Samsung’s new silicon-carbon batteries in Galaxy Z Fold 8 won’t last as long - 9to5Google

What the report says

9to5Google reports that Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8 lineup is moving to silicon-carbon battery technology, but with a lower rated lifespan than the company’s most recent flagship foldables. Citing EU regulatory information, the outlet says the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip 8 are listed at about 1,200 charging cycles before their batteries fall to 80% capacity.

That figure compares with an approximate 2,000-cycle rating for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and other recent high-end Samsung models, according to the report. 9to5Google notes that 1,200 cycles is not unusual across some lower-cost Samsung devices, but represents a reduction for the company’s premium foldables. The report links the change to the shift in battery chemistry, while noting that silicon-carbon can allow higher capacity without making devices thicker.

The trade-off matters because foldable phones are among Samsung’s most expensive consumer devices, and battery longevity affects how well they hold up over years of use. 9to5Google says the new batteries still help the Fold 8 series deliver longer battery life than last year’s models and achieve a higher “A” rating under the EU’s EPREL labeling system.

The outlet also reports that Samsung emphasized safety and durability when discussing its silicon-carbon approach ahead of its Unpacked event. For context, 9to5Google points to Android Authority’s comparison that Google Pixel and iPhone models are rated around 1,000 cycles for the same 80% capacity metric. The Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra and Flip 8 are currently available for pre-order, according to the article.