Samsung has not increased the battery capacity in its Ultra smartphones for over five years. While many Chinese competitors are pushing the boundaries of smartphone battery sizes, the South Korean company has capped its Galaxy phone batteries at 5,000mAh. The reason behind this limitation is rooted in strict regulations.
According to tech tipster @UniverseIce, U.S. federal regulations (49 CFR 173.185) governing the transport of lithium-ion batteries restrict the capacity of batteries in smartphones to 20 watt-hours (Wh). Although consumers are generally familiar with battery capacity measured in milliamp hours (mAh), these regulations utilize watt-hours for capacity measurement. A typical 5,000mAh Galaxy phone battery, operating at around 3.88 volts, has a watt-hour rating of approximately 19.4Wh based on the following calculation: 5,000mAh × 3.88V ÷ 1,000 ≈ 19.4Wh.
Many smartphone brands in the U.S. adhere to similar battery capacity restrictions, typically peaking around 5,000mAh. For example, Apple’s battery capacity is rated at 17.87Wh, while Google’s is 19.68Wh, and Motorola’s and Sony’s are around 20Wh and 19.25Wh, respectively. OnePlus stands out with a model featuring a 6,000mAh battery (23.22Wh); however, this phone employs a dual-cell battery system that keeps each cell below the 20Wh limit.
Navigating these regulations is compounded by the adherence to similar guidelines in the European Union, forcing Samsung and its competitors to limit battery capacities to about 5,000mAh. Transitioning to a dual-cell design could also complicate USB PD fast charging compatibility for Samsung.
Furthermore, many Chinese smartphone manufacturers, like Honor, Huawei, OPPO, and Vivo, typically do not market their devices in the U.S. and sell fewer models in European countries. This strategy allows them to offer larger batteries in Chinese and Asian markets. In contrast, Samsung sells its devices globally, compelling it to comply with regulations across all regions when determining battery specifications for its Galaxy smartphones.
Therefore, before criticizing Samsung for its 5,000mAh battery cap, it’s essential to consider the complex web of international regulations the company must navigate.
