the 2016 Galaxy Note 7 recall, which instilled a cautious approach to battery development within the company.
The Korean tech giant has long been deliberate in its battery development, a direct response to the infamous Galaxy Note 7 scandal. However, this conservative strategy is now proving to be a hindrance as competitors, particularly Chinese smartphone manufacturers, aggressively pursue advancements in battery technology, including silicon-carbon batteries with previously unattainable capacities.
Samsung SDI Adjusts Course
Samsung SDI, the company’s subsidiary responsible for cell development, has faced challenges in keeping pace with the competition in the high-capacity battery segment. Initial attempts to leapfrog rivals ultimately ended in failure, prompting a strategic reassessment. According to sources, the company is now prioritizing the development of more achievable 6000-8000 mAh batteries.
Recent reports indicated Samsung was evaluating a two-cell silicon-carbon battery boasting a total capacity of 20,000 mAh. The design comprised a primary 12,000 mAh cell, measuring 6.3 mm in thickness, paired with an auxiliary 8000 mAh cell at 4 mm. However, the complex configuration proved problematic during testing.
Stability Issues Plague 20,000 mAh Prototype
The 12,000 mAh cell exhibited significant stability issues, leading to a decline in production yield and concerning structural swelling. Data revealed the cell’s thickness increased to 8.2 mm, effectively raising the total thickness of the two-cell battery to approximately 14 mm – a size likely impractical for most smartphone applications.
“The initial design proved too ambitious, creating unforeseen challenges in maintaining structural integrity and consistent performance,” a senior official stated.
As a result, Samsung SDI is now concentrating on silicon-carbon batteries in the 6000-8000 mAh range, which have demonstrated improved production repeatability and more predictable volume stability in prior tests. Simultaneously, the company continues to invest in research and development of solid-state batteries, a technology widely considered to be the future of energy storage.
The Future is Solid-State
Solid-state batteries represent a potentially transformative leap forward in battery technology, offering increased energy density, improved safety, and faster charging times. While still in the developmental phase, Samsung SDI views this technology as a key component of its long-term battery strategy.
The shift in focus underscores the delicate balance between innovation and reliability in the highly competitive smartphone market. Samsung’s experience serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of thorough testing and a pragmatic approach to battery development.
